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Jetwing Jungle Lodge is a small lodge of ten wooden Jungle Dwellings on the wild south-east coast at Palatupana, about 4.3 kilometres from Yala National Park. Formerly Jetwing Safari Camp, it was refurbished and relaunched by Jetwing Hotels in 2024, and it shares 38 acres of coastal grassland and dunes with its sister hotel Jetwing Yala: scrub jungle behind, a stretch of open beach in front, and a butler for every dwelling.
There is only one kind of room, so every guest gets the same space and the same view of the scrub. The dwellings stand among the coastal dunes, raised above the ground on a spacious wooden deck that serves as a private lookout for wildlife and birds.
Jetwing lists each dwelling for two adults. If you are travelling with children, ask us before you book so we can check with the lodge what can be arranged.
The Thicket, the main restaurant, cooks to your preferences rather than from a fixed card, from Sri Lankan specialities to international and Asian fusion dishes, using local produce and vegetables from the lodge's own organic garden. The Hive is the rooftop bar, with views over the Yala scrub to the Indian Ocean and signature drinks such as the Earl Grey Arrack Sour; it is the place to be at sunset. Jetwing's signature dining options include a dinner on the dunes above the beach, an open-air farmhouse meal, a private dinner on your own deck and lamp-lit dining at The Hive.
The lodge has a 15-metre rooftop infinity pool looking out over the jungle and the sea, and direct access to an unspoilt stretch of golden beach that is watched over by trained lifeguards. Spa treatments are given in your dwelling, and there is a pool table and a story room. Room service and the travel desk run around the clock, a doctor is on call, and Wi-Fi, laundry and parking are available. Jetwing is working to make the lodge net zero, with a 125 kW solar power system and on-site biogas and biomass replacing conventional fuel.
Yes, that is the main reason to stay here. The lodge's neighbouring village, Palatupana, borders the Palatupana entrance, the main gate into Yala National Park, so you are only minutes from the gate when the park opens. Yala is famed for its high concentration of leopards, as well as its elephants and birdlife across lagoons, plains and forest, and the lodge arranges full-day and half-day safaris. Birdwatchers can also follow dedicated birding trails in the area, and the wetlands of Bundala National Park lie further west along the same coast.
The region is rich in history as well as wildlife. The Kataragama Temple has drawn pilgrims of several faiths for centuries, and Sithulpawwa, a Buddhist rock monastery inside the Yala area dating back to the 2nd century BC, is also within reach. Closer to home, the lodge's own beach is the place for evening walks and long sunsets.
Jetwing puts the lodge about 240 kilometres from Colombo, a drive of around four hours using the Southern Expressway; from Bandaranaike International Airport, north of the city, allow longer. The simplest way to arrive is a private transfer from Colombo airport to Jetwing Jungle Lodge, which takes you all the way to the door. If you are flying into Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in the south, the journey is much shorter.
It suits couples and wildlife lovers who want a small, personal base right beside Yala, with a butler, a beach and a rooftop pool, rather than a large resort. Days here start early, so two or three nights gives you time for a dawn and an afternoon safari and a slow day at the lodge. For more choice in the area see our places to stay in Yala, or the other Jetwing hotels around the island.
We only got to stay two nights here which bookended a safarin in Yala National Park but we wish we could have extended our stay to have the full-day immersive experience of this stunning place. It only has ten safari-style lodges…
We spent four relaxing nights at this beautiful reserve in Palatupana, located just a stone's throw from Yala National Park. Out of all the places we have traveled, this stands out as one of our most memorable stays, and that is t…
Great lodge to finish off with! We were the only guests there because it was the off-season. All our wishes were fulfilled💝 we were even spoiled with a super delicious rice & curry. Very accommodating crew - thank you very much…
Ratings and reviews provided by TripAdvisor for Jetwing Jungle Lodge, A Luxury Reserve.
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