A Stay at Sri Lanka’s Most Luxurious Jungle Resort: Uga Chena Huts

Located in South-East Sri Lanka, Yala is a well-known hotspot for incredible wildlife safari, but there's so much more to it! Sri Lanka's second-largest National Park boasts of varying ecosystems and sandy beaches with scarlet.

If you’re searching for hotels in Yala, the perfect place to be to explore all this and more is Chena Huts by Uga Escapes. Bordering the Yala National Park, the ocean and a natural watering hole, it is the optimal location to traverse through while also basking in the signature Uga Escapes splendour and luxury!

Aerial view of Chena Huts by Uga Escapes, with the Indian Ocean on one side and a watering hole on the other.

Why Choose Uga Chena Huts?

Uga Chena Huts is spread out over 7 precious acres and every inch of the property is surrounded by greenery and nature, with pathways leading all around the resort encased by trees and tall shrubbery.

Strolling through the greenery-surrounded pathways that run throughout Uga Chena Huts

As suggested in the name, the luxury resort is reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s oldest form of cultivation, Chena cultivation. The 14 lavish cabins at Uga Chena Huts mirror the huts that Chena farmers would shelter in throughout the night, while they stayed up singing and chewing on betel leaves in order to protect their crops from being damaged or eaten.

Yet another amazing trait of Chena Huts is its location within the Buffer Zone in Yala. This means that there's nothing separating Yala National Park and Uga Chena Huts, which gives you a unique opportunity to spot and experience the resident wildlife. During our stay, with the careful guidance by the very alert rangers to keep our footsteps quiet and hushed voices, we even got lucky enough to spot an elephant that wandered into the property for an evening snack just by the reception hut!

A hungry elephant snacking on some greens just by the Uga Chena Huts reception

Speaking of wildlife, one of the best things about this resort is how much you can learn about the fascinating things Yala has to offer from the experienced rangers at the property, who give you personalized safaris.

Another reason to stay at Uga Chena Huts? Here's one you just can't say no to; it's an all-inclusive hotel, which means once your stay begins, all your food and beverages are provided on a free-flow basis so you can eat and drink to your heart's content!

Delectable food whipped up by Uga Chena Huts

Accommodation at Uga Chena Huts

While you do get to be one with nature at Chena Huts, you also get to submerge yourself in rustic grandeur at this high-end property.

A glimpse into Uga Chena Huts’ large, luxurious cabins

All with their own pool

The cabins are massive, to say the least, and are the pinnacle of luxury. Each cabin has its own spacious living area, a bedroom featuring a large, cozy bed, a bathroom with a bathtub for a bubble bath in the wild, along with an outdoor deck with a private plunge pool, guaranteeing a secluded yet lavish stay.

Moreover, everything in the room is predominantly made of wood, which really intensifies that nature-immersive experience.

Things To Do In Yala With Uga Chena Huts

1. Take A Game Drive Through Yala National Park

Sighting a majestic leopard during an evening game drive through Block 1 of Yala National Park

This is the most coveted activity on the list of things to do in Yala, and rightfully so! With 44 different resident mammal species, dozens of reptile species, over 200 resident and migrant birds, and not to mention the highest leopard population density in the world, this excursion is an unmissable one.

With the help of the knowledgeable rangers at Uga Chena Huts, you can arrange for a game drive through Yala National Park either in the morning or evening

2. Explore The Nearby Bundala National Park

Although comparatively less visited, Bundala is home to one of the most colourful accumulation of birds from all over the world, temporarily migrating to escape the harsh winters of their homelands.

If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, a trip to Bundala National Park is a must. To make your time there much richer, head on over with one of the rangers from Uga Chena Huts.

3. Visit Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Aerial view of Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, Yala, Kirinda

Also aptly known as 'Hill of The Quiet Mind", the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is an ancient Buddhist monastery deep in the heart of Yala. There are hundreds of caves and shelters within and around the site that were homes to monks over the centuries.

Cave drawings at Sithulpawwa

Sithulpawwa is an incredibly tranquil place with stunning views, making it an ideal spot to take a deep breath, slow down and even meditate.

Quiet little rock shelter with a Buddha statue at Sithulpawwa

A perfect time to visit would be early in the morning, after which you can indulge in a quick, refreshing picnic which the lovely staff at Uga Chena Huts would be happy to organize!

4. Take A Bush Walk In The Surrounding Area

Exploring the ecosystem surrounding Uga Chena Huts

A bush walk, accompanied by a learned ranger, is an excellent way to discover what the area has to offer. They can either be done at dawn or dusk, and will take you by the beach and along the lake.

Final Thoughts

Although we’d been to Yala many times before, exploring the area with Uga Chena Huts was vastly different in comparison; we left with an immense appreciation for the park because we learnt so much more about Yala.

Since it is a 5-star hotel, it’s definitely pricey but is an absolute bang for your buck. However, there are some ongoing offers which you can check out here!

You can also check out our elaborate vlog on our stay at Chena Huts here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMOcuF0Sd7o

This is Sri Lanka Limited Edition Travel Pack

Buy Now