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Reviews of Wadula Safari - Yala

Kataragama - Situlpawwa Road, 82600 Kataragama, Sri Lanka

#2 of 40 hotels in Kataragama

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 36 hotel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.5

  • Comfort

    9.7

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    9.6

  • Staff

    9.9

  • Value for money

    9.4

  • Free WiFi

    2.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 27 April 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful hosts provided comfort in a bushy setting
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The bed is a little bit too firm

    Great location in a bushy setting- we saw crocodiles, black faced languar monkeys, peacocks, toucans and a host of other birds around our accommodation The rooms were rustic outside and polished inside The food was excellent The aircon was good and needed Our hosts (two brothers) were excellent- they organised our safari, onward transfer and all our food. They went out of their way to make sure that we were happy at all times I chose this location so we could enter Yala from the quieter, Kataragama entrance and this worked well for us

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 April 2024

    9.0
    Great stay, comfortable rooms with excellent A/C. Highly recommend
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wet room bathroom

    Staff and management were just excellent - very friendly. We ate both evening meals at the hotel and the food was good, portions large and prices reasonable for remote location ($5-$7 per meal). Great service and attentive staff. Nice chalet style bungalow rooms, relatively modern but could do with a bit of a renovation in the near future

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 March 2024

    8.0
    Excellent safari experience, great hosts. Very helpful, pointing out wildlife. Made lovely fresh food at reasonable pric
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    A fridge in the room would be good. As location is remote with no store nearby, it would be good to let guest be aware and then if they need to buy any bits in advance.

    The lodge was really clean and excellent size with good air conditioning. The hotel organised a great safari and transfer to next destination. They communicated well prior to arrival re safari options. Food made to order was lovely.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Surrounded by nature and wildlife, plus lovely room. Very helpful staff.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 March 2024

    10
    Amazing
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff were super friendly and couldn’t do enough for you. They have new mattresses which were soft and very comfy. The safari was incredible, and the driver was just amazing. I highly recommend Wadula Safari, unforgettable experience.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The staff was super nice and the owner took us for a walk around the area during sunset to show us all the birds and the beautiful nature. we had great candle light dinner and also used the opportunity to do a safari with them. They prepared breakfast for us which we had at the beach during the safari and our guide was an expert in finding the animals ;)

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 5 March 2024

    10
    Perfect Safari Adventure in the jungle
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very nice and clean rooms. We stayed in a bungalow in the middle of the jungle. The bungalow had nice high ceilings, a little porch and aircondition. The hosts are very nice and made us feel very welcome. We had a nice Dinner surrounded by oil lamps in the middle of nature. The hosts organized a half Day Safari for us and packed a nice breakfast with fruits and sandwiches. The place is very close to the park entrance so we started at 5:30 am bit were still one of the first jeeps in the park. The beds are comfortablewe slept really well.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 29 February 2024

    10
    As close to paradise as you are likely to find on this earth.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    It was all perfect

    Fantastic place such a fabulous spot and idyllic in every way the brothers who run it were so kind and thoughtful. Best biryani ever, given on a table under the stars and fireflies dancing around totally magic. The safari they organised was great as was the evening walk they gave us and we’ve were able to enjoy a sunset over the lake. I can’t recommend highly enough I think I have found paradise.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 February 2024

    10
    Luxury bungalow at the heart of the jungle
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Amazing location at the border of the Yala park. It’s quite incredible Dulaj and his team managed to build such luxurious bungalows in the middle of the jungle! You sleep with wildlife sounds surrounding you. Being super local they have great relationships with safari guides, Nalinda was a top animal spotter

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 15 February 2024

    9.0
    in the middle of nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    the beds were very hard.

    it was in the middle of the jungle and near to the national park. Dulaj looked after everything and organised a safari tour for us. we saw so many animals! he even picked us up because the place was hard to find.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 14 February 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The mattress is slight hard to us so it wasn't a very pleasant sleep, but for the safari trip we need to get up at 4am so it doesn't matter that much. However an upgrade on the mattress would make it 10/10.

    The location is fantastic, just right next to the national park (do remember to contact prior to arrival because the place is really hard to find). The owner and other staffs are incredibly friebdly and helpful. And the safari trip they arranged was beyond excellent.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 13 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing we did not like, but if it can help others this hotel is really in the jungle with all what it means - it could be uncomfortable in some aspects due to the presence of animals (but would like to highlight the support of the personnel to make the stay as good as possible).

    Spacious room, very convenient location for an early morning safari as this is very close to the park entrance. The end afternoon walk was nice and interesting too. Kind and helpful personnel.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 28 January 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful stay in Yala!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The only negative would be the very very hard bed (and we usually prefer harder beds). Kinda felt like sleeping on the floor. The bungalows are located in the middle of swamps - my frog-phobic girlfriend hated it, but it’s really because she’s from the city, so barely a negative.

    We enjoyed our stay at Chamith’s hotel. He owns the place with his brother and they’ve had a really hard go at it since covid. You can now really tell they’re doing their absolute best to give you an amazing experience. The bungalows are new, clean, large and have everything you need. The owners prepared us food for the evenings and even packed us breakfast for our very early safari (very tasty!). All in all, if you like wildlife and nature, don’t think twice before coming here! Thank you Chamith.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 January 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    - The mattress is too hard for my taste - They don’t have any meat or alcohol. Not a big problem for us but it is better to be informed about it in advance - Our safari driver wasn’t very friendly

    + The owners of the hotel try really hard to make the stay of their guests enjoyable. Appreciate it! + It was quite an experience to live for a couple of days in the middle of a jungle!

