Taru Villas Villu
Wilpattu National Park

On the fringes of Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, Taru Villas Villu offers a refined yet adventurous escape where luxury meets the untamed beauty of the wilderness. This intimate lodge in Sri Lanka’s north-west is designed for travellers who want to combine the thrill of safari with the comfort and elegance that defines the Taru Villas collection.

The property sits in harmony with its surroundings, with just seven thoughtfully designed chalets blending natural materials, artisanal detail and understated style. Interiors are spacious and light-filled, with polished cement floors, handwoven textiles and bespoke furniture that reflect the understated elegance for which Taru Villas is known. Wide windows and verandas open directly onto gardens and the surrounding forest, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors, and ensuring that the sights and sounds of the jungle are never far away.

Accommodation is divided across seven exclusive chalets, each featuring a private plunge pool, providing both intimacy and luxury. Deluxe Chalets are ideal for couples, with king-size beds, rainfall showers and terraces that invite guests to unwind after morning safaris. The Master Chalet offers additional space with a separate seating area, generous terrace and views that stretch across the forest canopy. Every chalet is individually styled with subtle nods to Sri Lankan heritage, hand-carved wood, local batiks and contemporary art, creating a sense of place that feels authentic without being overdone.

Staying at Taru Villas Villu is about more than comfort, it’s about proximity to nature. Wilpattu is famous for its leopards, elephants, sloth bears and rich birdlife, all thriving among the park’s distinctive villus - natural lakes that give the park its name. Daily guided jeep safaris, led by experienced naturalists, bring guests up close to this remarkable ecosystem, while the lodge itself is designed as a retreat where you can reflect on each day’s encounters with Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Dining is a highlight of the experience. Fresh, seasonal Sri Lankan cuisine takes centre stage, with menus that feature fragrant curries, local vegetables and seafood from nearby Puttalam Lagoon, alongside international favourites. Meals are often served alfresco under the stars or in open-sided pavilions, where the sounds of the forest create a unique backdrop.

The lodge’s facilities are designed for both relaxation and exploration. A shimmering swimming pool offers a refreshing pause between game drives, while shaded gardens and quiet lounges encourage unhurried afternoons. Attentive staff are on hand to arrange personalised experiences, from birdwatching walks to cultural excursions in nearby Anuradhapura, ensuring every stay is tailored to the guest.

What sets Taru Villas Villu apart is its ability to combine the excitement of a Sri Lanka safari lodge with the intimacy and polish of a boutique hotel. Guests often describe the atmosphere as one of balance, the thrill of leopard tracking in the morning, followed by peaceful evenings by the pool, surrounded by the calls of the jungle.

For travellers seeking an immersive yet comfortable way to experience Wilpattu National Park, Taru Villas Villu provides an ideal base. It’s a place where the wilderness feels close, where luxury is understated but ever-present, and where each moment, whether on safari or at the villa, leaves you with a deeper connection to Sri Lanka’s wild north-west.

There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign.
Robert Louis Stevenson