Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Northern Province and is easily accessible from the sacred city of Anuradhapura. This is well worth it as a standalone attraction as it records the second-highest leopard density in Sri Lanka, after Yala. It also admits a smaller number of visitors, which sets it in stark contrast to Yala National Park, which tends to get overcrowded. These reasons alone make Wilpattu National Park a perfect alternative for proper safari-goers who prefer to see magnificent wild animals in their natural habitat while avoiding annoying crowds. It also reduces the burden falling on Yala National Park as the leading leopard safari destination in Sri Lanka.
The leopards at Wilpattu are elusive, yet the high density makes spotting leopards at Wilpattu easier. The unique “Villu” lake ecosystem inside the Park provides a perfect setting for seeing these beautiful creatures up close in their natural habitat. Villus is a natural rainwater lake, which works as an important water source for this dry zone park’s wild inhabitants. They also draw herds of Asian elephants and provide a habitat for birdlife. In fact, the Villus at Wilpattu is designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance. The park is also a haven for aquatic sea birds as its western boundary is the Indian Ocean. In addition, Wilpattu National Park is home to 31 mammals including the Sri Lankan sloth bear, water buffalo, spotted deer, ruddy mongoose, mugger crocodile, Bengal monitors, and mouse deer, all of which are threatened species.
For Booking please visit – Wilpattu Safari, Wildlife Holiday Packages
Safari Information
Opening and Closing Times – 6.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m
Safari Duration – 3-4 hours
Park Entrances
- Hunuwilgama Entrance (Main Gate)
Major eco-systems inside Wilpattu National Park
- Tropical Dry Mixed Evergreen Forest
- Salt marshes
- Scrublands
- Villu Wetlands
- Beaches
Area in Wilpattu National Park
Total Area – 131, 700 hectares
Other information about Park
Status – National park, Important Bird Area (IBAs), International Ramsar Wetland
Altitude – Sea level to 152m
Annual Rainfall – 900mm
Monthly mean temperature range – 270C
Closest Towns – Nochchiyagama, Puttalam, Anuradhapura
Nearest Hospital – Rajanganaya Divisional Hospital
Access Roads to Wilpattu Block 1 (Palatupana Entrance)
- Colombo to Wilpattu via Puttalam (190km)
- Anuradhapura to Wilpattu (39km)
Major Attractions in Wilpattu National Park – Sri Lankan Leopards, Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear
Best time to visit – February to October