Things to do

Whilst relaxing is the main focus on holiday we also want to ensure you have some activities to keep you entertained! So choose from the wide range we offer or you can just sit under a tree and enjoy doing nothing!

Some activities may attract individual charges, please inquire about same via online or onsite.

Wilpattu National Park Safari - The Ibis Wilpattu

Wilpattu National Park Safari

Safari to Wilpattu National park where you can observe the Big 03 (Leopard, Bear and Elephant) among other numerous wild life species. Half or Full Day Safaris with your exclusive Jeep can be organized. A 20 minute drive will you get you to the park entrance.

Grey hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis) at The Ibis Wilpattu

Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) at The Ibis - Wilpattu

hawk-eagle or crested hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus) at The Ibis Wilpattu

Purple-rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) at The Ibis Wilpattu

Fan tail fly catcher with chicks - The Ibis Wilpattu

Sri Lankan Birds - Eagle - On foot at The Ibis Wilpattu

Bird watching

The Ibis is home to more than a 130 species of birds. Take a walk along the bird trail accompanied by our naturalist who will ensure the best sightings and photographs! Early hours of the morning or evening are the recommended times for birdwatching.

River bath

Hop a tuk tuk and drive to a river in close proximity to The Ibis for a unique experience: enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters followed by a delicious lunch on the river banks.

The Loris watch

One of the highlights of staying at The Ibis is that one can opt to go in search of the extremely elusive Grey Slender Loris. They are known to be among the rarest of all the primate species, The Loris is omnivorous consuming mainly fruits, geckos and insects. The Loris is a nocturnal creature, so excursions to seek out this fascinating mammal can only be arranged after dusk.

Agriculture & Tree Planting at The Ibis Wilpattu

Agriculture & Tree Planting

The Ibis has also taken the initiative of partaking in, and encouraging agriculture and tree planting. We, the staff and administration, invite our guests to plant a tree or engage in some agricultural activities, not only to benefit nature but also to create a self-sustaining attitude to life.

Boat Ride

Take a leisurely boat ride and paddle across the lake watching a myriad species of birds catching their dinner, building nests or just enjoy the sounds of the water lapping gently against the boat.

Cycling

Feel the wind in your hair as you ride a bicycle around the property and its environs, taking in the beautiful scenery whilst cycling through paddy fields and small patches of forest. Take a break and chat with the local villagers!

Morning or evening foot Safar at The Ibis Wilpattu

Morning or evening foot Safari

Our naturalist will take you on a tour of the property whilst pointing out different species of flora and fauna and stopping for that all important photo opportunity!

Excursions to the historical sites

Sri Lanka has a rich heritage which dates back 2000 years or more. One of the most significant civilizations and city centers to ever exist during ancient times was Anuradhapura. The Temple city was an architectural marvel, as it boasted of state of the art medical facilities, expertly erected structures and abodes.

Many European and Middle Eastern Nations fought tooth and nail to curry favor with successive kings to gain trade opportunities. Anuradhapura is also the center for Buddhism in Sri Lanka, home to several important religious sites.

Villandagoda is a lesser known site but boasts an equally historic significance to that of Anuradhapura. It was initially the home of a secular sect of monks but it later became the home of Prince Saliya, the exiled son of King Dutugemunu, who fell in love with a low caste woman, was banished by his father and had his title revoked.