Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in Sri Lanka, covering approximately 1,317 square kilometres in the dry zone of the island’s northwest coast. Located about 30 km west of Anuradhapura and 26 km north of Puttalam, the park is renowned for its remote wilderness and low visitor density compared to more popular parks like Yala.

The defining feature of Wilpattu is its "villus" — natural sand-rimmed lakes that fill with rainwater. Over 100 villus and tanks are scattered across the park, creating vital water sources that attract wildlife throughout the year. These unique wetlands make Wilpattu one of the most ecologically distinct national parks in Sri Lanka.

The park supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, and one of the most significant leopard populations in the country. Camera trap studies have recorded over 100 individual leopards, with a healthy and stable population distributed across the park’s core areas.

Wilpattu is also rich in history, with references in the Mahavansa linking the region to the arrival of Prince Vijaya in 543 BC. The nearby Kudrimalai (Horse Point) has ancient connections to maritime trade and early civilisations. The park was declared a sanctuary in 1905 and later designated as a national park in 1938.

Due to its remote and less crowded nature, Wilpattu offers a quieter and more immersive safari experience. Safaris take place through dense forest tracks, open grassland patches, and around villus where animals gather, especially during the dry season.