Luxury lodge in Yala National ParkLuxury lodge in Yala National Park

UNESCO design award winner Wild Coast Tented is a spectacular luxury tented camp stunningly located where the jungle meets a pristine beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean. The unique design blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Wild Coast’s soaring, curved, organic structures are an eye-widening architectural triumph. The bamboo-clad, open-air restaurant and bar are positioned beside a freeform turquoise infinity pool, complementing the Yala bushland-and-beach setting. Tucked away in the wilderness, dazzling Cocoon tented bedrooms and a Sanctuary Spa dot the landscape like scattered seed pods.

Wild Coast is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux association of unique hotels and restaurants owned and operated by independent entrepreneurs – most often families – who are passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests.

Dining

Experiencing local cuisine is an integral part of visiting Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Each plate, every dish, and the ingredients used are an expression, an indication of its connection to nature, the island and the progressive creativity of the chefs. The hotel’s offering is linked to both grounded intention and a deep sense of purpose; to nurture and nourish not just the body but also mind and spirit. It is coherent that the kitchen embraces the diversity of seasonal produce and its availability – looking towards small local producers and farmers, fishermen and communities that yield strengthened connections of support, long-term relationships and harvests that are wholesome, nutritious and clean.

The chefs here are dynamic, gifted and deeply passionate about what they do. Each bearing a unique sense of style, inspiration, food philosophy combined yield one-of-a-kind fares. They are supported by a team of ambassadors who create reconceptualised food and drink in kind. Whether you’re looking to indulge, wine and dine, or seek a softer and more comforting sublime approach to your food and fare, this is your invitation to experience it, from farm to table.

Experiences

Game Drives

Leopards, bears and elephants are the highlight of the Yala National Park complex. The game drive experience differs from that of a South African Private Game Reserve in that it is operated in a public national park. However, passionate rangers are experienced, knowledgeable, have an eye for detail and are well-versed in how to showcase the entire spectrum of biodiversity found in our jungles. They are also adept at interpreting the signs of the wild to deliver a fascinating narrative to make these game drives quite the distinct experience. For safari vehicles, the team work with the local community, and all drivers and vehicles have been vetted for skill, quality and guest safety. The experience includes refreshments, and we are happy to arrange picnic breakfasts or lunches as well.

Guided Nature Walk

Explore the wilderness in and around Wild Coast Tented Lodge in the company of an expert ranger, who will point out visible animals as well as identify tracks of animals that have traversed our property recently. The combination of the ranger’s knowledge and the ability to walk through the forestry makes for the quintessential wilderness experience. A great experience for families.

Birding Experience at Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park’s wetland and saltern habitat is home to a large collection of resident birds, as well as migrants that visit every winter, from waders to raptors. Sightings of other key species such as elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, buffalo, spotted deer, and terrestrial birds can be expected.

Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger programme introduces multiple aspects of the excitement of the wilderness to kids of all ages. A feature experience is Camping 101 (targeted at ages 10 and above). The programme features multiple options. The longest and most comprehensive is a 3-day experience (covering animal identification, footprint identification and tracking, and animal groups characteristics) with a certification. ‘Specialist’ certification includes training kids on their favourite animal (for example, an elephant specialist) or even a ‘Junior Tracker ‘ certification aimed at spoor interpretation. Simple bush walks guided by the ranger can be quite fun too!

Rural Bike Exploration

A bicycle ride through the village gives an authentic and fascinating perspective to the charm and scenic beauty of our island home. Kirinda also straddles a lot of forest area which is home to wildlife, especially birdlife on its Bundala flank.

Exclusive Game Drive & Jungle Afternoon Tea

Taking the art of wilderness dining to a new level, this high-tea experience in the jungle is truly special. The team will pick a beautiful spot with a scenic vista. Guests descend from their vehicles, stretch their legs and indulge in some exquisite creations from the pastry kitchen.

Explore Kataragama Temple

Kataragama is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka that is venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Veddas (indigenous group of people of Sri Lanka). It is a temple complex dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity ‘Kataragama deviyo’ and Hindu War God Kathirkamam.

Explore Sithulpawwa Ancient Jungle Monastery

Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery, believed to date back to second Century BC. The monastery straddles a collection of rocky outcrops and caves deep in the heart of the Yala National Park. There are said to be hundreds of caves and shelters within and around the complex that have housed monks (for centuries) who came to the site to further their education as well as to meditate.

Uda Walawe Elephant Adventure

En route to Wild Coast Tented Lodge from Ceylon Tea Trails, stop midway at the Uda Walawe National Park which cares for orphaned elephants – many of whom are calves. The ETH undertakes an effective rescue and rehabilitation programme that takes in and looks after orphaned elephant calves with minimal human contact and returns them to the wild when they are older.