Wilpattu National Park

Sri Lanka - Getting to know Wilpattu National Park

Discover the grandeur of Wilpattu, Sri Lanka's largest National Park, home to a thriving leopard population, elephants, sloth bears, crocs, cobras, pythons, and turtles. Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity, with bird species like spoonbills and elegant large white egrets. Encounter the elusive muntjac or barking deer, and be captivated by the park's vibrant butterfly population. Wilpattu offers a unique safari experience, where nature's wonders unfold at every turn.

Sri Lanka Wilpattu National Park Travel Guide

Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905, and elevated to National Park status some 30 years later, Wilpattu protects a massive 131,693 hectares. The leopards here are still being counted - although their numbers may not rival Yala's high density population, Wilpattu's leopards are still world-renowned.

Situated in Sri Lanka's dry zone, Wilpattu is unlike any other wildlife sanctuary on the island. A unique complex of over 50 wetland areas called 'villu', these basins are the park's most prominent topographical feature. 'Villu' are shallow natural lakes that fill with rainwater, and are usually surrounded by open grassy plains amidst the dense scrub jungle that predominates elsewhere.

The villu, with their abundance of water, are topped up during the main rainy season between September and December, when the park enjoys heavy downpours courtesy of the northeast monsoon. They act as natural reservoirs during the annual drought, which lasts from May to September.

Weather in Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is situated in the dry lowlands of the island’s north-west, and comprises a series of lakes – known as villus – which the park's creatures often depend on. The park's average temperature is 27 degrees centigrade; annual rainfall is 1000mm; and the best time to visit is between February and October.