Thippola - The Leisure Lodge

A friendly, decent place that's easy to get to from Yala National Park. It isn't a typical hotel, and seems like a good fit for a young group.

A great place to stay right by the lake.

The kitchen was disgusting and poorly equipped, and the bathroom was filthy. Both were full of insects. The dorm is a big open room upstairs, so there’s traffic noise and very little privacy. It was also hard to find because the guesthouse has changed its name, now Hostel First @ Yala Park, but hasn’t updated the address or location details. Construction still isn’t finished, and the photos from 2005 seem to be current. The staff were friendly, though they barely spoke any foreign language. The area is only useful for the nearby jeep safaris and bus stop; there’s nothing else to do. I’d strongly avoid staying here.