Cinnamon Wild
Named as a tribute to the surrounding milieu of the Yala National Park, the Cinnamon Wild sits adjacent to the park boundary and could be considered an extension of the park. A property that was first established in 2002 as an Eco-friendly resort for wildlife enthusiasts visiting the Yala National Park, Cinnamon Wild Yala opened its doors after an extensive re-construction and refurbishment as a world-class game lodge, conceptualizing the unique architectural features of the 'wild' into its rustic exteriors and luxurious interiors.
The main restaurant offers a variety of both eastern and western delicacies. The main bar serves both local and international beverages as well as snacks and fresh fruit juices. The observation deck bar situated on the top floor of the hotel not only offers drinks but also a 360° view of the forest and the Indian Ocean.
Jungle Chalets
The jungle chalets are an integrated part of the untamed resort, making it one of the most intimate of the Yala National Park hotels, and keeping guests close to the wild. Guests can look out for the odd elephant or wild boar that passes by. Preserving and living in harmony with the nature that surrounds the resort is a core value. The rooms feel both rustic and luxurious because opting to be in the jungle doesn’t mean guests need to forego the comforts that make their stay a pleasant one.
Beach Chalets
Wooden stairways lead to beach chalets, where guests can stand on their private terrace as they gaze out on the Indian Ocean. A great place to watch an elephant pass by, perched on stilts and made entirely of wood, these chalets are elevated but still remain very much a part of the wild. Air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, hairdryer, personal safe, minibar and tea and coffee facilities ensure that guests don’t feel too remote.
Jeep Safari to Yala National Park
A luxury 4x4 jeep or a super luxury 4x4 jeep can be arranged through Cinnamon Nature Trails while Canon telephoto lenses and other high-end camera gear can be hired if guests are keen photographers or would like to try their hand at wildlife photography. On availability, one of the in-house naturalists will play guide, accompanying guests to the park and away from the crowds. Guests will discover not only the elusive leopard but also be witness to the call of the wild. Full day safaris with packed meals can be arranged on request. The safari has a duration of a minimum of 3 hours.
Three Lakes Revisited
The three largest lakes of Ruhuna — the ancient Kingdom of the South — are a vision of beauty, created by the Kings of the past. Guests will first stop at Debarawewa and meet the farmers and fisherman who sustain themselves with all that surrounds them. Next, move on to Tissa, where the water spreads for miles, bringing in a number of birds. Finally, arrive at Weerawila and hope for an encounter with a village boatman. This journey promises to be filled with a glimpse into rural village life, traditional cultivations, and even a visit to the local pottery manufacturer — where guests might try their hand at shaping some clay.
Infrared Night Drive
Using night vision goggles with infrared technology, the team at Nature Trails have created a ground-breaking excursion in Sri Lanka to offer guests an experience even late at night. The experience of conducting night safaris have been acquired by the work carried out by the team together with National Geographic in the recent past. The use of special infrared vision is to ensure that the wildlife will not be disturbed by the use of artificial lights, hence reducing our environmental footprint. This experience is a celebration of the nocturnal environment and its species trailing around the buffer zone of Yala National Park.
Guided Nature Walk
Guests will walk through a nature trail along the resort premises to observe all the mystical creatures and breathtaking views while they trek the unpaved paths and the scrub forest. During the excursion, a naturalist field guide will assist guests in discovering a variety of birds and animals and walk towards the beach by climbing down the great dunes that protected the location from the tsunami.
A Morning with the Dairy Farmer
The Yala National Park is located amidst a rural village and its boundary has several hundred dairy farmers making a living. The craftiest predator, the leopard, often flicks young cattle and thus revenge attacks by farmers often create conflict. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with its team of in-house field naturalists deployed a conservation initiative namely, Project Leopard, to mitigate the issue. Thus far, over 55 steel pens have been donated to dairy farmers so that they can keep their livestock safe at night. As part of the project, guests are taken to meet a dairy farmer over a cup of Ceylon tea, assist him in his morning chores, help with the collection of milk, and enjoy the time spent in the surrounding areas of the Yala National Park.
Bird Watching
The five lagoons of Bundala National Park play host to about 324 species of creatures, great and small. This vast area is ripe for exploration and filled with surprising new discoveries on every journey. It is also the home of about 197 species of bird, of which 58 are migratory.
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