If you’re up for a series of adventure tours and experiences, a trip to Sri Lanka Wildlife Park is a breeze.
The best bucket list experiences are on Sri Lanka’s rugged South coast; the island’s region-to-watch is an ideal base from which to explore.
Influenced by the importance of meaningful travel experiences as an integral component for today’s luxury traveler, Shangri-La has carefully curated this selection of tours with its guests in mind.
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Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa in Sri Lanka is located on the ancient Spice Route, hugging the Indian Ocean coastline.
The hotel’s proximity to some of the country’s finest nature and wildlife reserves offers unrivalled access to Yala, Bundala, and Udawalawe National Parks, the surfers’ paradise at Arugam Bay, and whale-watching in Mirissa.
The hotel is home to a unique Artisan Village.
Guests get to familiarise themselves with the work of some of the region’s talented artists and artisans.
Experience Sri Lanka Wildlife Park
A Sri Lankan elephant family.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, a regular fixture on travel bucket lists, combines a strict nature reserve with a national park and is home to the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
The park’s protected area is nearly 130,000 hectares, divided into five blocks (two of which are open to the public).
On Sri Lanka’s southeast coast, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and a national park in 1938. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species.
Among its more famous residents are the world’s most significant concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, and crocodiles.
The best time to visit Yala is between February and July.
Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is a magnificent maze of waterways, lagoons, and dunes that glitter in the evening sun.
It is home to thousands of colourful birds, including the famed greater flamingo, and shelters almost 200 species within 62 square kilometers.
Bundala National Park has a small, visible population of elephants and crocodiles.
It lies 20km across the South coast, between Kirinda and Hambantota.
A Sri Lankan leopard.
Udawalawe National Park
The main attraction of the National Park of Udawalawe is the high probability of travellers spotting and being close to Sri Lankan elephants during a safari tour.
National Park of Udawalawe is home to the Sri Lankan leopard and various endemic bird species.
Udawalawe National Park was designated and established as the fifth national park of Sri Lanka on 30 June 1972.
The water reservoir encompasses a total surface area of nearly 3,500 hectares and is the largest in the vicinity.
The park’s total area is almost 31,000 hectares, making Udawalawe National Park one of the most expansive parks on the island.
Arugam Bay
Keen surfers flock to easy-going Arugam Bay for a good reason: the moon-shaped curl of the beach is home to a legendary point break, which many regard as the country’s best surf spot. With only a few hundred, all attractions are easily accessible along a road that shadows the coastline.
Mirissa
Whale-watching season starts in November and ends in April.
Mirissa is well-regarded in Sri Lanka as the clearest point for whale and dolphin-watching tours around the island.
Usually, Blue Whales, Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, fin whales, and sometimes killer whales and Dolphins are spotted.
Kadamandiya
Kadamandiya, otherwise known as ‘The Village’, is a cultural platform within Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa, dedicated to supporting and preserving Sri Lanka’s unique artisan communities.
The Village provides a platform for some of the most talented sculptors, weavers, silversmiths, and performing artists.
Guests experience firsthand the inside track into a region with untapped, exciting, creative talent.
Shangri-La Hambantota Resort & Spa Premier Golf & Country Club
Shangri-La’s premier 18-hole golf course is the only one of its kind in the country.
Set amid a vast coconut palm plantation, the golf course has spectacular views.
There are distinctive challenges for casual and seasoned players.
The beautifully landscaped par-70 course, designed by Rodney Wright, takes you on a memorable golf experience.
There are three landscaped zones, each with its unique character.
Cool Zone for Sri Lanka Wildlife Park @ Shangri-La Hambantota Resort
For younger thrill-seekers wishing to continue their adventure quest, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa offers a Cool Zone with a wide range of exhilarating experiences to satisfy any high-energy explorer.
The highlights include a 7m-high trapeze, a drone-flying area, and an outdoor water park. Budding adventure travelers will be in their element.
Set beside the Indian Ocean and framed by swaying king coconut trees, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is located on Sri Lanka’s ancient Spice Route, along with the island’s lush, unspoiled Southern coastline.
With 145 acres of tropical gardens, this unique new property has ample space. Guests can unwind in the spectacular locations and make the most impressive facilities.
