Why Sri Lanka is one of the most desired safari destinations in the world

Sri Lanka offers a unique, yet still relatively unknown, safari experience. The country’s high concentration of leopards combined with evocative historic sites and idyllic beach locations outshine the more tourist-thronged destinations.

Jetwing Hotels offers luxurious getaways that are also gateways to the island’s most famous National Parks at Yala and Kumana.

Jetwing Safari Camp’s luxury tented villas and the 5-star bliss of Jetwing Yala are located by the Yala National Park.

The more secluded Kottukal Beach House by Jetwing (villa) and Jetwing Surf on the lesser-known East Coast are situated in close proximity to Lahugala, Gal Oya, and Kumana National Parks.

Wherever you stay, you’ll find knowledgeable staff steeped in both the area’s wildlife and history.  

Notably, Jetwing’s appreciation of nature extends to properties that are beacons of sustainability. Sustainable initiatives include solar power installations providing a third of daily power consumption, biomass-powered stoves for catering, 100% wastewater reuse, and all hot water generated through renewable means.

Sri Lanka’s safari: wild nature meets island history

Looking for something deeper than the usual safari?

Jetwing Yala and Jetwing Safari Camp offer a unique fusion of wildlife, wilderness and history for guests, from roaming the exciting habitats of Yala National Park with on-site ‘animal whisperer’ Chamara to stepping back in time with archaeology specialist Thilani.

Stretching inland from a wild Indian Ocean shore at Sri Lanka’s southern tip, Yala is one of the world’s best places to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Even the beach that fringes Jetwing Yala is a wildlife hotspot. It is where five different turtle species lay eggs.

And if you are lucky, you might encounter ‘Natta Kotta’, the resident elephant that wanders happily between sleeping under the branches of his favorite tree and wandering in and out of the hotel. He can sometimes be found in the hotel reception asking for room service!

Guests staying at Yala are also within easy striking distance to the ornithological mecca of Bundala National Park. The park’s vast estuaries, salt marshes, and dunes are home to around 200 different bird species and various local Buddhist temples that welcome outsiders as old friends.

The southeast region of Sri Lanka is also home to Kumana National Park. The park is centered around a vast mangrove swamp lake where you may spot the very rare black-necked stork alongside pelicans, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets, and little cormorants.

Besides its prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to elephants and leopards, while flora fans can admire kumbuk trees and karan fern.

About Jetwing Hotels

Jetwing Hotels is one of the most respected and recognized tourist organizations in Sri Lanka. The group offers unforgettable experiences in over 35 exceptional properties in some of the world’s finest scenery, across mountains, coastlines, and plains.

The group has been historically committed to sustainable tourism, successfully implementing various eco-sensitive initiatives long before the world trend of sustainable tourism.

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