The Ibis - Wilpattu

The Ibis offers a delightful breakfast with homemade meals, clean rooms, and a picturesque setting near Wilpattu National Park. Guests appreciate the exceptional hospitality and personalized experiences.

It's really hard to describe the Ibis in a few sentences. While it's near the Wilpattu National Park, you feel as if you're IN a national park with a wonderful selection of waterfowl that visit the extensive lake one which The Ibis is located. This is not a multistory, fancy, glass box of a resort: it's low, and quiet (except for the bird calls), and elegant in a casual, loving sort of way. The buildings are brick, and one story, with air conditioning and expansive windows which face the lake. Sit on your front porch in the afternoon, and watch the birds and have a cocktail while the sun sets over the jungle. While elephants are in the neighborhood, we saw water buffalos instead on the far side of the lake. The food is excellent. There's not much choice, but we loved every meal. Great Sri Lankan curries, fresh fruit from the garden, and fresh baked goods were served at every meal. Henry, who manages the lodge, could not have been a kinder and more helpful. He chose a table for us on the edge of the lake, under a large tree, and it was both romantic and unique. If you've seen people dining at the ends of piers in Fiji, then this was something like it on land. We should have stayed two or three nights, but our rushed schedule to do the typical American "Sri Lanka in five days" program prohibited us from staying longer. When we return to Sri Lanka, we'll schedule more time for The Ibis Lodge. Off the beaten track, but right where you want to be.

Wonderful setting on the edge of the national park. Genuine feel of being house guests with fabulous hosts (the owners) and their staff. Excellent food served under the stars, a plunge pool and activities to complement the spacious rooms. True home from home to relax and enjoy the experience.