Wilpattu

Wilpattu National Park, located on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast between Puttalam and Anuradhapura, is the country’s largest and one of its oldest national parks. Spanning over 1,300 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its unique landscape of natural lakes, or “villus,” which attract a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year. Wilpattu is especially famous for its thriving population of Sri Lankan leopards, offering some of the best opportunities for sightings in the wild. Visitors can also encounter elephants, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds during guided jeep safaris. Unlike the more crowded southern parks, Wilpattu retains a sense of untouched wilderness, with dense forests and open grasslands creating a tranquil, authentic safari experience. Best visited between February and October, Wilpattu National Park offers a perfect blend of adventure, serenity, and natural beauty for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.