Resort Yakaduru - Yala (formerly Yakaduru Safari Village Yala) 

16 Apr 2025

We had an unforgettable experience in Yakaduru. Kirula was more than welcoming and went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Response prior to our arrival was speedy, we booked the safari tour with Yakaduru and they had everything covered by the time we got there. We also had the pool villa and we were not disappointed. The staff included an evening walk followed by a traditional dance performance at dinner. One memorable moment was spotting a rat snake on our roof at night - which was not surprising given that we were in the jungle. However, the staff quickly reassured us that it is harmless and emphasized their 24/7 availability should we need any assistance. To top off our experience, we were given a thoughtful parting gift, which was a lovely gesture that made our departure bittersweet. Thank you Kirula and the Yakaduru team!

15 Apr 2025

We had a great stay at Yakaduru, did a full day safari with out 7y old. She loved it (half day would be enough with children) Loved the staff, they went the extra mile and were so toughtfull.

15 Apr 2025

Incredible experience for the whole family. Sleeping outside, feasting on Sri Lankan food, spotting wildlife. Nishantha was the most knowledgable guide.

15 Apr 2025

Yakaduru is a one in a million experience! To be this close to the national safari and to experience two nights of living in the park itself, it’s just spectacular. The Sri Lanka custom and the beautiful attentive staff make this such a memorable experience. We found the food included in the full board to be delicious and plentiful. We stayed in Room Hamu and it was spacious and comfortable. The team come each night and perform a smoke ritual in your room to rid the 4 poster bed (fully mosquitoe netted) of bugs. It’s such attention to detail that makes the experience so unique. The communication is fantastic from the moment you book and the team helped us book driver service to and from the camp, and also 2 life changing safaris for which you get priority entry because of staying at Yakaduru. It is truly an amazing experience. There are some things you need to know before you stay here. These are simply considerations for those going to book. They in no way changed our perspective as this is an authentic Sri Lankan jungle experience within minutes of the breathtaking safari. Considerations: • Because of the location your room is open to the local natural wildlife. Our room had squirrels, chameleons, lizards, frogs, a bird and many bugs in it!!!! It was fun and the bed net really works. • the full board option means you are fed incredible food but these are at set times and cannot be changed. Also there is a fantastic cultural performance before and after each evening meal. It is deemed disrespectful to not attend these each night • there is nothing anywhere nearby so you stay inside the electric fenced resort but the ‘restaurant’ has no menu and it seems no food outside of the set times so be aware of this • the room shower is outdoors and is cold. There is no hot. It was beautifully refreshing but be aware no hot water. • if using booking . com we were told that we must pay in US dollars and at a rate on the day of paying.

15 Apr 2025

We had a wonderful stay at Yakaduru - our safaris were very well organised. Nishantha pre booked the entry tickets for priority entry which was a fantastic perk as it got us into the park without having to queue. We saw lots of animals and were lucky enough to see leopards and elephants as well as a multitude of beautiful birdlife. We had a particularly good guide on our morning safari (sorry we don’t remember his name!) who was very knowledgable and absolutely amazing at showing us so much and always one step ahead of the crowds! Very impressive! We were also well looked after during the times we were at the hotel. Star gazing from the beanbags at the top of the rock was also a highlight and the cultural show was entertaining! Thank you Yakaduru for a wonderful stay ❤️

15 Apr 2025

The people were amazing and whole experience was incredible Food very good

15 Apr 2025

The setting and the staff are amazing! Very helpfull in every way. Fife star rating from us is well deserved!

12 Apr 2025

I stayed here with 3 friends and we have the best time. Amazing location, amazing property, we staff were incredible and welcoming. Couldn't have asked for better service. They went above and beyond for us. We even got a traditional dance show. Nishantha bandara was our host and he was incredible, thank you for welcoming us, organising our stay and our safari. The communication through whatsapp was great, so much information sent before and during. Everything was planned out and so smooth, including transportation to our next destination. Couldnt recommend this place more in Yala!!

10 Apr 2025

We loved our stay at Yakaduru. Nishantha and the team were incredibly attentive and helpful. The food was fabulous and our bungalow spacious and luxurious. We were fortunate to have Nishantha, a passionate and knowledgeable naturalist, accompany us on our first (evening) safari which enriched our experience considerably. We met some lovely fellow travellers during our stay. On our second (all-day) safari, we saw a leopard. During both safaris, we saw elephants, monkeys, deer, crocodiles, monitor lizards, eagles, various bird species and buffalo.

09 Apr 2025

An absolutely awesome experience - the accommodation was excellent (clean and comfortable), the plunge pool very much appreciated; the meals superb and the staff couldn't have been better (a special thanks to our host Nishantha who looked after us so well). Thank you Yakadura - we hope to be back! PS Recommend the Safari too!