Journey deep into the Sinharaja Rainforest and keep a lookout for the Sri Lankan White-Eye, Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Brown-Capped Babbler, and Spurfowl.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge
Highlights
Luxury tents,
Safari access
Best for
Couples
Families
Wildlife Lovers
Wild Coast’s cluster of luxury cocoon-shaped tents sit amongst bushland on the edge of Yala National Park and the rugged southern coastline.
Just a 10-minute drive away from the Palatupana park entrance, Wild Coast provides a convenient and unusual base from which to access the most popular areas of the park. The lesser-visited zones can also be reached within 45 minutes or so.
This tented lodge is truly special. From its unique bamboo cocoon design to the incredibly remote location facing out to the ocean, quality facilities and memorable safari experiences (your stay includes one in-depth game drive per day with great naturalist guides), you’re guaranteed a luxurious experience in all senses of the word. As well as game drives, bush walks in the buffer area around the lodge and to cultural sites are on also offer.
The stand-out restaurant and bar sit under a high bamboo roof, a reflection of the boulders lining the shore. Here you can enjoy all of your meals looking out to the coast, while the large swimming pool runs through the centre. Check out the library if you want to further learn more about the area’s wildlife by talking to the naturalists and watching documentaries. For a spot of indulgence, head to the Sanctuary Spa for treatments using natural Sri Lankan ingredients like Ceylon tea and cinnamon.
The Rooms
You’ll find 28 spacious, open plan cocoon-style rooms dotted around the bushland. Each cluster is centred around watering holes that attract wildlife – elephants have been known to make appearances here, as well as langur monkeys! Built using natural materials, the cocoons blend with their surroundings and inside you’ll find they have a vintage feel with copper fittings and safari-style furnishings. There are three room categories to choose from. The Cocoon Suites have jungle and watering hole views from your deck. The Cocoon Pool Suites, of course, have their own private plunge pools, while the Family Suites have adjoining twin bed Urchin rooms. These are great for families with older children as they offer privacy, but are still close to the larger room (about 5 metres away).
For luxurious and unique accommodation while visiting Yala, Wild Coast’s beautiful tented rooms and spectacular location make it a great choice.
What You'll Find:
- Luxury cliff-side tents
- Private plunge pools
- Ocean-view restaurant
Why You'll Love It:
- Explore Yala National Park on guided safari trips for chance elephant and leopard sightings
- Immerse yourself in open-air comfort with private plunge pools looking out over the Indian Ocean
- Wander down the hillside steps to an untouched sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing
Explore ETG's Sample Itineraries in Sri Lanka
A few of our favourite routes – hand-picked by the team and ripe for tweaking.
Think of them as conversation starters. Curiosity sparkers. Not fixed plans – just ideas for what your holiday could look like, shaped by years of local know-how and the kind of immersive experiences that live long in the memory
Explore Full Itinerary
Ella
Relaxed Sri Lanka Family Holiday
This itinerary has been crafted specifically for families (with older kids and teens), drawing on our own experiences of travelling with our kids in Sri Lanka. We’ve designed it to include some top spots, both on and off the beaten track, while carefully planning each route to eliminate travel fatigue. The trip begins and ends with a stay along the south coast.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Spot elusive leopards and sloth bears on a private safari in Yala’s quieter Block 5
The Pekoe Trail
Totally immersed in nature and culture on a scenic walk along the Pekoe Trail, meeting local tea pluckers
Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary
Witness the magic of elephant feeding at Udawalawe’s conservation sanctuary
Mawella Bay
Relax on the tranquil shores of Mawella Bay, ideal for swimming and kayaking
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Colombo & around
Slow Paced Luxury
Travel slowly through the south of Sri Lanka. This itinerary takes in some of the most beautiful locations in the country staying in the best hotels.
Highlights
Amanwella
A stay at Amanwella, one of Sri Lanka’s most refined beach retreats
Yala National Park
The chance to see elephants, leopards, and birdlife in Yala National Park on safari with your naturalist guide
Galle Fort
Explore the charming UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort
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Cultural Triangle
Nature & Wildlife Explorer
Sri Lanka is extraordinary, with wildlife and nature all around. This holiday is ideal for casual nature and wildlife enthusiasts who want to see the island’s varied landscapes while getting a feel for day-to-day rural life and enjoying a relaxing time.
The hotels selected here are all small and intimate places where you might enjoy discussing wildlife with other guests, away from any of the principal tourist trails.
Highlights
Wildlife experiences
Enjoy some of the best wildlife experiences in the country. Joining expert guides to track elephants, leopards, and more
Knuckles Mountains
Spot rare birds while sipping local tea in the comfort of your villa near the Knuckles Mountains
The Mudhouse
Choose between early morning bird-watching walks, kayaking on the lake, learning to cook local food, or relaxing in a hammock at The Mudhouse.
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Colombo
The Birdlife of Sri Lanka
Spend two weeks travelling through Sri Lanka’s rich and varied natural environments on a quest to encounter some of the 500 bird species that have been recorded here. Your expedition will take you into the lush forests of central Sri Lanka’s hill country and the dry national parks of the south via the lowland rainforest of Sinharaja.
An expert birding guide will be on hand to help you identify some of the rarer endemic and migratory species, and each hotel has been selected to optimise the experience. Though the trip is designed around the island’s birdlife, there is plenty of time to take in many of its other charms, such as its food, culture and warm welcome.
