Aranya Resort, Yala, Sri Lanka

Aranya Resort sits roughly 305 km south of Colombo, on the edge of the wilderness that defines Yala. Spread across 5 acres and bordered by the Katagamuwa entrance of the Yala National Park, the resort is designed for travellers who want to step away from urban life and into the rhythms of the surrounding jungle. It is equally popular with those making a pilgrimage to the nearby Kataragama town, which lies just 5 km away.

Owned and operated by former Sri Lankan cricket player Hashan Thilekeratne and his wife Apsari, the resort is separated from the national park only by an electric fence — a detail that speaks to just how close guests are to genuine wilderness. The property is also noted for providing access to one of the better areas of the park for leopard sightings.

Accommodation

Aranya offers four eco lodges and one sturdy treehouse, each fitted with generator-operated fans, comfortable beds with mosquito nets, and a separate washing area. In keeping with the resort's open-air character, shower areas are uncovered at the top yet secured on all sides, with commode toilets fitted with modern fittings situated just a few feet away.

• Mandara — accommodates 4 adults, with a double bed inside and two beds on the verandah. It offers views of the holy mountain known as Vadasiti Kanda.
• Arana — accommodates 8 adults with one attached bathroom, overlooking the jungle.
• Mandakini — also accommodates 8 adults, with bathrooms located outside and views of the surrounding jungle.
• Gagana — accommodates 8 adults with 2 outside bathrooms featuring open-air showers that look out over the jungle.
• Ruk Arana — the treehouse, standing about 20 feet high and reached by a ladder. Inside are 3 beds with some of the best views of the jungle canopy; the toilet is located a few yards away.

Facilities

A 15 × 30 foot outdoor swimming pool provides a cool retreat during fine weather, and the pool bar is spacious enough to accommodate indoor games including carom, bridge, and billiards. Poolside barbecues and chilled beer are available to guests in the evenings.

The resort's restaurant, Makaranda, features a lounge area with television and stereo facilities, and serves Sri Lankan cuisine under the supervision of an executive chef. Lunch buffets offer a range of local dishes and are popular with day travellers passing through on their way to Kataragama and Yala. The adjoining outdoor area, lit by lanterns after dark, doubles as a BBQ venue. Much of what reaches the table is grown on the resort's own land, where a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are cultivated and used by the chef in curries and desserts.