Listly by thanuji
Glamping's the new cool kid on the block and here's our take on the trend with a Sri Lankan twist. Read on to find out how to make the best of Sri Lanka's best camping sites and luxury hotels: which blend together perfectly.
Glamping allows travelers who like camping but not roughing, the opportunity to rough it in style. Unlike camping which traces back to the 1800s and was introduced by a British tailor named Thomas Hiram Holding, glamping is a fairly new concept around 2005. Sri Lanka has always been known and admired for its exotic wildlife, attracting tourists to famous safari spots such as Yala. Not only do tourists relish Sri Lanka's famous glamping spots but locals love them as well! And to be honest what's not to enjoy? Experiencing the essence of camping in luxury without the bug bites is truly a dream come true.
When one says 'glamping' and 'Sri Lanka' the best spot to visit is Yala. And if you haven't experienced it, you're truly missing out. Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and the most visited due to the diverse range of tropical fauna and flora. Glamping in Yala is highly recommended because the wildlife and luxurious lodges available provide for a truly divine experience. For instance, at Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala, you can enjoy the benefits of the jungle while also enjoying the the luxuries of this hotel, located near the ocean. Make the best of an exotic Yala safari while being treated like royalty! If you're planning on visiting Sri Lanka anytime soon, do visit Yala, you won't regret it!
To make the most of your trip and to experience as much wildlife as possible, it's best to visit Yala from February to June when it's mostly dry because water levels are low which makes it is easier to spot animals. Visiting during the month of April or May means you can also make the best of Sri Lanka's traditional festivals such as Avurudu (Sinhala & Tamil New Year) as well as Vesak where you can experience the beautiful lanterns and dansal (free food!)
So you've decided to visit Sri Lanka and Yala but have no idea how to do it all at once? Fear not, Sri Lankans are some of the friendliest people and you'll feel at home in no time. Yala's got an amazing bunch of activities from wild safaris, birdwatching, diving, visiting religious temples and enjoying the beautiful scenery. When glamping it's always recommended to book your stay at a location that will allow you to make the most of all these beautiful experiences. Exploring with a naturalist from Jetwing Yala will help you learn about the wildlife you see, giving you more to share with friends and family back home. Besides locals always know best!
With the amazing range of wildlife at Yala it's best to keep your eyes peeled for some exotic species that are only native to Sri Lanka such as the elusive leopard. The Sri Lankan leopard differs from its African relatives due a darker coat coloring and close-set spots. Yala consistently makes remarkable conservation efforts which has led to the highest concentration of leopards found in Sri Lanka. You'll also see sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals and deer, so pay attention! Yala is one of the 70 important bird areas in Sri Lanka, with 215 bird species and 7 endemic to Sri Lanka!