9 of the Best Wildlife Hotels in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a spectacular biodiversity hotspot, with a fascinating array of wildlife to discover. The island's national parks — Yala, Udawalawe and Minneriya included — are famed for their Asian elephants, as well as strutting peacocks, snapping crocodiles and all manner of small birds and mammals. Leopards, too, are high on the list for many of the wildlife aficionados who visit the island.

There are a number of wonderful hotels across Sri Lanka which encourage responsible wildlife encounters, and which engage in impressive ongoing conservation efforts. Some are simple lakeside lodges and tented camps — others are indulgent escapes on striking stretches of coastline. All pride themselves on their teams of expert naturalists and rangers, who share their knowledge with guests on jungle treks, tranquil boat safaris and guided Jeep excursions.

Whether you're planning an adventurous honeymoon or fun family holiday, our list of the best wildlife hotels in Sri Lanka, is the perfect starting point for a trip to remember!

For Keen Birdwatchers

© Banyan Camp

• Banyan Camp sits on 15 acres of land on the banks of picturesque Lake Hambegamuwa, not far from Udawalawe National Park. Simple lodges are built from reclaimed materials — including kaleidoscopes of recycled bottles — as well as traditional wattle and daub. Join local fishermen on narrow canoes to observe sea eagles, ibis and more out the lake in the late afternoon. A soulful escape for guests of all ages, created by passionate wildlife enthusiasts eager to share their slice of paradise.
• Jetwing Vil Uyana offers sumptuous villas set atop stilts on a wetland reserve. More than 120 species of birds have been sighted here — you'll see sea eagles over breakfast and Brahminy kites at close range whilst you soak up the suhshine on your terrace. Quiet, scenic & near Sigiriya, this is a romantic spot, and a family favourite.
• Tri Lanka is a hugely luxurious contemporary hotel with minimalist suites overlooking tranquil Koggala Lake, which teems with birdlife. Rise for early morning yoga classes, sink into your plunge pool as myriad birds flit overhead, or take a guided river boat excursion for a sense of the area's rich biodiversity. A beautiful spot near Sri Lanka's lively south coast.

For the Cultural Triangle

• Ulagalla Resort has 25 lavish villas — one for families — tucked within 58 acres of gardens, forest and rice paddy fields. Close to Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, this eco-resort is famed for its fabulous organic cuisine and its impressive Elephant Research Centre. Speak to the team about cycling, cooking classes, guided nature walks, conservation initiatives and sunset Jeep tours to reservoirs. Expect monkeys, birds and butterflies to be frequent visitors to you villa's terrace.
• Heritance Kandalama, built by legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, boasts magnificent views of the Kandalama Reservoir. Boat safaris or jungle treks with the hotel's naturalists yield sightings of some of the 233 resident bird species, whilst Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks are ideal for elephant-spotting. There are fascinating cave excursions, too. An iconic hotel, beloved by architecture buffs.

For a Remote Lodge

• Gal Oya Lodge is a magical retreat hidden on the island's lesser-visited eastern side. A collection of thatched cabins on the edge of the jungle, the lodge prides itself on the expertise of its friendly naturalists, who lead guests on walking safaris in the day and evening, spotting birds, reptiles, timid nocturnal mammals and occasionally elephants. Jeep and boat safaris to see swimming elephants in the Gal Oya National Park are fabulous. Tranquil, crowd-free and romantic.
• Tree Tops Jungle Lodge invites guests to escape the wider world with a remote, back-to-basics experience in the Weliara forests near Yala National Park. Three tented rooms have double beds, shaded terraces and bathrooms with running water, and guests are invited to congregate at the mud-walled restaurant for classic cuisine. Take jungle treks and Jeep safaris with expert rangers, or watch for wild elephants, boar, deer and birds at the lodge's watering hole. A real opportunity to reconnect with nature.

For Coastal Luxury

• Uga Chena Huts, set in the buffer zone of the Yala National Park, offers a seriously indulgent wildlife escape. The 18 spacious cabins face the Indian Ocean or the jungle, each with a private pool, big soaking tub, and cosy bed. Take expert-led safaris into Yala, spotting elephants, leopards & myriad birds, before savouring fresh seafood suppers on the sand.
• Wild Coast Tented Lodge is another spectacular luxury hideaway tucked between Yala and the sea. Tented pods have four-poster beds, brass details, plunge pools and ocean views. Savour mouthwatering cuisine in the domed bamboo restaurant after watching monkeys from your pool, elephants ambling along the beach and leopards slinking through Yala National Park.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Sri Lanka.
• Alternatively, check out our list of 9 Fabulous Family-Friendly Hotels in Sri Lanka.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

 

Written by Saskia Walker

posted Tuesday, 26th March 2024