North Western Province, Sri Lanka
Wilpattu National Park
Discover Sri Lanka’s Wild Side
- Best time
- May to early September
- Ideal stay
- 1-2 Days
- Travel style
- Wildlife & Nature
Updated 1 min read
Wilpattu National Park is situated 30 km west of Anuradhapura and 25 km north of Puttalam on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, straddling the border between the North Central and North Western provinces.
Bordered by the Modergam Aru River to the south and the Kala Oya River to the north, the park is easily reached via the A3 highway to Puttalam and then along the A12 Anuradhapura route, turning at Hunuwilagama to reach the main entrance. First designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1905, it was elevated to a national park in 1938, becoming Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife reserve, covering over 131,693 hectares.
What makes a Wilpattu national park safari so unique compared to other dry-zone reserves is its distinct complex of over 50 natural wetlands known as “Villus.” These rain-fed lakes, nestled within dense scrub forest and open grasslands, sustain an incredible density of wildlife throughout the year. The park receives its heaviest rainfall during the northeast monsoon from September to December, with inter-monsoon showers in March and April, while a dry season spans from May to early September.
