As islanders we love our great outdoors and in fact are quite proud of the flora and fauna spread throughout the island. More so of the Yala National Park, the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Consisting of five blocks, the park covers 979 square kilometers. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals.
Panthera Pardus, more commonly known as the Leopard is one of them. A truly majestic creature, the leopard is arguably the only member of the “Big Cat” family to roam the Paradise Isle. Elusive is how most trackers and park rangers at the Yala National Park would most often describe the leopard. Not everyone though is lucky to spot a leopard on a first visit but with an experienced tracker you may just about catch a glimpse of the creature.
Many are the stories told of the Yala experience yet until seen with one’s own eye no great orator or writer’s description comes close. Elusive leopards, majestic elephants, dancing peacocks, playful black bears, a lone wild buffalo, ferocious crocodiles, herds of spotted deer, and over 200 species of wild birds, the Indian Ocean gently splashing against untouched white sandy beaches, and flora in all its glory everywhere you look, are just a few of the many moments in paradise. More than an experience it is what visitors who keep returning like to call an adventure.
In order to experience this plethora of attractions both natural and man-made Yala also has a variety of accommodation options from the luxurious star-classed hotels, to simple tree-houses that truly depict the village life that surrounds the national park. Camping perhaps is however the best way to become one with the surroundings.
At the Pardus Seek Luxury Camping Site which is our abode for two days, it is all about modern convenience meeting a picturesque jungle setting. If your hearts yearning it to be at the heart of nature, experience its beauty in its truest settings and yet bask in the luxuries of contemporary life then Pardus Seek is the place to be. Located deep in the serenity of the Yala National Park, and the closest location to the main entry point, this little haven is perfect for a lone traveller, a honeymoon couple, an adventurous bunch of friends, a family looking for relaxation, an ardent wildlife photographer or even a corporate group on a team building exercise.
The staff at Pardus Seek makes arrangements for pick-up from locations within Colombo and generally takes the Southern Expressway to get there. The entire journey takes about 3-3 ½ hours and we are told is best taken at night so as not to feel the fatigue too much. Once you do get there, guests are welcome in to luxurious 12 x 25 tents furnished with king size beds, and other amenities like fans, multiple power point sockets, attached bathrooms with water heating powered by solar energy, and internet facilities.
The best and most anticipated part of this journey is the trip to Yala which we are taken on early morning. This is the best time to see the elusive leopard, majestic elephant, playful black bear and the dancing peacocks. We are not disappointed and catch at least a glimpse of all of them and more.
After a tired day out exploring the best way to unwind is on your own private little patio or on the wooden deck of your camp while sipping the famous king coconut water straight from the fruit. Dining at Pardus Seek is an experience in itself as the options available range from a classy restaurant in the jungle to sitting atop a large boulder rock. Cuisine is a la carte and is specially prepared by a trained chef who is willing to give in to all and any taste buds. If required he will also pack a scrumptious picnic basket for your day in the wild.
For any traveller local or foreign, Yala is a definite on the to-do list. Pardus Seek offers a new way to do it in style.
Box Information
Pardus Seek Luxury Tents, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
Tel : +94 779 097 117 | +94 777 545 666
E-mail : info@pardusseek.com
Reservation Contact
182/A, Stanley Thilakerathne Mawatha, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
Tel : +94 112 076 044