Searching for Leopards at Hilton Yala Resort Sri Lanka

Yala National Park has one of the highest leopard population densities in the world. The Hilton Yala Resort is a luxurious way to house yourself in your quest to enjoy everything the national park has to offer.

When entering the hotel, you will be greeted in the main building overlooking the Indian Ocean. The main dining area allows you to either dine inside or outside on the balcony with the soundtrack of the surrounding wildlife. My children were excited when they noticed the screen in the entryway showing security camera footage of animals that had recently visited the hotel grounds at night. Because the hotel is located so close to the national park, all guests must be escorted in a golf cart to and from their room when it’s dark in case any animals decide to visit the hotel while you are there.

We found the breakfast buffet to be extensive, and the dinner menu to offer a variety of Sri Lankan and international options. Even my picky eater son was satisfied each night with dinner. It also helped that one waiter would make fun hats out of a napkin for my son to wear.

We arranged a safari ride each day through the hotel. It was clear that the hotel employs the top guides in the area, as well as the nicest vehicles. The guide we had during our stay, Saj, was amazing. His ability to entertain my kids in an activity that requires a lot of patience was impressive. Even more impressive was his ability to find wildlife, both big and small, that filled Yala National Park. During our four days of safari drives, we saw a leopard, elephants, a jackal, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, a turtle, water buffalo, and more species of birds than I thought possible. Saj also followed sloth bear tracks, but the bear never proved to show itself.

Leopard sighting

Leopard deciding it was time to leave

When we weren’t on safari, my kids loved the huge pool at the hotel. Our room also had a large soaking pool that was perfect for the kids while my wife and I relaxed on the veranda. The hotel also offers adults a variety of spa services. One morning, we took a guided beach walk with Saj along the sand dunes and coastline. My kids were excited to find a tortoise and chase tiny crabs around the sand. Saj’s true skill was helping all of us appreciate the finer details of biodiversity. Yes, leopards and elephants are amazing, but small birds and insects are just as impressive.

The large pool at the hotel

A highlight of the stay was the Jr. Park Rangers program that my kids participated in. While my wife and I would relax after lunch each day, Saj would work with my kids on becoming Jr. Park Rangers. They learned about the animals we saw on safari, their habitat, diet, identifying their tracks, the vegetation, among many other things. At the end, the hotel’s General Manager had a “pinning” ceremony for both kids where they earned their badge and certificate. My kids proudly wore their badge for the remainder of the trip!

My children earning their Jr. Park Ranger badge

Overall, the hotel allowed my family to relax in luxury while still experiencing the beauty of Sri Lanka’s wild southern coast. The hotel is a destination by itself, but can pair perfectly with other activities when visiting Sri Lanka.

Elephant sighting

Our guided beach walk found a tortoise

Sliding down the sand dunes

While the wildlife is the main attraction, if you have the time, take an excursion to one of the nearby Buddhist monasteries (Sithulpawwa Rock Temple) during your stay.

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