Highlights
Weerawila Bird Sanctuary
Discovering some of the 200 bird species in the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary, including the Majestic Junglefowl, Ceylon Woodshrikes, and Great Cormorants.
Knuckles Mountains
Being surrounded by the deep jungle of the Knuckles Mountain Range while relaxing on the terrace of your remote hillside lodge, looking for parakeets and barbets through the hotel’s telescope.
Sinharaja Rainforest
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Colombo
Sri Lanka for Families & Friends
Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for groups of friends and family, whether it’s two families travelling together, a multigenerational group, or long-lost relatives reuniting from the UK and the Antipodes! The destination offers something for all ages, complemented by unique accommodations perfect for these gatherings, from private villas to boutique hotels and tea bungalows, small enough to book exclusively.
Villas in Sri Lanka are typically exquisitely designed and offer ample space to unwind and connect. With separate bedrooms, spacious living areas, and outdoor spaces, usually with private pools and lush gardens, they provide privacy and exclusivity, perfect for bonding without interruptions. Most villas also have dedicated staff, including chefs and housekeepers, ensuring tailored dining experiences and excellent service.
Highlights
Scenic train journeys
Travel through Sri Lanka’s lush highlands on one of the world’s most scenic train journeys from Kandy to Haputale.
Yala National Park
Enjoy a private safari in Yala National Park’s quieter Block 5, home to leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
Kalukanda House
Spend several days at Kalukanda House, a private, peaceful retreat within a stone’s throw of an excellent little surf beach, ideal for family relaxation and adventure.
Colombo
Explore the cultural heart of Colombo with a private tuk-tuk tour and walking experience through its historic neighbourhoods.
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Colombo & around
South Coast Discovery
This holiday minimises travel compared to typical Sri Lanka tours, blending wildlife and adventure between two coastal stays in distinct areas of the south coast—each showcasing a different side of the island’s charm.
You’ll explore with your private chauffeur- guide, balancing immersive cultural experiences with plenty of beach relaxation—an easygoing way to discover Sri Lanka’s diversity. Designed to feature both popular highlights and hidden gems, the itinerary is carefully structured to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey without travel fatigue. Your adventure begins and concludes along the stunning southern coastline.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Encounter elusive leopards and sloth bears on a private safari in Yala National Park.
Pekoe Trail
Immerse yourself in local culture on a scenic walk along the Pekoe Trail, meeting tea pluckers along the way.
Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary
Witness the incredible elephant feeding program at Udawalawe’s conservation sanctuary.
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Colombo & around
Luxury with a Touch of Adventure
Explore Sri Lanka with immersive local experiences, wilderness adventures, and luxury hotel stays.
This itinerary is all about balancing our cultural and outdoor adventures with exceptional hotels. It is ideal for people who love luxury accommodation but don’t like to end up in could-be-anywhere hotels where they feel cut off from their destination. There is plenty of time to enjoy a range of carefully crafted experiences without missing out on the relaxation and quality that each unique hotel offers.
Highlights
Seaplane journey
A scenic seaplane journey into the Cultural Triangle to cut driving times, giving you more time to spend enjoying the area and your hotel
Ahaspokuna
Stay in a luxury tented camp in a rarely visited part of the Sri Lankan wilderness.
South Coast
Spend time relaxing in a boutique hotel on the south coast, spending a day cruising down the Kapu Ela river and exploring this remote area by tuk-tuk.
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Cultural Triangle
Luxury Family Adventure
This family adventure through Sri Lanka is designed to help you uncover the best of the island in style, with minimal travel hassle. From scenic landscapes to unique excursions, every moment is crafted to bring your family together in shared experiences. With chauffeur-guided journeys and a scenic seaplane flight, you’ll minimise travel time and enjoy spectacular aerial views of this beautiful island.
Highlights
Yala National Park
Discover wildlife on thrilling safaris in Yala National Park, from leopards to elephants.
South Coast
Unwind on the south coast at a luxurious beachside resort offering yoga, surfing, and ocean vistas.
Private seaplane transfers
Savour ultimate comfort with private seaplane transfers, luxury lodges, and dedicated service throughout.
Cultural Triangle
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Cultural Triangle.
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Wild Coast Tented Lodge on the map
In Our Travellers’ Words
Sri Lanka is truly a gem of the Indian Ocean
Our well-thought-out trip fulfilled our expectations and more. Our granddaughter was interested in the wildlife, culture, and the many exotic fruits and vegetables of Sri Lanka—as were we. Working with [ETG], we developed an itinerary that, at journey's end, gave us a sense that we had chosen a company that responded to our needs.
Travelled with teenage kids to experience a taste of Sri Lanka
Stayed in beautiful boutique hotels and enjoyed everything from snorkelling among the coral reefs of Trincomalee to riding in tuk tuks through Colombo.
ETG look outside the box
They always come up with things that no one else seems to, that's why they are so good. They are original and trying their best to show you the real country and people and not the facade. Great listeners, always a smile and a good banter... exceptional service and insight.
The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka
Wondering when to visit Sri Lanka? Our Curious Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka will give you a detailed breakdown of the best time of year to go on holiday, as well as tips on the best beaches, unmissable sites, and much more.
