The Sanctuary Wilpattu: Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife lodge
The Sanctuary Wilpattu is the ideal accommodation option for travelers seeking an authentic Sri Lanka wildlife experience and to explore Wilpattu National Park.
Located just 14km from the park gates in Wanathuvilluwa, this 2-acre re-wilded habitat serves as a peaceful gateway for your next jeep safari in Wilpattu.
The lodge is ideally suited for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers. Guests regularly spot native birds, reptiles and other wildlife directly from the lodge grounds
What makes The Sanctuary unique?
- High end accommodation tailored to the needs of keen nature enthusiasts
- In-house dining with both international and Sri Lankan food options
- In-house jeep safaris to Wilpattu NP with our dedicated wildlife guides and modern vehicle (most other operators do not provide a guide, but simply a driver)
- Boat safaris to the neighbouring river systems and shoreline with seasonal whale and dolphin sightings
- Incredible wildlife spotting opportunities on the hotel grounds, with frequent sightings on iconic flaura and fauna (see below)
- Significant experience in conservation and wildlife research, and ongoing efforts undertaken on the property for our guests to explore and experience
Experience the Best Safari in Sri Lanka
Beyond being the best place to see leopards in Sri Lanka, The Sanctuary offers a unique “Little Big 5” experience right on the grounds.
While your jeep safari in Wilpattu NP focuses on big cats, elephants, bears and much more, our sanctuary also highlights the island’s rare, smaller wonders:
THE SANCTUARY’S LITTLE BIG 5
- Grey Slender Loris (Nocturnal sightings)
- Mouse Deer
- Star Tortoise
- Indian Scops Owl
- Spotted Bow Finger Gecko
Why is this the best birding lodge in Sri Lanka?
Created by renowned conservation educator and safari guide Suraj Goonewardene, the property is a dedicated birding lodge in Sri Lanka.
- Biodiversity: Up to 50 species are regularly spotted on-site.
- Expertise: On-site guidance for birding in Wilpattu National Park ensures guests identify rare endemic and migratory birds.
- Re-wilding: A thriving habitat designed specifically for birding in Sri Lanka enthusiasts.
The Accommodation
The two-floor villa can sleep 8 people in two beautifully decorated double rooms with luxurious en-suite bathrooms and a third dormitory-style family room.
- King size beds
- Option for additional beds as required – max occupancy 4 people per room
- Air conditioning
- Ceiling fans
- Hot water showers
- Reliable WIFI connection
- Stunning views onto the gardens with frequent wildlife spotting opportunities
The Restaurant
Our internationally trained chef Dinesha produces excellent Sri Lankan and international food, catering to the tastes and requirements of our guests.
Having a superb restaurant on site means that our guests can relax and maximise their stay, instead of having to go out to eat every evening.
The dinner is served in our shared dining area, and is typically followed by the on-site wildlife night spotting tour, led by our highly trained wildlife guides.
Facilities & Amenities
- Extensive wildlife library for guest use
- Walking trails around the hotel grounds and pond, with frequent wildlife encounters
- Balcony area to enjoy the sunrise and sunset views
- Laundry services available
- Nightly on-site free guided tours with our in-house guide
Activities available
The lodge offers curated tours of Wilpattu National Park and boat excursions on the Puttalam lagoon
- Curated tours of Wilpattu National Park with well-trained, professional, and experienced safari guides.
- Wilpattu National Park, established in 1938, is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest protected parks, offering sightings of leopard, elephant, crocodile, serpent eagle, sloth bear, deer, and sambar.
- Boat excursions on Puttalam lagoon and protected mangroves, including dips in the beautiful tributaries off the lagoon.
- Complimentary nature walks on the property trail with two highly trained resident wildlife guides.
Jeep Safari to Wilpattu National Park
As a specialist safari lodge in Sri Lanka, we bridge the gap between luxury stay and conservation education.
Our location off the main road in Wanathuvilluwa ensures a quiet, immersive environment, perfect for those booking a jeep safari in Wilpattu to explore the park’s famous “villus” and leopard corridors.
