Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 077 031 0310, 077 360 0710;
www.palpatha.com
;
Saliyawewa;half-board s/d €81/162, tents from
€70)
First, a warning. If you don't like camping or open-air living, you won't like this place. If,
however, the idea of sleeping on a raised platform with nothing but a mosquito net and a
thatch roof between you and the forest appeals, then you will adore this camp.
There are three open-air 'chalets' as well as a safari tent which offers a little more pro-
tection, but lacks the romance. All have open-air bathrooms with showers coming out of
tree trunks. The shady grounds are full of birds, squirrels and monkeys, the staff are fab-
ulous and the food is good. The only real downside is the bugle call from the nearby army
camp at some ungodly hour in the morning.
Mahoora Safari Camp
LODGE
( Colombo 011-583 0833;
www.mahoora.lk
;
full board s US$622-869, d US$814-1134)
This is safari the old-fashioned, decadent way. Mahoora offers a 'mobile' camp on the edge
of Wilpattu Park. In reality the camp doesn't actually move, but the type of accommoda-
tion can be changed depending on customer needs. Whatever safari tent type you opt for
you can expect a bush-chic luxury stay and quality safari jeeps and guides. Full board in-
cludes all activities for one night and two days.
It's essential to book in advance - not only do they not accept walk-ins, but the camp it-
self may not even be set up.
Information
Wilpattu National Park & Safaris
NATIONAL PARK, SAFARI
(adult/child US$15/8, service charge per group US$8, jeep entry Rs 250, VAT 12%; 6am-6.30pm
(last entry 4.30pm))
Jeeps can be organised for a safari from beside the park entrance gate and ticket office, but
most people organise transport through their accommodation. This also saves you having
to get to the park first! The going rate for a decent jeep is Rs 5000 for about a half-day.
Getting There & Away
