‘Nat Geo Mission Cover Shot’ with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts kick starts at Yala

The first elimination round of the ‘Nat Geo Mission Cover Shot’ reality show was completed at Chaaya Wild Yala, giving the contestants an exciting ‘Wildlife Challenge’.

‘Net Geo Mission Cover Shot’ is the first-ever photography reality show hosted by National Geography to be completely filmed in Sri Lanka. Eight aspiring photographers from across the world have been shortlisted and are currently competing in the elimination rounds held in Sri Lanka.

Located bordering the famed Yala National Park, Chaaya Wild Yala was a convenient, picturesque and comfortable lodging. Interestingly, Chaaya Wild Yala proved to be more than just a hospitality partner, the experts in the field, Cinnamon Nature Trails naturalist was part of the production, giving the contestants guidance on how to capture the best moments on a half a day shoot, briefing them on the history and diversity of the Yala National Park.

The safari spanned six hours, yielding a series of spectacular images which were later short listed. It is noteworthy that among the images that were shortlisted, none of the images were of Yala’s leopards, which is testimony of the large biodiversity that the Yala National Parks extends to its visitors.

Head of Eco Tourism at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Chitral Jayatileke was invited to be part of the panel of field masters conducting the Yala leg and assisted in short listing the best images.  All the contestants were thrilled with the Yala experience while all three celebs, Amy Vital, Nagesh Kukunoor and Shibani Dandekkar expressed that the Yala leg added much energy and diversity to the program.

“Chaaya Wild Yala is one of the best resorts of its kind I have ever experienced, and I plan to promote it back home with much enthusiasm and hope to be back at Chaaya Wild soon,” said the Bollywood Director Kukunoor.

The participants also were able to experience traditional Sri Lankan martial arts at Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa, which set the stage for their next challenge.