Hilton Yala Resort marked the Sinhala & Tamil New Year with a vibrant and culturally immersive celebration through “Avurudu in the Wild,” bringing together guests, team members, and families for a memorable festive experience set against the breathtaking wilderness of Yala.

Held amidst the resort’s unique setting between the Indian Ocean and the edge of Yala National Park, the celebration blended Sri Lanka’s cherished New Year traditions with Hilton Yala’s signature hospitality, offering guests an unforgettable way to experience Avurudu in the wild.

The day featured a rich programme of traditional rituals and festivities, including milk boiling, oil lamp lighting, ganudenu rituals, live rabana performances, cultural acts, and an elaborate traditional kavili display. Guests also took part in a series of much-loved Avurudu games and competitions, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, nostalgia, and community spirit.

The event welcomed both local and international guests, many of whom experienced the traditions of Sinhala & Tamil New Year for the first time, further strengthening Hilton Yala’s commitment to curating meaningful destination-led experiences rooted in local culture.

“At Hilton Yala, we believe true luxury lies in creating authentic and memorable experiences that connect our guests with the destination,” said Gitanjali Chakravarthy, General Manager of Hilton Yala Resort. “Avurudu in the Wild was a beautiful celebration of Sri Lankan heritage, and we were delighted to share the joy, traditions, and warmth of the New Year with our guests in such a unique setting.”

As Hilton’s only wildlife resort globally, Hilton Yala continues to champion immersive cultural programming alongside its wildlife and nature-led offerings, delivering experiences that celebrate both the destination and the traditions that make Sri Lanka truly special.

As Hilton Yala transitions into the months ahead, the resort looks forward to welcoming guests into one of Yala’s most captivating wildlife seasons, when the surrounding wilderness comes alive with heightened safari activity and nature offers some of its most extraordinary sightings. With the dry season approaching and the much-anticipated sloth bear season on the horizon, guests visiting in the coming months can expect even more remarkable encounters that further elevate the magic of a stay in the wild.

Through initiatives such as Avurudu in the Wild, Hilton Yala reinforces its position as one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive luxury destinations — where culture, community, and wilderness come together in extraordinary ways.

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Hilton Yala Resort is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

For more information or to make reservations, please visit Hilton Yala Resort or call +94 47 255 5555.

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