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A Complete Guide to Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s northwestern region, is one of the country’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. With its diverse ecosystems, including dense forests, dry plains, and serene lakes, Wilpattu offers incredible opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a wide variety of birds. If you’re planning a safari in Wilpattu National Park, here’s everything you need to know about location, safari times, costs, dress code, bungalows and more.

📍 Specifications of Wilpattu National Park

General Information
  • Name: Wilpattu National Park (Land of Lakes)
  • Established: 1938 (Sanctuary since 1905)
  • Managed by: Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Sri Lanka
  • Location: Northwestern Sri Lanka, spanning Puttalam, Anuradhapura, and Mannar districts
  • GPS Coordinates: Approx. 8.35°N, 80.13°E
  • Area: ~ 1,317 km² (Sri Lanka’s largest national park)
Geography & Landscape
  • Elevation: 0–152 m above sea level
  • Climate: Dry zone climate with seasonal monsoons
  • Annual Rainfall: ~1,000–1,500 mm
  • Temperature: Averages 27–30 °C
  • Terrain: Low scrub jungle, dry monsoon forest, open plains, coastal belt, and natural lakes (Willus)
  • Unique Feature: Around 60 sand-rimmed “Willu” lakes (rainwater basins) scattered across the park
Biodiversity
  • Mammals Recorded: 31+ species
  • Bird Species: ~200 recorded
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: 50+ species
  • Key Wildlife Highlights:
    • Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) – top predator, high density population
    • Sri Lankan Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus) – threatened species
    • Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus)
    • Spotted deer, sambar deer, jackals, water buffalo, mugger crocodiles, monitor lizards
Conservation Status
  • IUCN Category: II (National Park)
  • Threats: Illegal logging, poaching, land-use conflicts
  • Conservation Efforts: Anti-poaching patrols, habitat monitoring, eco-tourism initiatives

Wildlife You Can Expect in Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it one of the top safari destinations in Sri Lanka. Here are some of the animals you might spot:

  • Leopards: Wilpattu is one of the best places to see Sri Lanka’s elusive leopards. They are often seen lounging in the shade or crossing the roads.
  • Elephants: Wilpattu is also known for its elephant herds, especially during the dry season when they congregate around water sources.
  • Sloth Bears: The park is home to the rare Sri Lankan sloth bear, often seen foraging in the forest.
  • Crocodiles and Reptiles: You’ll also find crocodiles in the park’s lakes, as well as other reptiles like monitor lizards.
  • Deer species: The park is home to several species of deer, including spotted deer (chital) and sambar deer, which are frequently spotted during safaris.
  • Wild boars: The wild boar is another common sighting in Wilpattu, often seen rooting around in the forest floor.
  • Birdlife: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds, including pelicans, painted storks, and kingfishers.
  • Other Mammals: You may also encounter other mammals like jackals, mongoose, civets, and various species of monkeys and bats.

Safari Times & Durations in Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from March to September. During these months, animals are easier to spot, especially at waterholes where they congregate for drinking. The cooler morning and evening temperatures also make for more comfortable safari conditions. Avoid the Monsoon: The rainy season, from October to February, can make the park roads challenging, and the animals are often more dispersed, making sightings less frequent.

  • Morning Safaris (Half-Day): The best time to go is at dawn when the animals are most active. Morning safaris typically do from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Nearly it’s 5 hours safari session.
  • Afternoon Safaris (Half-Day): The afternoon safari begins around 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the wildlife tends to be more visible as the sun sets and animals come to the waterholes. It also around 5 hours safari.
  • Full day Safari: Full day safari period is from 6:00 AM to  6:00 PM. You can spend about 10 hours inside the park on a full day safari allowing to explore all important parts of the park as well as most of the animals.

Wilpattu National Park Entrances

Hunuwilagama Entrance

(Recommended)

There are 2 entrances to the Wilpattu National Park. The most commonly used entrance is Hunuwilagama Entrance, which is located on Puttalam Road (A12). If you are coming from either Anuradhapura or Dambulla, this is the closest entrance, also highly recommended due to higher animal sightings and facilities.

Eluwankulam Entrance

The other entrance of the Wilpattu National park is Eluwankulama entrance. Close to Puttalam and Kalpitiya tourist area, this entrance is getting popular recently. Usually less number of jeeps are entering here, recommended to book a jeep early as limited number of quality jeeps are available. 

How to Get to Wilpattu National Park Entrances

From Anuradhapura 📍

Closest entrance to Anuradhapura is Hunuwilagama Entrance, which is located on Puttalam Road (A12).

  • Distance (From Anuradhapura): ~45–50 km
  • Travel Time: ~1 hour by taxi.
  • The fastest and most flexible way is by private taxi or tuk-tuk may take more time.
  • Local drivers in Anuradhapura are familiar with the route. If you are going for the morning safari at 6.00 am, start early as 5.00 am.

