Wild Coast Tented Lodge: Glamping in Yala National Park

Camping in Yala National Park

A couple of years ago, on our first trip to Sri Lanka, we got to explore Yala National Park. This stunning wildlife reserve is known for its animals: elephants, buffalo, monkeys, and even leopards. Next to a safari, the best way to immerse yourself in their beautiful natural habitat is by staying inside the park.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge has three kinds of stays: the cocoon pool suite, the cocoon suite, and family cocoon suites with an urchin for children. There are 28 cocoon-like stays in the area, shaped together like a leopard’s paw. You can definitely call this glamping — a very comfortable version of camping!

The inside of the tents is spacious and beautifully decorated, with furniture and accessories imported from India and Africa. To me, the interior is of a dream house, featuring matching furniture and many copper details like the freestanding copper bathtub. Even the air conditioning was hidden in a beautiful copper cove! This was the best way to relax after a full day of exploring Yala on safari.

It’s, therefore, no surprise that Yala Wild Coast Tented Lodge has won several awards, such as the Best New Luxury Hotel of 2018! 

No time to read now?

No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.

Save to Pinterest

The best thing about the tents is that they’re eco-friendly and fully wrapped with canvas on the outside. They’re private, hidden by shrubs and beautiful surrounding trees, yet only a drop away from the lodge’s restaurant, bar, and Indian Ocean.

Around the property, you’ll also find several streams where animals often gather during sunrise and sunset. It’s not unheard of to be face-to-face with elephants or wild boars getting their evening drink as you’re relaxing in your cool room.

Sri Lanka on the go. Never miss a spot! From planning to exploring and everything in between – this is your pocket guide to Sri Lanka! Grab your ebook here

Dining at Wild Coast Tented Lodge

The dining area is in a beautiful bamboo dining dome called the Dining Pavilion. There is also a big swimming pool and the Ten Tuskers Bar, where you can get a delicious cocktail directly from the pool.

Breakfast is a great selection of international favorites like fresh croissants, pastries, eggs, fruit, and delicious coffee. We also tried typical Sri Lankan breakfast items here, such as egg hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes with a fried egg) or Pittu (steamed rice flour and coconut).

For dinner, there is a daily changing menu of delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. Their quality of food is really something that surprised us. Expect colorful and refined dishes made of fresh, seasonal produce from the local farmers.

Fun fact: Just to be sure, after dark, the staff will escort you to the dining area. This way, you won’t bump into any wild elephants. ;-)

Yala National Park Safari

The best, of course, is to do a safari in the national park, trying to spot leopards and elephants. Head out with your guide early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During these times, you have the best chance to spot a lot more wildlife. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the park and its animals. You’ll leave even more amazed by the place you’re currently staying at — we definitely were!

Staying at Yala National Park

Staying at Wild Coast Tented Lodges in Sri Lanka is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the bamboo dining dome to the stitches on the tent, every little detail has been taken care of. Walking around the dunes, spotting wild buffalo, or seeing the waves land on the rocky shore are perfect examples of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

For more information, you can head to Wild Coast Lodge’s website.