Poised near Sri Lanka’s south-eastern tip, Yala is famed for its National Park, which brims with diverse wildlife, from much-loved elephants to elusive leopards. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with simple home-stays and guesthouses aplenty, as well as a small selection of elegant safari lodges. Our pick of the best places to stay in Yala offers beautiful places to lay your head after an adventurous day spent marvelling at nature’s wonders.

Sri Lanka is brimming with wildlife and there are several national parks scattered throughout the island. Yala is particularly well-placed, however, for visitors wanting to split the long journey from the verdant Hill Country to the buzzing beaches of the south, making it an ideal addition to a varied trip itinerary.

From peacocks to elephants, sloth bears to leopards, Yala National Park is home to a huge variety of creatures both great and small, whilst nearby Bundala National Park — far less well-known — is a paradise for migratory birds. Slightly to the south, visitors will find striking stretches of sandy beach perfect for long lazy strolls gazing out over the Indian Ocean. In addition to guided bush walks, game drives and bike rides, there’s cultural discovery on offer, in the form of the ancient Buddhist monastery at Sithulpawwa and nearby Kataragama Temple.

Sri Lanka’s national parks are hugely popular, but overcrowding and habitat destruction are serious issues, with many drivers unaware of the environmental impact of self-organised game drives. Our selection of the best places to stay in Yala avoids this issue: organise your safari through one of the hotels below for a top-notch experience, ensuring you gain as much as possible from expert guides who consider conservation of the utmost importance.

The Best places to stay in Yala

For safari luxe

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a stunning safari hideaway adjacent to Yala National Park. Think 28 gorgeous tents with four-poster beds, chic colonial-style expedition furnishings and big copper bathtubs for long soaks. Nab the Family Cocoon Suite if travelling with little ones who will adore specially-tailored Junior Ranger activities — including Camping 101. A luxurious safari vibe with expert guides for guided bush walks and game drives.
• Chena Huts boasts 14 secluded cabins — each with its own plunge pool — set amidst lush gardens, bordering both the Indian Ocean and Yala National Park. Pick this place for cracking cuisine, a superb spa, private wildlife safaris and elegant, luxurious design. A great honeymoon hotel!

For self-catering

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Yala is 4 and a half hours’ drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup with a reliable driver who knows the roads well, whether you’re travelling from the airport, the hills or the southern beaches.
• Some hotels can also organise transfer by seaplane, landing on a nearby lake.
• There are regular buses from Colombo to the nearby towns of Kataragama or Tissamaharama, but this is a hot, slow and often unreliable way to travel. Unfortunately Sri Lanka’s railway network does not reach Yala!
• Temperatures in Sri Lanka hit their peak in April and May, when it can be very hot for exploring. Do book well in advance if travelling during the high season — from November to March — as hotels fill up fast!

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to explore the best places to stay in Tangalle.
• Alternatively, see our pick of all the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.