Sensational safaris and so much more

By Marianne David

In addition to sensational safaris, Cinnamon Wild offers unique creative facets in jungle living, ensuring a completely different experience to discerning nature enthusiasts.

As part of its transformation as a complete Cinnamon resort, Cinnamon Wild Yala offers several unique experiences: Guided safaris with Cinnamon Nature Trails, bush dinners, champagne breakfast by the beach, night safari with infrared vision, photographic nature walks, visits to the cattle farms where Project Leopard is implemented as well as the unique view from the observation deck of the wilderness and the sea.

Sector Head for Sri Lanka Resorts Jayantissa Kehelpannala in a statement asserted that it is relatively easy to put up a building, but what is difficult is creating and maintaining standards and meeting expectations. “Delighting the traveller who comes to Yala is not just about having a luxurious hotel, but about creating worthy experiences. The hotel has successfully achieved all standards required to now become a part of the Cinnamon family,” he added.

Meanwhile, John Keells Holdings Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunewardene stated: “The continuous positive reviews on Trip Advisor and other channels prompted us to make Chaaya Wild a complete Cinnamon resort as it has maintained a consistent ranking of 4.5 out of 5.” Many positive comments are attributed to the resort’s location, its closeness to nature, the tranquil setting and its friendly staff.

During our stay, we enjoy many aspects of Cinnamon Wild offerings, including safaris with sightings of the elusive sloth bear, an exciting night safari, dune dining and a bush dinner featuring a fabulous spread, making for many memorable experiences.

A first in Sri Lanka, the infrared night safari experience takes place within the compound and is done in total darkness – the vehicle drives with infrared head beams and participants wear infrared goggles. The dedicated team of Nature Trails naturalists are fully trained and equipped to educate and guide guests through all their expeditions.

Other aspects include special lectures and briefings on sustainability and conservation, chena visits, bird watching trails, dune dining, camping in the wild, turtle watching trails, animal tracks identification, wildlife slideshows and after dinner movies. Plans are also underway to introduce star gazing nights.