Yala Nationalpark, Sri Lanka Uga Chena Huts
Wilderness down to the shore
On the coast of Sri Lanka’s deep south, a belt of semi-protected jungle runs between the farming villages of Tissamaharama and Yala National Park. For generations, farmers here have cleared small forest pockets called “chena” and slept in modest huts beside their crops to protect them from elephants. Uga Chena Huts takes its name from this tradition, set among dunes and trees at the ocean’s edge. Eighteen cabins are scattered across nine acres of coastal dunes where wilderness converges from three directions: dense jungle with leopards, sloth bears and elephants, a saline lake with storks, ibises and occasional flamingos, and the Indian Ocean ahead. The cabins echo the original huts while offering modern comfort, with a private pool open to the sky. All meals and daily safaris are included in your stay.
Location
The nearest town, Tissamaharama, is 26 kilometres away
315 kilometres and usually five to six hours by road from Colombo Airport
Arrival by private transfer or helicopter
Game drives depart directly from the property, and at night the low light pollution reveals a clear starry sky
Highlights
18 cabins on nine acres, each with its own pool
All-inclusive with daily morning and evening safaris, park fees included
Sundowner bar on the dunes and bonfire dinners on the beach
Elephants, sea turtles and leopards in the immediate surroundings
Amenities
18 cabins · Private pool · Main pool (22 m)
Basses Bar + Kitchen · Poolside bar · Sundowner Beach Bar · Bonfire Beach Dining
Spa · Safari vehicles
Impressions
Cuisine
At Basses Bar + Kitchen, named after the nearby reefs and lighthouse, you dine overlooking the Indian Ocean in a nautical setting. The bar is filled with memorabilia from the history of Yala and suits a drink after the safari. There is also a poolside bar behind a waterfall, the little Sundowner Beach Bar on the dunes and Bonfire Beach Dining on the sand.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included, as are water, juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee, select wines, beer and spirits, and the daily replenished minibar. The kitchen is open from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Wellness
The spa in the jungle offers two treatment rooms, one single and one double, with Balinese therapies. The 22-metre pool invites a cooling swim after the safari.
Experiences
Yala National Park combines monsoon forest, dry forest, grassland and coastal wetlands, with 44 mammal species, one of the highest leopard densities in the world and more than 215 bird species. Every day you head out morning and evening in specially equipped safari vehicles, with park fees, transfers and refreshments included.
Further options include the Secret Sundowner with cocktails and canapés, bush walks, Yala Block 5, a cultural drive to Sithulpawwa, safaris in Bundala and Udawalawe National Parks, a Sri Lankan cooking masterclass and the Junior Ranger Programme for children.
Room categories
Uga Chena Huts offers 18 cabins, the largest in the region. The exteriors draw on the local building tradition, while inside, log furniture and rustic motifs set the safari tone, concealing modern technology. All cabins have ocean or jungle views.
The Cabin (approx. 149 sqm) has a living area, a bedroom with a king bed and a bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, walk-in shower and double vanity. On the covered deck are a private pool of around 4.6 metres with air jets and an outdoor shower. Air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, safe, sound system, an espresso machine with Sri Lankan tea and coffee, bathrobes and a pillow menu on request complete the cabin.
We’ll make your dream trip a reality.
Uga Chena Huts – Wilderness with an ocean view
Uga Chena Huts lies where jungle, saline lake and ocean meet: eighteen cabins with a private pool, daily safaris and evenings by the fire on the beach. A place for guests who want to experience nature up close.
Let us help plan your dream trip to Uga Chena Huts – get in touch for a no-obligation travel enquiry.
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