Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Home to over 50 natural lakes called “villus” that fill with rainwater during monsoon season, Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park, covering nearly 2% of the island’s total land area. This vast wilderness is a sanctuary for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bears, and a remarkable diversity of wildlife that gather around these unique water basins as they slowly evaporate during the dry season.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Wilpattu National Park is located on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 180 km (112 miles) north of Colombo. The park lies 30 km (19 miles) west of the ancient city of Anuradhapura and 26 km (16 miles) north of Puttalam, making it accessible from several major tourist destinations.

By Air

The most convenient way to reach Wilpattu is to fly into Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo and then travel by road. International travelers can find flights to Sri Lanka from major global hubs.

By Road

From Colombo, you can reach Wilpattu by:

• Private vehicle: The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours via the A3 highway.
• Public bus: Take a bus to Anuradhapura or Puttalam, then a local bus or tuk-tuk to the park entrance.
• Organized tour: Many tour operators offer transportation as part of safari packages.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Wilpattu National Park can be visited year-round, but certain seasons offer better wildlife viewing opportunities than others.

Best Time to Visit Wilpattu National Park

The annual temperature in Wilpattu averages around 27.2°C (81.0°F). The park receives approximately 1,000 mm (39 in) of rainfall annually, primarily from the northeast monsoon (December to February) and inter-monsoonal rains in March.

Getting Around Locally

Exploring Wilpattu National Park requires a 4×4 vehicle due to the rugged terrain. Visitors are not permitted to drive their own vehicles inside the park.

Safari Options

• Full-day safari (6 AM – 6 PM): The most comprehensive option, allowing you to explore deeper sections of the park and maximize wildlife sightings.
• Half-day safari: Available as morning (6 AM – 12 PM) or afternoon (12 PM – 6 PM) options.
• Multi-day safaris: For serious wildlife enthusiasts who want to fully experience the park.

All safari packages typically include a 4×4 jeep with driver/guide, park entrance fees, and sometimes meals and beverages. Prices vary depending on the duration and inclusions.

Where to Stay

While there are no accommodations inside Wilpattu National Park itself, several excellent options are available near the park entrance and in nearby cities.

Wildlife & Safari Experiences

Wilpattu National Park is home to 31 species of mammals, including several endangered and endemic species. The park’s unique ecosystem of lakes (villus) attracts diverse wildlife, making it a premier safari destination in Sri Lanka.

Top 5 Animals to See in Wilpattu

1. Sri Lankan Leopard

Wilpattu is home to the Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), the largest leopard subspecies in the world. A 2018 survey identified 133 individual leopards in the park, with a density of approximately 18 leopards per 100 km². Look for them resting in the shade around lakes during the day.

2. Sloth Bear

Wilpattu is considered the best place in Sri Lanka for spotting sloth bears (Melursus ursinus inornatus). These shaggy, insect-eating mammals are most active in early morning and can often be seen ambling between the lakes in search of termites and berries.

3. Sri Lankan Elephant

The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) is the largest and darkest of all Asian elephant subspecies, standing up to 3.5 meters tall. While not as abundant as in some other Sri Lankan parks, elephants are frequently spotted around Maradanmaduwa tank and other water sources.

4. Endemic Birds

Wilpattu is home to 149 bird species, including several endemic to Sri Lanka. Look for the colorful Sri Lanka Junglefowl (the national bird), Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Brown-capped Babbler, and Crimson-fronted Barbet. The Painted Stork colonies at Maradanmaduwa tank are particularly impressive.

5. Reptiles and Amphibians

The park is home to 17 reptile species, including the impressive Mugger Crocodile, Water Monitor, Sri Lankan Python, and various turtle species that can be spotted around the lakes and wetland areas.

Practical Travel Tips

Park Fees and Permits

Entrance to Wilpattu National Park requires payment of fees that vary for foreign tourists, SAARC country nationals, and Sri Lankan citizens. As of 2023, foreign adult visitors pay approximately 4,000 LKR (about $15 USD) plus service charges and taxes. A separate fee applies for vehicles entering the park.

Dining & Local Cuisine

While there are no restaurants inside Wilpattu National Park, several dining options are available near the park entrance and at accommodations in the area.

Dining Options

• Lodge/Camp Restaurants: Most accommodations near Wilpattu offer full-board options with Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
• Safari Picnics: Full-day safaris typically include packed meals or picnic lunches served at designated rest areas within the park.
• Anuradhapura Restaurants: The nearby city offers a wider range of dining options, from local eateries to more upscale restaurants.

Local Specialties to Try

• Rice and Curry: The staple Sri Lankan meal featuring rice served with multiple curry dishes, pickles, and sambols.
• Hoppers: Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with an egg in the center.
• Kottu Roti: Chopped flatbread stir-fried with spices, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
• Fresh Seafood: The coastal location means excellent fish and seafood dishes are widely available.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Beyond its natural wonders, Wilpattu National Park holds significant historical and cultural importance in Sri Lankan heritage.

Historical Connections

• Prince Vijaya’s Landing: According to the Mahavansa (the great chronicle of Sri Lanka), Prince Vijaya landed at Tambapanni (now known as Kudrimalai Point) in 543 BC and established the Sinhalese kingdom, founding the Sinhala nation.
• Roman Connections: Kudrimalai was visited by a subject of Roman Emperor Claudius in 47 AD who was blown off course by monsoon winds. The local king later sent envoys to Rome.
• Park Establishment: Wilpattu was designated as a sanctuary in 1905 and upgraded to National Park status on December 25, 1938, making it one of Sri Lanka’s oldest protected areas.

Nearby Cultural Attractions

While visiting Wilpattu, consider exploring these nearby cultural sites:

• Anuradhapura: This UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient capital is less than an hour’s drive from Wilpattu. Explore sacred Bo trees, massive dagobas (stupas), and ancient monasteries.
• Tantrimale: An ancient rock temple with reclining Buddha statues and cave paintings.
• Thiruvappane: A small village with ancient ruins and religious significance.

Plan Your Wilpattu Adventure

Wilpattu National Park offers a unique safari experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Unlike some of Sri Lanka’s more crowded parks, Wilpattu provides a more serene and authentic wilderness experience where you can observe animals in their natural habitat without the distraction of dozens of other vehicles.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer hoping to capture the perfect shot of a Sri Lankan leopard, a bird enthusiast seeking endemic species, or simply a nature lover wanting to experience Sri Lanka’s wild side, Wilpattu offers unforgettable encounters with some of Asia’s most magnificent creatures in a stunning natural setting.