The redefined parameters of luxury today have made much to enhance the immersive experiential travel programs on offer the world over. What’s even more important, the new take on luxury has been the big fillip to sustainable living practices— a growing imperative in these times of climate change and environment. Community and culture concerns.
Sri Lanka with its enormous botanical wealth serves up a drool-worthy range of experiences in its green spaces. Tour operators, hoteliers, restaurant owners—the whole shebang that supports the luxury travel market has been quick to align their services to the new wave sweeping through the luxury travel landscape with a host of enticing offerings for mindful, responsible journeys wherever their guests choose to go.
Encounters of the wild kind
Glamping of the highest order transforms the visitor experience in some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic game parks. On the eastern border of Udawalawe National Park you can revel in the charm of living in a luxury safari tent in a forested grove. Each tent has a private patio with tables and chairs and hammocks between the trees. The limited accommodation comes as a relief for those looking for an uncrowded, exclusive wilderness experience. The eight luxury tents take only 16 guests. Bathrooms are fitted with a toilet, a shower, a sink, and hot water. You’ll also find linens, towels, and a selection of toiletries. In the common area there’s a kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a laptop-friendly workspace. Your safari comes with the added delight of a picnic basket or the safari, a complimentary picnic basket with chilled beverages and snacks. An experienced naturalist guide and a dedicated ranger from the Department of Wildlife accompany guests and update you on the environment and all the species of wildlife. Photographers will be particularly happy to discover they can be provided monopods, bean bags, and other equipment on request.
At Yala National Park, home to one of the greatest leopard populations in the world, one may enjoy a deeply immersive introduction to this wilderness habitat which is also home to Sri Lanka’s other important jungle denizen—the elephant. The protection and conservation of elephants is one of the key drives for the government as they are pivotal for preserving biodiversity, encouraging ecological balance, and mitigating climate change. They are also revered for the important role they play in the country’s cultural and religious pursuits. Wildlife buffs from around the world visiting the Yala region have a choice of excellent luxury tented lodge accommodations, mindful safari experiences, and relaxing, unhurried moments of reflection in these exotic natural environs.
An unforgettable experience is the exploration of Yala’s botanical wonders, where the language of leaves and petals speaks volumes about the resilience and vitality of life in this cherished sanctuary. The diversity of plants in Yala is a living testament to the myriad of strategies life employs to thrive in this dynamic environment. Each walk is directed under the tutelage of Tribe Yala’s safari experts who are knowledgeable about the area and its fascinating sights.
Opportunities also arise aplenty for meaningful interfaces with the local communities who reside in proximity to the park area. For example, Chena is a method of agriculture that makes the most of the monsoon seasons every year. This farming method for the tribal communities is an ancestral legacy which they keep alive to this day. A walk around the farm with a villager introduces you to how chena plantation occurs and the seasons of planting. This rewarding and educational experience will surely serve as one of the major highlights of your understanding of local culture in these parts. Over a delicious chena lunch, you'll get the chance to get to know more about the Chena cultivation and its fascinating history.
Tribe Yala offers a wondrous glamping experience with its selection of luxury tents; there’s a choice of deluxe, luxury and super luxury accommodations to match your style and pocket.
The Mahoora Tented Safari camp site lies in proximity to Yala National Park. It is Sri Lanka's first Carbon Neutral Safari Camp since the year 2010, certified by Carbon Credit Capital LLC - USA. Which means your stay at Mahoora has no negative impact on the environment in terms of CO2 emission. The Mahoora Elite tented accommodation or go for the Mahoora Premium option. The fully-carpeted, sealed tent with ventilation nets is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, and a private veranda/porch.
Highland fling
Get yourself to Sri Lanka’s legendary tea estates for a lovely eco-friendly sojourn in a luxury lodge. Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge set amidst the plantation landscape of the Knuckles Mountain Range at 1,000m offers a unique luxury experience to guests. These facilities include a real, colonial-style “planter’s” estate house. Accommodations include 18 secluded Deluxe Lodges and a Honeymoon Suite Lodge. To add to the allure of your stay you can go trekking with a guide along these pristine mountain trails, delight in learning new skills at a private cooking class and savour the serenity of this locale with some healing yoga and meditation. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe the world of a tea planter and interact with the local community which is connected to estate life in different ways.
Mark your days in Sri Lanka with the most extraordinary back-to-nature luxury experiences in its green spaces. The choices at hand are aplenty, from high mountain grandeur to game parks located close to popular beaches and historic sites. The beauty of these experiences is that you also get to meet up with the locals in the villages and working homesteads and get to explore their world at closer quarters. Little wonder you’ll be planning your next visit to the “Spice Island” with family and friends to share your delights.