Things to do
Safari drives, birdwatching, mangrove boats and a cooking session, all arranged at the lodge, all using local guides.
Half day or full day
Wilpattu is the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka, and far quieter than Yala. We arrange the jeep, the tracker and the park permits, and we will have you at the gate for opening. Leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer, elephant and mugger crocodile are all resident.
2–3 hours
The villus, natural rain-fed lakes, draw painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, open-bills and the occasional black-necked stork. More than 200 species have been recorded in and around the park, and a good share of them pass through the lodge garden.
2 hours
The Kala Oya estuary holds one of the densest mangrove stands in Sri Lanka. A slow boat through the channels at dusk is the best way to see kingfishers, monitor lizards and, at a respectful distance, the resident crocodiles.
3 hours
Walk out through the paddy with one of the team, then come back and cook. You will grate the coconut, temper the spices and put together a rice and curry with whatever the garden gave up that morning. Then you eat it.
Planning
Wilpattu is a dry-zone park, so game viewing follows the water.
The sweet spot. Water concentrates in the villus, the animals concentrate with it, and the weather is dependable.
Still dry and still good, with fewer visitors. The park normally closes briefly in September, so check with us before booking those dates.
Greener, wetter and excellent for birds, with migrants on the lakes. Tracks can be soft after heavy rain.
Tell us your dates and we will book the jeep, the tracker and the park permits alongside your room.
Check availability