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The Travel Lounge
Where you'll stay | Yala, Sri Lanka
Cinnamon Wild Yala
Jungle chalets on the edge of Yala National Park, where elephants wander through the grounds.
Cinnamon Wild Yala sits on the border of Yala National Park, with 67 chalets spread across 11 acres of scrub jungle that runs down to the beach. The Block 1 entrance to the park at Palatupana is just 3 km away, and a waterhole within the grounds draws wildlife through the day. The resort's own 2023 survey recorded 165 bird species and 31 mammal species on site, with elephants and water monitors regular visitors.
Why we love it
What makes Cinnamon Wild Yala special
- On the border of Yala National Park, which has one of the highest leopard densities in the world
- Just 3 km, about 10 minutes by jeep, from the Block 1 park entrance
- 165 bird species and 31 mammal species recorded within the resort's own grounds
- Six resident naturalists based at the resort
- Rooftop Peacock Bar with views over the forest and ocean, popular at sunset
Your room on this trip
Jungle Chalet
The 60 Jungle Chalets are set in the scrub forest, some raised and some on stilts, and each has a verandah facing the wilderness where guests may spot elephants, water monitors, squirrels and many bird species. They measure about 45 square metres including the terrace, have king or twin beds and sleep up to three adults. Inside are air conditioning, a ceiling fan, a minibar, tea and coffee facilities, a safe and a TV, and the en-suite bathroom has a shower cubicle.
Around the hotel
Eating, relaxing and exploring at Cinnamon Wild Yala
Facilities and experiences
- Outdoor swimming pool, where elephants are sometimes spotted, plus a children's pool
- Tuskers, the main buffet restaurant
- Pugmarks, a lively semi-alfresco bar, open 10am to midnight
- Peacock Bar, a rooftop bar for sundowners, open 6pm to midnight
- Dine in the Wild experiences, including bush dinners and private lakeside dining
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi
- Six resident naturalists
Dining
Tuskers is the main restaurant, set above reception with a deck overlooking the trees, serving buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners of Sri Lankan and international dishes, from spicy curries to fresh seafood. Drinks are served at Pugmarks and on the rooftop at the Peacock Bar, while bush dinners and private lakeside meals can be arranged through Dine in the Wild.
Location
- About 10 minutes by jeep (3 km) to the Block 1 entrance of Yala National Park at Palatupana
- About 1 hour 15 minutes (50 km) to Mattala International Airport
- About 4 hours 30 minutes (300 km) to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
Good to know
- Check-in is from 2pm and check-out by 12 noon
- Wildlife roams the grounds, so staff escort guests between their chalet and the restaurant from sunset to sunrise (about 6.30pm to 6.15am)
- Safari drives and park fees are not included in the room rate
- Morning game drives leave at 5am and afternoon drives at 2.30pm, each spending at least 3 hours in the park
- Yala's Block 1 traditionally closes in September and October, when the hotel runs drives to Yala Block 5, Udawalawe and Bundala instead
Your questions answered
Cinnamon Wild Yala FAQs
How far is Cinnamon Wild Yala from Yala National Park?
The resort borders Yala National Park and is just 3 km from the Block 1 entrance at Palatupana, around 10 minutes by jeep. Morning safaris leave at 5am and afternoon drives at 2.30pm, each spending at least three hours in the park.
Does Cinnamon Wild Yala have a pool?
Yes. There is an outdoor swimming pool, where guests can sometimes spot elephants, as well as a separate children's pool.
When is the best time to see leopards at Yala?
The hotel's naturalists say May to September offers the best chance, as dry weather draws animals to the waterholes, although no sighting is guaranteed. Block 1 of the park traditionally closes in September and October, when the hotel runs safaris to Yala Block 5, Udawalawe and Bundala instead.
Is Cinnamon Wild Yala good for families?
Yes. The Jungle Chalets are the best choice for families as they are more spacious and can take an extra bed, and there is a children's pool. There is no minimum age for safaris, and staff escort guests to and from their chalets after dark because wildlife roams the grounds.
What is the difference between a Jungle Chalet and a Beach Chalet?
The 60 Jungle Chalets sit in the scrub forest with verandahs for wildlife watching, measure about 45 square metres and sleep up to three adults. The seven Beach Chalets are the most secluded, with a king bed and partial ocean views, and are for a maximum of two adults.
Want to stay here? Cinnamon Wild Yala is part of our 14-day luxury Sri Lanka tour, and we can also include it in a holiday designed around you.
Where to next?
It starts with a chat. No forms or scripts, just a friendly conversation. Call, email or pop into the Lounge, and one of the team will take it from there.
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