We also offer boat safaris (weather dependent) where guests can see dolphins, whales and many more marine species
Safari & Wildlife Tours
Experience the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka with our expert-led wildlife excursions. All safaris and tours include a professional English-speaking naturalist guide to help you spot and learn about the incredible biodiversity of the region.
| TOUR TYPE | DESCRIPTION | DURATION / TIMES | PRICE (LKR) |
| Wilpattu Full Day TOUR 1 | Recommended for birds, elephants and leopards. Eluwankulama entrance. 4 guests max | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 58,000 for 2 guests |
| Wilpattu Full Day TOUR 2 | Recommended for birds, sloth bear and leopards. Hunuwilgama entrance. 4 guests max | 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 65,000 for 2 guests |
| Wilpattu Half Day Morning | Early morning wildlife activity | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 42,000 for 2 guests |
| Wilpattu Half Day Afternoon | Late afternoon & nocturnal start | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM | 42,000 for 2 guests |
| Elephant Tree Boat Tour | 3 hours boat tour to visit Sri Lanka’s largest baobab tree and mangrove ecosystems – Max 6 guests | Departure time is decided on booking | 19,000 for 2 guests |
| Walking Wildlife Tour – Nelum Wewa | Walking tour to find birds and crocodiles. Max 4 guests | 6:00 – 9:00 AM or 3:30 – 6:30 PM | 8,000 for 2 guests |
| Walking Wildlife Tour – The Sanctuary | Guided exploration of our 2-acre haven to find birds, mammals and reptiles | 6:00 – 8:00 AM or 4:00 – 6:00 PM | 3,000 for 2 guests (1,000 per extra hour) |
| Walking Night Wildlife Tour | Explore The Sanctuary by night to find lloris, owls and reptiles. Max 4 people | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 3,000 for 2 guests (1,000 per extra hour) |
| Kalpitiya Dolphin Boat Tour | Departs from Gangewadiya to see birds and marine mammals including Spinner Dolphins. October – May only. Max 6 people | 7:00 – 12:00 AM | 49,000 for 2 guests |
Important Safari Information
- Inclusions: Prices include Park Entrance Fees for 2 Adults and private Jeep/Boat hire. (Rates valid as of 11/8/2026).
- Exclusions: Prices do not include transfers (approx. Rs. 4,000 for pick-up/drop-off) or meals and bottled water.
- Overnight Guests: Additional hours for walking tours are available at Rs. 1,000 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should guests bring with them to maximise their experience at the Lodge?
- Walking shoes or hiking boots
- Rain coat
- Lightweight long sleeve shirt and long pants – neutral colours preferred
- Camera & Binoculars
- Broad-rimmed hat and polarized sunglasses
- Small day pack for hikes
- Small snacks for the jeep safari trips
- A sense of adventure and discovery
What weather and temperatures can guest expect ?
Average temperatures are uniform throughout the year, hovering around 28°C (82°F) and ranging from 22°C – 32°C (71°F – 94°F)
- December – March (Dry/Cooler Season): The most pleasant time to visit, with lower rainfall and moderate winds.
- May – September (Monsoon Season): High winds, humidity, and rainfall, though August is sometimes drier.
- October – November (Pre-Monsoon/Inter-monsoon): Usually the wettest period
When is the best time to visit?
What facilities and equipment are available for guest use?
Do visitors need any specific vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis to visit? What common nuisances can visitors expect to find?
Fortunately, both malaria and yellow fever have been eradicated in Sri Lanka. Therefore no mandatory vaccinations are required for your visit, and there is no need for malaria prohylaxis. Being a tropical climate, you can expect the main nuisances to be mosquitoes and sun exposure.
Getting Here
We are located in the outskirts of Wanathavillu, a small community 14km from the western entrance to Wilpattu National Park.
Travel time from Colombo or Kandy is roughly 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Anuradhapura is roughly 2 hours away
When you arrive, look for a small dirt road turning left (across the road from St Jude’s Church) and follow the road around as it snakes past neighbouring properties to The Sanctuary.
BOOKINGS & CONTACT
TO BOOK YOUR STAY PLEASE USE ONE OF THE LINKS BELOW
Email: admin@thesanctuarywilpattu.com
Phone: +94 773163519
Address: Number 1050, 12th Mile Post, Wanathavilluwa 61306, Sri Lanka