Overview of Panthera Lodge Yala
Panthera Lodge is a unique experience for anyone who yearns to enjoy a holiday close to nature. Located in the Semi Arid Dry Zone of Sri Lanka bordering the small fishing village of Kirinda, Panthera Lodge has the character to rejuvenate your spent batteries. If you are a nature lover with a zest for wildlife, Panthera will provide you just that opportunity.
The lodge itself is built, based on an architecture that is typical of African Safari Game Lodges. Crisp linen and exquisite tastes of Sri Lanka are just the beginning of a wonderful experience at Panthera. The evenings start with sundowners while you enjoy the wonders of the milky-way in anticipation of a succulent barbeque prepared by the in-house chef cum caretaker “Liyanage”.
The afternoons are spent relaxing after a morning game drive tracking leopards and elephants at the Yala National Park, which is just twenty minutes away. The afternoons are warm but a soothing breeze speeds through the lodge cooling you.
Accommodation at Panthera Lodge Yala
Panthera Lodge can accommodate 10 adults comfortably. The main building has 10 dormitory style beds lined along a rain water harvested pond. On a clear night you can watch the stars while lying on your bed. A lockable bedroom is also available. The lodge is decorated along simple and restful lines with typical Sri Lankan artifacts, personifying that perfect harmony of elegance and comfort.
8 beds out and 2 in room with the option to be moved outside. Two bathrooms are available for use with the main bathroom fitted with a shower that is exposed to the heavens. Driver’s quarters are available should you decide to take your driver along with you.
Food & Dining at Panthera Lodge Yala
A caretaker and a cook are available to you. You can either buy provisions and request that your meals to be prepared by the cook or ask the cook to buy provisions and prepare the meals for you.
Basic provisions can be bought at the local grocery shop. The nearest town is Tissamaharama located 10KM away. The cook is skilled in preparing Sri Lankan dishes, but take care to inform him of your preferences for spice levels preferences.
The cook's signature dish and speciality is his barbeque dinner. A fresh “Paraw” fish for this barbeque can be bought at the adjoining “Kirinda” fisheries harbour. It is best that you assign the task of buying the fish to the cook as he is an expert at it. If you require specialty meat items, it is advised that you buy them en-route and transport them in your Igloo.
The cook will also prepare a picnic basket for you when you visit the National Park in the morning. A simple meal of “Pol Sambol” or “egg” sandwiches is the equivalent of caviar on toast when you alight from you vehicle at the “Patanangala” beach inside the Yala National Park. It is one of the very few areas inside the park where you can alight from your vehicles.
