Thamaravila, Wilpattu

With just five tented chalets spread over 9 acres of land, Thamaravilla provides a peaceful and private stay and a gateway to the beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife of Wilpattu National Park.

Although not as busy as some of Sri Lanka's other national parks, Wilpattu still offers a fantastic experience and a wide variety of possible animal sightings like elephants, wild boar, crocodiles, and, of course, the Sri Lankan leopard, not to mention the vast range of birdlife. As it doesn't see the same number of visitors as other parks, it's unlikely that you'll see too many other jeeps while exploring, making a safari in Wilpattu a more personal experience. Thamaravilla is just a 10-minute drive from the entrance to the park and has excellent onsite naturalists, ensuring visitors get the most out of their safaris.

Although the resort's chalets may look rustic from the outside (wooden, thatched structures on stilts), the level of quality and comfort is far above the norm for safari-focused properties, including when compared to others in the area. All five rooms are spacious with a capacity for three or four people and include Wi-Fi, hot water, aircon, hot tubs, and outdoor showers. All rooms have an open-air deck, ideal for relaxing and spotting wildlife, and the family villa also has a private plunge pool. To add to the outdoor luxury theme, meals are served on the lawn, and guests can choose either Sri Lankan or Western food, beautifully presented and made with high-quality ingredients.

If you're looking for a safari not marred by crowds and a camping experience without the hard work of camping, Thamaravilla is an excellent choice.