at a Glance.
Star Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Type
Location
Yala
Hotel Category
Ideal For
Double
Style
Half Board
Price / Night
Why Stay Here
Nestled in the verdant landscape of Tissamaharama on Sri Lanka’s southern belt, Oak Ray Wild Yala offers a refined base for travellers seeking both the thrill of safari and the ease of modern hospitality. With sweeping views over lotus-dotted waterways, a tranquil garden-pool setting and easy proximity to Yala National Park, this resort strikes a perfect balance between adventure and luxury.
About the Property
Oak Ray Wild Yala embraces the spirit of Sri Lanka’s wild south while delivering resort-level comfort. Situated between Tissa Lake and the edge of the famed Yala National Park, the property is thoughtfully designed — the guest rooms overlook tranquil waterways and coconut palms; the pool area offers sundowners in near-wilderness calm. The hotel’s design and ambiance bring a sense of place: serenity by day, gentle luxury by night. It allows guests to venture into nature in the morning, then return to elegant surroundings, modern amenities and warm hospitality.
Why Stay Here
- Proximity to Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife reserve, with comfortable luxury on return.
- Contemporary, clean design with resort amenities that support both adventure and relaxation.
- Excellent pool and garden setting uncommon in a pure safari-locale resort.
- Value: high guest scores for hospitality while remaining more accessible than ultra-luxury safari lodges.
Accommodation & Rooms
Accommodation at Oak Ray Wild Yala centres on its Superior Deluxe Rooms (double and triple). Each room features:
- Private balcony or veranda with views of waterways and palms. oakrayhotels.com+1
- Modern comforts: air-conditioning, rain showers, safe, minibar, flat screen TV. expedia+1
- Easy inter-connect or triple options for families.
The setting focuses on restful evenings — after safari excursions, guests return to spaces where the rustle of palms and the dusk light become part of the experience.
Location & Accessibility
Located in Tissamaharama, the heart of Sri Lanka’s wilderness gateway, the hotel gives guests easy access to Yala National Park while remaining within comfortable resort distance. For transfers: Mattala Bandaranaike International Airport (MHIA) is approx. 30–40 minutes away; the hotel provides or arranges airport shuttles. MakeMyTrip+1 The vantage point near lakes and palm-fringed waterways means nature is ever-present.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Dining & Culinary Experience
Dining here reflects the dual nature of the property: wild locale meets refined meal. A stylish restaurant overlooks garden lagoon vistas, offering local Sri Lankan curries and international dishes, and the bar invites a sundowner by the pool among palms. Guest reviews emphasise the welcome, food quality and pool-side ambience. Tripadvisor For those departing early for safari drives, the hotel arranges breakfasts and packed meals—ensuring the day begins smoothly.
.jpeg)
Spa & Wellness
Though not a large “spa resort”, the wellness offering at Oak Ray Wild Yala focuses on what matters: a generous outdoor pool among lush landscaping invites relaxation, and the surrounding nature (sounds, light, breeze) acts as a natural therapy itself. Facilities such as sun-loungers, garden terraces and easy access to restful spaces make this a standout for those seeking calm between excursions.
Nearby Attractions
- Yala National Park — Sri Lanka’s top wildlife reserve (about 11–15 km) MakeMyTrip+1
- Tissa Lake — A serene body of water just minutes from the property. MakeMyTrip+1
- Bundala Bird Sanctuary — Another nature highlight ~27 km away. MakeMyTrip
- Kataragama Temple — Culturally important pilgrimage site, driving distance.
- Scenic drives and wildlife-rich landscapes of the Southern Province
Experiences & Facilities
- Safari & Nature Excursions: Staying near Yala National Park means guests can embark on morning or evening game drives to spot elephants, leopards, birds and other wildlife.
- Outdoor Pool Experience: The pool is described as a “vantage point to have a spectacular view of the sunset”. Tripadvisor+1
- Event & Meeting Facilities: The hotel offers conference/banquet spaces—useful for small incentives, weddings or groups wishing to combine nature and gathering. MakeMyTrip
- 24/7 Help Desk & Services: Free Wi-Fi throughout, laundry, airport transfers and tour assistance ensure logistics are taken care of.
Insider Tips for Guests
- Best Time to Visit: May–September or December–March for drier conditions on safari.
- Room Selection: Rooms with views toward the garden/lotus pond and balcony will enhance your stay.
- Pool Timing: Arrive at pool at sunset for fantastic golden-hour panorama.
- Safari Tip: Book the early morning slot at Yala to avoid crowds and heat.
- Dining Tip: Request a packed breakfast for the safari drive if you depart pre-dawn.
Guest Reviews & Testimonials
Visitors commonly highlight: “excellent swimming pool”, “very friendly staff”, “great value for safari stay”. Travelated+1 One review summarised:
“The pool was great and the hotel is modern and stylish and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.” Travelated
Some feedback notes room maintenance could be improved—but overall the experience is positive and well-suited to its location and purpose.
Sustainability & Design Ethos
The resort’s design respects its natural setting: waterways, palms and open spaces dominate. With property references calling it an “aquatic marvel” atop a waterway within landscaped grounds. oakrayhotels.com The operational model—proximity to nature, low-rise build, respectful landscaping—aligns with luxury travel that values place and sustainable footprint.
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Photo by UGA Chena Huts
Conclusion
Oak Ray Wild Yala offers more than a stay near a national park—it offers a well-designed refuge where nature’s rhythm becomes part of your stay. Whether you’re returning from a dawn safari and want a serene pool to unwind, or finishing your day by the lotus pond with a sundown cocktail, this resort brings wilderness and comfort into harmony.
“Experience Oak Ray Wild Yala with Sithiyam Travel — where luxury meets authenticity.”
