We're thrilled that you are considering, or already booked a trip to Wild Grass Nature Resort!
To make the most out of your stay, we have collected some useful information on what to bring and what to do in and around Wild Grass - whether you're staying for just a couple of days or have decided to spend a good amount of time unplugging amidst nature. To really see all that the Cultural Triangle has to offer while not rushing from one sightseeing hotspot to the next, we recommend staying for around 3-4 full days, depending on how much downtime and rest you are seeking, and how long your bucket list of must-see's is.
Preparing for your Wild Grass Adventure
In the days leading up to your trip, you should definitely be checking the weather forecast from time to time to make sure that you are bringing weather appropriate clothing! In case there's rain in the forecast, don't forget to bring a light rain jacket and light, long pants that dry quickly. In case you plan on braving the rain and going out exploring no matter the weather, a quick dry microfiber towel that you can pack in your backpack (and a dry bag to cover said backpack) will be useful. It will also come in handy if you are planning on hiking or climbing Sigiriya Rock. Rain or shine, the climate is always hot and humid and you are bound to sweat doing any form of physical activity.
A few more items to add to your packing list:
Be sure to pack your swimwear to take a dip in our pool (no need for towels, just ask for some pool towels at the reception), and a good book or an e-reader to read in the comfort of your villa, at the reception, or while dangling your feet in the water. Many of our guests have found that Wild Grass is a perfect spot for Yoga. If you have a mat at home or have a thin travel mat, don't hesitate to bring it along to practice in the privacy of your villa - the yoga views are stunning and with nothing but nature around you, your practice will be nothing short of peaceful and grounding.
During your stay, you can look forward to seeing wild life up close and enjoy the serenity that pure nature offers. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes and breathable clothing for your daily adventures, as well as sun screen and bug spray for extra protection.
Just like the rest of the country Sigiriya, Dambulla, and the surrounding area are home to stunning temples. All temples have strict rules when it comes to clothing, so if you are planning on visiting any religious sites make sure you dress appropriately. This means that men should wear long pants and ladies should additionally bring a light jacket, cardigan, or a large scarf to drape around the shoulders, back, and upper arms, and below the knee pants or trousers.
Finally, keep in mind that our property is set in an untouched jungle. While we offer a wifi connection in every villa as well as in the reception area, the signal can be spotty and the strength can vary. We think this is the perfect opportunity for a digital detox, but if you can't live without your Netflix shows, we recommend downloading a few episodes or movies prior to your arrival.
Now, what does a day at Wild Grass look like?
Unless you wish to do nothing but relax in the privacy of your own villa (which is perfectly fine too, our villas are built to be enjoyed and relaxed in!), no day will be the same. We have prepared a sample itinerary with the best activities so you really make the most of your time with us.
Day 1 - Arrival
Your villa will be ready for you as of 1PM - of course you are welcome to arrive at any time throughout the day. In case you arrive early, your luggage is safe with us and will be waiting for you in your villa once it's time to check in. Go ahead and explore the area and the resort, or enjoy a snack or lunch at our restaurant.
Take your time checking into your villa and fully take in the natural beauty of our resort and your private space. We pride ourselves in the untouched forest scenery that surrounds Wild Grass. Our villas have been built in natural clearings to keep the rich jungle tapestry intact and to avoid being intrusive to the wildlife that live in the property, so you are likely to already see and/or hear a variety of animals just on the way to your villa!
While you can already set out to explore on your first day, we recommend saving most of the physical activities, such as climbing Sigiriya Rock or Dambulla cave temple, for the mornings of Days 2 or 3.
Why not use the afternoon to lounge by our pool or use our bicycles to take a tour of the surrounding villages? Personally, we think the perfect way to start your Wild Grass Experience is by enjoying a Tea on the Rock- the most memorable tea experience exclusively at Wild Grass. After a 30-minute guided trek from the hotel through a stretch of forest, you will be welcomed to breathtaking views of Dambulla and the Kandalama and Lenawa reservoirs. You'll enjoy some delicious pastries, tea, and coffee atop the hill sitting around a natural stone table. If you climb a bit further up, you can even catch a glimpse of Pidurangala and Sigiriya Rock! The sunset from this point is absolutely stunning, so we recommend going up in the late afternoon - just be mindful that it might already be dark on your way down. Don't worry though, you won't be left completely alone during this 1.5 hour adventure - our staff will be with you and will accompany you on the way down.
Finish off your day by stopping by our bar and enjoy some happy hour cocktails before you head to Treetops Restaurant for dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken curry or pork chops, all of our dishes are freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients from our very own garden or the village community.
We have a full day prepared for you, so if the sun hasn't worn you out already, be sure to get to bed at a decent hour to wake up in time for a new day full of adventures.
Day 2: Sigiriya Rock and Safari
Rise and Shine! Even though you're on vacation, the best way to make the most out of your trip is by getting up and going early in the morning. Both crowds and the heat are more bearable in the early morning hours. We usually ask our guests about their breakfast wishes the night before, so your choice of breakfast will be waiting for you at the restaurant - or your villa in case you choose room service. Plan on setting off to Sigiriya Rock around 7AM.
Don't forget to wear comfortable hiking boots, breathable clothing and bring sunscreen and plenty of water. If you've booked the Sigiriya Tour with us, then we also provide a small lunch and water for you to bring on your trip.
If you set off early, you will be back at the resort just in time for lunch!
Spend the afternoon on a journey through the wild! We offer a Safari at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, during which guests often spot elephants, leopards and many other wild animals. It goes without saying that you will be entering the animals' home, so while we can't guarantee the sighting of specific animals, your guides will do their best to get as close as possible in a safe manner without disturbing the animals in their natural habitat.
You'll reach the hotel with plenty of time to relax before it's time for dinner.
Day 3 - Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple is another must-see during your visit. Alongside Sigiriya Lion Rock, it's another World Heritage Site that's just a short distance from Wild Grass and it's the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. You can count a total of 153 Buddha statues of all sizes in a total of five caves, in addition to paintings and other statues. You'll break a sweat on the way up as the temple towers 160 meters over the surrounding grounds, so we recommend going to Dambulla Cave Temple in the morning to avoid the hot midday sun.
Once you're back at the resort, use the rest of the day to relax by the pool, read a book, and just enjoy soaking in the sounds of nature. Bikes are at your disposal to use in case you crave some more physical activity, and our resident naturalist is happy to chat with you about the wildlife that made Wild Grass its home. With 120 different species of birds that can be spotted in the area, it's the perfect spot to go bird watching!
Finish off your day with a couple of cocktails and if you've loved the Tea on the Rock experience, why not climb back up to the top of the Rock to enjoy some dinner there too? If you are too tired from all the climbing you've done during the last couple of days, we are also happy to bring your dinner to your villa for you to enjoy in private.
Day 4 - Departure
While there's many other things to do at Wild Grass and in the greater vicinity (such as other heritages sites like Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Kandy), we will conclude our sample itinerary on Day 4 with your departure. Be sure to pack up all your belongings in your villa and enjoy one last breakfast before you set off to your next destination, while we bring your suitcases to the reception. We hope you've enjoyed your stay with us as much as we have enjoyed hosting you!