Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka's Largest & Oldest National Park
Sri Lanka's Largest & Oldest National Park
Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park, covering an impressive area of 1,317 square kilometers. Located in the northwest coast lowland dry zone, Wilpattu is renowned for its unique geographical feature called "Willus" - natural sand-rimmed water basins or lakes that are the lifeline of the park's diverse wildlife. The park's name "Wilpattu" literally means "Land of Lakes" in Sinhala.
This pristine wilderness sanctuary is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, with the Sri Lankan leopard being the star attraction. Wilpattu is considered one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. The park also hosts substantial populations of elephants, sloth bears, deer, wild boar, and water buffalo that gather around the willus, especially during the dry season.
Beyond mammals, Wilpattu boasts rich avifauna with over 200 bird species including painted storks, open-billed storks, little cormorants, and various species of eagles and owls. The park's diverse landscape ranges from dense scrub jungle to open grasslands, with coastal areas featuring sand dunes and pristine beaches. The network of nearly 60 lakes scattered throughout the park creates a unique ecosystem that supports this incredible biodiversity, making Wilpattu a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
in Wilpattu National Park
Birds such as painted storks perch on trees around the park's natural "villus" creating spectacular wildlife scenes.
Wilpattu is the premier national park to spot the endemic Sri Lankan Sloth Bear in its natural habitat.
Leopards roaming near the forest tracks can be easily spotted throughout the park.
