This month’s Wanderlust Magazine – Sri Lanka: Bay of Bengal

This month’s Wanderlust Magazine – Sri Lanka: Bay of Bengal

This month’s Wanderlust Travel Magazine cover story takes their readers on a voyage of the Indian Ocean, the highlight being the incredible experience of exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural gems and witnessing her stunning wildlife up close.
The first-hand experience of the magazine’s writer Phoebe Smith (and the amazing photographs taken on the journey by Neil S Price) takes the reader on an epic journey around the Bay of Bengal where they explore mangrove forests, the rock-top fortress of Sigiriya and exploding volcanoes.
Mandara Rosen Hotel in Kataragama

Mandara Rosen Hotel in Kataragama

This is a bright, spacious, modern hotel in Kataragama. The swimming pool is said to be the largest in the area and is surrounded with clumps of frangipani trees. This is an ideal hotel for exploring both Kataragama and its Temple or visiting Yala National Park.
Kithala Resort in Tissamaharama, Yala

Kithala Resort in Tissamaharama, Yala

Having recently been taken over by Theme Resorts, the Kithala Resort in Tissamaharama includes a modern hotel which was formerly known as Hotel Priyankara and now offers a very good standard of accommodation at reasonable rates. All the rooms are very spacious, beautifully decorated and have balconies that have amazing views over the vast paddyfields directly behind the hotel.
Kirinda Beach Resort, Kirinda

Kirinda Beach Resort, Kirinda

This delightfully laid back Eco-friendly beach resort is on an almost deserted beach where you can swim and surf between December and April. All the chalets are made from local materials and are basic – it is very much for those that want to get back to nature.  The pool is unusual as it is set on top of a rock which has views over the resort and the sea beyond. It is a perfect location to visit Yala and Bundala National Parks.
Jetwing Yala

Jetwing Yala

This stylish eco-friendly hotel, spread over 38 acres of jungle, opened in 2013 and is situated just outside of Yala National Park but fronting the sea at Kirinda. The rooms of the main hotel do have great views of the sea. The exclusive Tented Villas are away from the main hotel and are for those who like their creature comforts but want to be surrounded by nature. Do note that the sea here is not safe for swimming due to strong currents.
Okrin Hotel near Yala National Park

Okrin Hotel near Yala National Park

Being on the outskirts of Kataragama, Okrin Hotel is near Yala National Park and the temple at Kataragama.
This modern hotel offers very good value for money and with it being small does have a feel of a boutique hotel. It is a hotel with sixteen rooms, beautiful lobby and outdoor pool.