Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest national park, spreading over more than 1,300 square kilometres of forest, scrub and grassland in the north-west. Its name means "land of lakes" after the natural, rain-fed lakes (villus) scattered through the park, which draw animals in the dry season. Wilpattu has a healthy leopard population and good sloth bear sightings, but because it is bigger, more forested and further from the beach resorts, it sees far fewer jeeps than Yala. For many wildlife lovers, that makes it the better experience.

What you might see

Leopards, sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles, jackals, mongooses and a rich range of birds including painted storks, crested serpent eagles and Sri Lanka junglefowl. Sightings are less concentrated than at Yala, so patience pays off.

Safari tips

• Full-day safaris are strongly recommended: the park is big and the best areas are a long drive from the main gate.
• Half-day safaris (morning or afternoon) are possible but cover much less ground.
• The main entrance is at Hunuwilagama, about 45 minutes from Anuradhapura.
• Bring breakfast, lunch, plenty of water and binoculars.

When to go

February to October, with the dry months from May to September usually best for sightings around the villus. The park can be wet and muddy from November to January.

Getting there

• About 45 minutes from Anuradhapura.
• About 4 hours from Colombo or Negombo.
• About 1.5 hours from Kalpitiya, which makes Wilpattu and dolphin-watching a natural combination.

Where to stay

Lodges, tented camps and guesthouses cluster around the Hunuwilagama entrance. Staying close to the gate lets you start at dawn.