Leopard Trails, Wilpattu
Wilpattu National Park

After gaining momentum in Yala National Park, Leopard Trails set up a new luxury camp in the lesser-known Wilpattu National Park. Thanks to its off-beat location in the north west of Sri Lanka, a stay here offers an exclusive and memorable experience.

While the camp's overall style follows in the footsteps of the original property - with an emphasis on rustic yet comfortable design in a khaki and monochrome colour scheme - it is smaller in size and features the most luxurious tent: the Leopard Trails Suite. We adore this spacious tent with its bright interior design, Bawa-inspired polished concrete flooring, marble and white-tiled bathroom and beautiful brass furnishings. Its extra space makes it an ideal fit for families; plus, its veranda provides a scenic place to rest while soaking in the great outdoors in peace. Despite not being so elaborate, the Deluxe Tents are perfectly comfortable, too.

The communal areas of this camp are simple yet elegant and provide tranquil spots in which to relax after safari game drives. We recommend chatting with the other guests in the canvas dining room while enjoying Leopard Trails' incredible cuisine (a delightful mixture of Sri Lankan dishes), and gathering around the camp fire as the day draws to a close with a G&T in hand. Another highlight of your stay here is sure to be swapping stories with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are likely to join you for a nightcap after dinner under a blanket of stars.

Here within the largest National Park in the country, you will drive through striking landscapes, from atmospheric ‘weera’ forests and grassy plains to lily-pad covered marshes and reflective lakes (in fact, Wilpattu translates as ‘Land of Lakes'). The varied terrain is home to a fantastic array of wildlife, including multiple mammals, reptiles and birds. Our favourites to keep an eye out for are sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, Indian star tortoises and Malabar Pied Hornbills. If luck is on your side, you may catch glimpses of the magnificent king of the Sri Lankan jungle, the leopard (although your chances are higher in Yala).

Leopard Trails' Wilpattu camp lies just under an hour away by road from Anuradhapura (a key part of the Cultural Triangle), and a few hours from Colombo, so fits nicely into a wider tour of Sri Lanka.

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller