Wilpattu & the Northwest
Sri Lanka’s largest national park, dolphins and kitesurfing on the Kalpitiya peninsula.
The north-west coast is quiet, flat and windy — which makes Kalpitiya one of Asia’s best kitesurfing spots and its offshore waters home to huge pods of spinner dolphins. Inland, Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in the country, a landscape of natural lakes (villus) where leopards and sloth bears roam with far fewer vehicles than Yala. The lagoons and wetlands around Puttalam and Anawilundawa are excellent for birdwatchers.
Highlights
- Leopard safari in Wilpattu
- Dolphin watching off Kalpitiya
- Kitesurfing in the lagoon
- Birding at Anawilundawa
Places to visit in Wilpattu & the Northwest
wildlifeWilpattu & the Northwest
Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka's largest national park, a landscape of natural lakes (villus) and forest where leopards and sloth bears roam with far fewer jeeps than Yala. Full-day safaris give the best chances.
Best: February to October
natureWilpattu & the Northwest
Puttalam Lagoon & Salt Pans
Shallow lagoon flats where sea salt is harvested by hand, with wading birds and pastel-coloured pans at sunset. A short stop on the road to Kalpitiya or Wilpattu.
Best: February to September
wildlifeWilpattu & the Northwest
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
A Ramsar-listed cluster of ancient irrigation tanks between the coast and the mangroves, excellent for waterbirds. Walk the bunds early in the morning with binoculars.
Best: November to April
Wilpattu & the Northwest
Kalpitiya Peninsula
A long, windy sandspit known for huge pods of spinner dolphins offshore in season and some of the best kitesurfing in Asia on its lagoon. Remote and low-key.
Best: November to April (dolphins); May to October (kitesurfing)