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 December 2023

    10
    Proactive staff, great spot to stay for safari(s)
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Unfortunately, no gluten-free breakfast package (it was last minute though). Bed was very hard.

    Great check-in experience with king coconut water. The staff was very responsive and proactive with regards to getting to the location as its in a remote area. Rooms were very beautiful - free standing building, high ceilings, nice bathroom.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 December 2023

    10
    This is the closest you will get to staying in Yala National Park. A hotel in the jungle with 5 star food and accomodati
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing!

    The accomodation is like a hotel in the jungle! The best kind of glamping you could ask for. Dinner is brought to your room (whilst the restaurant is under construction) and was some of the tastiest food we’ve had. The hosts will organise a safari tour for you. We picked the full day and breakfast and lunch was catered for us - more than enough food! The accomodation is on the border of Yala National Park and it was amazing to wake up to monkeys in the trees and buffalo in the garden. Highly reccomended a stay here.

    Stayed in December 2023

  • Reviewed: 30 November 2023

    10
    Heaven on earth
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything was perfect!

    Where do I start? Staying at the Wadula in an exoerience, not just a stay at a hotel! The accommodation is situated in the middle of nature. This is why you're escorted by one of the brothers that own the hotel from the main road because otherwise you'd probably get lost. Think nature, think a jungle-like experience! If you're a nature lover such as myself you will love this place! The owners, Dulaj and Chamith, are the best hosts you could possibly imagine. Welcoming, all smiles, and extremely helpful. They can arrange a host of things such as transportation, packed lunches and, of course safaris in neighbouring (literally 50 metres away) Yala National Park. The safari, arranged by the brothers, comes highly recommended! We did the full day safari. Very good packed breakfast, yummy lunch and to top it all off we saw elephants and yes, the ever elusive panther! Go for it! Ask Dulaj or Chamith to arrange the safari for you! They know the best guides! As for the accommodation: you will stay in your own private beautiful bungalow. It has all the amenities such as flatscreen TV, WiFi, aircon, coffee /tea, and in the bathroom apart from shampoo, even conditioner, toothpaste etc etc. Wonderful! Each balcony has a veranda with a gorgeous view over the lake. A perfect place to relax in the evenings! If you love nature and if you love a quiet peaceful place, look no further and book the Wadula!

    Stayed in November 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 September 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I had a great stay at this place run by to brothers. They are really thoughtful and help you with organizing your trip to Yala including Safaris or picking you up somewhere for a reasonable prize. The bungalows are very modern, the best place i've stayed in Sri Lanka so far. They even provide amenities such as shower essentials, toothbrushs or a razor. It's located on the boarder to Yala National Park near a lake, which however was dry since it was just the start of the Monsun season. But I imagine it to be a nice addition to the scenery during sunset walks. All food they provided was very good. They organized a great Safari for me with an experienced english speaking driver. All things considered I had an amazing time! Thank you so much!

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 4 August 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    deep in the forest. Very special experience. Staffs were very nice and food was delicious.

    Stayed in August 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2023

    10
    10/10 Safari lodge, great staff and great Safari
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    the bed was a little hard and the mattress could be better

    your room is its own out building with a lovely big bed and en-suite. All toiletries are provided in the bathroom, and you have a lovely terrace outside with sun loungers to enjoy the peace and quite. the staff are amazing and do everything they can for you. they provided us with taxi service by collecting us from Ella, and then dropping us to Hikkaduwa after the safari day for very good rates. the safari was amazing, and we saw all the animals possible in Yala including Sloth bears and Leopards. 10/10 would recommend

    Stayed in May 2023

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2023

    10
    Above my expectations, the staff is very helpful, the safari is very well prepared
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The food was too salty for us, although the baffolo curd desert was yummy.

    Very quiet and clean place. Owners speak good English. Air conditioner works extremely well. Location, there is a lake nearby, very nice walk. Safari is well prepared. Driver speaks very good English, very experienced and tried hard. We had elderly and kid with us, I was very concerned about the bumpy ride. I am glad it turned out ok.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 7 April 2023

    10
    It is not a stay it is an experience. Loved it!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    all good

    This is not a stay in a hotel. this is an experience! From the moment you arrive, location is a bit hard to find, but they’ll pick you up and drive you to the resort. The other brother stands with a welcome drink and a refreshing towel. The room is great, good bed good shower and clean. Even good wifi in the room… I had twice dinner there and once lunch. I asked for a lake view table and they arranged it beautiful with lamps and a campfire. Stunning! The food is sooooo good, best I had in Sri Lanka. Everything you ask, nothing is too much for them. I really was amazed Go here!!! you will love it 😍

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    An ideal place for those who love nature, peace and quiet. Nearby is a lake where you can see buffalo and all kinds of birds. Very nice place. Very helpful and friendly hosts. Unforgettable safari. I highly recommend.

    Stayed in March 2023

  • Reviewed: 21 January 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    The individual houses are located in the forest with a lot of amazing animals and green plants. A rooms are really clean, comfortable and well equipped. The hosts are extremely kind and polite people, who can arrange a jeep safari in the Yala National Park if you need. With the delicious dinner in the garden was an unforgettable experience for me staying here and it was my favorite accomodation during our three weeks in Srí Lanka. (out of 8)

    Stayed in January 2023

Showing 1 – 25

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