Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka's largest national park — a mosaic of natural lakes ('villus') dense with leopards, sloth bears and elephants.
About Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park, famous for its network of natural sand-rimmed lakes called villus. Far less crowded than Yala, it offers some of the best leopard, sloth bear and elephant sightings on the island in a wild, uncrowded jungle setting.
Top experiences
- Wilpattu leopard safari
Dawn jeep safaris through jungle tracks and villu shores in search of the elusive leopard.
The famous villusDozens of natural rain-fed lakes that give the park its name and pull in every species.
Sloth bear sightingsOne of the best places on earth to see the shaggy sloth bear, especially in palu fruit season.
Things to do
4x4 leopard tracking safari
Private jeep and naturalist for dawn or dusk game drives.
Bird-watching walk
Guided walks for endemic and migratory species.
Bush camping under the stars
Optional luxury tented night on the park fringe.
Elephant-gathering excursion
Seasonal herds of 200+ elephants at nearby reservoirs.
Attractions nearby
Park visitor centre & museum
Ecology, resident species and safari orientation exhibits.
Ancient rock temples on park fringe
Historic forest monasteries within or bordering the park.
Scenic reservoirs (tanks)
Man-made lakes that draw elephants and waterbirds at dusk.
Traditional villages
Nearby farming communities preserving age-old rural life.
Wilpattu National Park in pictures
