Aranya Resort Location

Spread over 5 acres of land and surrounded by the wilderness in a secure environment, Aranya Resort is located in a peaceful location bordering the Katagamuwa entrance of the Yala National Park. Located about 305km South of Colombo, Yala attracts hundred of tourists and locals who are keen on exploring nature and wildlife. The Kataragama town is just 5km away from the resort.

Accommodation options at Aranya Resort in Yala include 4 Eco Lodges and 1 sturdy tree house. Each unit has generator operated fans and comfortable beds with mosquito nets while also including a separate washing area with a mirror a few yards away. In keeping with the unique atmosphere and design at Aranya, there is an outdoor shower area which is open on top and secured from all four sides while commode toilets with modern fittings are situated just adjoining the shower area, a few feet away.

Mandara - accommodates 4 adults and includes a double bed inside and two beds outside in the verandah. This chalet offers good views of the "Vadasiti Kanda" (a holy mountain).

Arana - accommodates 8 adults with one attached bathroom and overlooking the jungle.

Mandakini - also accommodates 8 adults with bathrooms located outside. This too offers guests views of the jungle.

Gagana - which accommodates 8 adults includes 2 bathrooms located outside of the chalet with open air showers overlooking the jungle.

Ruk Arana - the tree hut which is about 20 feet high includes a ladder to climb up. There are 3 beds inside the hut offering best views of the surrounding jungle. The toilet is found a few yards away.

Aranya Resort Facilities

Separated from the Yala National Park only by an electric fence, Aranya Resort is owned and operated by former Sri Lankan cricket player Hashan Thilekeratne and his wife Apsari. The resort also provides guests access to the best area of the park for leopard sightings. Aranya Resort offers a 15 x 30 foot outdoor swimming pool to help you relax and enjoy long swims during fine weather. The pool bar is quite spacious and includes facilities for indoor games such as carom, bridge and a billiards/pool table with the necessary equipment. Pool side BBQ's and chilled beer can be enjoyed by guests in the evenings.

Aranya Resort's restaurant "Makaranda" includes a lounge area with a television/stereo facilities and serves mouth watering Sri Lankan cuisine under the supervision of an executive chef. The lunch buffets offers you a variety of local dishes and is also a popular option for day travelers heading towards Kataragama and Yala. The area adjoining the restaurant which is lit by lanterns during the night can be used as a BBQ venue. The vast land area of the resort has been utilized to grow varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables from also which the chef prepares most of the curries and desserts.

Aranya Resort Excursions

Due to the close proximity of the Yala Wild Life Sanctuary, Safari tours can be arranged by Aranya Resort upon request. Four Wheel drive jeeps are available for this purpose. There are jogging paths available for the health conscious guest while nature walks can be arranged as well.

You can also visit the shrine of Kataragama, make a trip to the Sithulpauwa Raja Maha Viharaya or trek up the hill of Vadasiti Kanda. Bird watching can be an ideal activity for the nature lover. For the more adventurous traveler, mountain biking along the forest trails gives a chance to explore the wilderness all by themselves. The Aranya Resort also has two friendly resident ponies with whom you can enjoy a pony ride through the forest.