From Puttalam 📍

Closest entrance to Puttalam and Kalpitiya is the Eluwankulama entrance. This entrance has less visitors than Hunuwilagama entrance.

  • Distance (From Anuradhapura): ~30–45 km (depending on which entrance you use)
  • Travel Time: ~1 to 1.5 hours by car or tuk-tuk
  • Hiring a taxi or tuk-tuk from Puttalam town is the easiest way.
Note: It’s very easy & comfortable to start safari session early in the morning if you stay near by the entrance before safari day and you may also encounter other mammals like jackals, mongoose, civets, and various species of monkeys and bats too. Unless close to the entrance, it’s better to stay in Anuradhapura or Puttalam area.

Wilpattu National Park Safari Costs

Click Here to See Wilpattu Safari Costs

Travel Tips for Wilpattu National Park​

  • Book Safaris in Advance: It is highly recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during the high season (March to September) to secure a quality jeep and a guide. You can book through your tour operator or directly a jeep operator.
  • Your Guide Matters: Animal sightings are not completely random, An experience Guide and a Naturalist will track animals like leopards better based on historical statistics about their behaviour and environment conditions. Hence you need to pick a good team for your safari.
  • Naturalist for Better Experience: Extra Naturalist will be a great addition if you are interested in understanding better about animals, their behaviour, animal tracking, conservation, and national park details.
  • About Food during Safari: Wilpattu offers facility within the park to enjoy a meal during the safari in Kumbukwila Rest Area. You may need Breakfast during a Morning Safari, and Lunch will also be needed for if you are doing a Full Day Safari. Evening Safaris may only need Water and a Snack.  Your hotel, lodge, or campsite may pack a breakfast for you before the safari (usually around 5:00–5:30 AM) or this can be arranged by the safari operator himself. Typically includes sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit cuts, juice boxes, String Hoppers, or Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch.
  • Carry Snacks and Water: While there are no restaurants inside the park, it’s a good idea to carry snacks, water, and other essentials for your comfort during the safari. These may be provided by the safari jeep operator himself.
  • Wash Room Facilities: You can only get down from the jeep in the Rest Area inside the park. Washrooms are placed only at the entrance & the rest area. Around 8:00–9:00 AM, your guide will stop at a Kumbukwila Rest Area where you can have breakfast & use wash room facilities. Also during the day, you may visit Kumbukwila time to time for a rest. Please communicate in advance with the jeep driver to arrange timing of your resting times.
  • Dress code: It’s better to wear earthy, neutral-colored, lightweight, breathable fabrics clothing to stay comfortable. Bright colors can disturb wildlife and make it harder to blend in with the surroundings. Also wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using a sun-screen is also recommonded.
  • Respect Nature: Avoid making loud noises or disturbing wildlife. Always follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and responsible safari experience
Tour Tips 104 - Guide to Select a Safari Jeep
Safari Tips 101 - Tracking A Leopard
Tour Tips 105 - Special Wildlife Tours
Tour Tips 106 - What NOT to do in Sri Lankan Safaris

Bungalows inside Wilpattu National Park

There are government-run bungalows inside National Parks where you can stay and enjoy wildlife much closer Each bungalow usually accommodates up to ~10 people. These bungalows has limited facilities but highly popular among local wildlife communities and researchers due to close access to water ways where illusive leopards roam in the morning. 

  • Facilities: The bungalows provide basic amenities such as beds, kitchen and private bathrooms. These bungalows have no AC or Fans, but usually designed to accommodate natural air circulation.
  • Food: Each bungalow has a bungalow keeper and a cook. Visitors need to bring all the raw materials to prepare food.
  • Wildlife: These bungalow offers a good opportunity for sightings of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, also fantastic spots for birdwatching.
  • Location: Bungalows are located near the water ways or open areas where animals can be seen most of the days. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy privacy and a remote wilderness experience.
Bungalow Name Important Facts
Manikwila Bungalow Most sought bungalow in the park due to being close to main lakes where high density of leopards are recorded.
Manawila Bungalow Situated in Northeastern part of the park in a calm lake front environment.
Panikkawila Bungalow Central part of the park and very calm and forested environment.
Thalawila Bungalow Situated south of main sighting area and popular among visitors.
Lunuwewa Bungalow Near Lunuwewa tank and popular among visitors.
Maradanmaduwa Dormitory Dormitory style bungalow where up-to 20 people can accommodate and close to the Hunuwilagama entrance. Sloth bears and leopards can be seen very close to the bungalow.
Kokmote Bungalow More remote location in northern park and less crowded section. Usually easy to book due to less demand.
Mahawewa Bungalow Situated near Mahawewa tank. Currently closed for renovation.
Click Here to Book Any Wilpattu Bungalow

Comparison to other Sri Lankan National Parks

Wilpattu National Park is unique compared to other Sri Lankan national parks due to its dense jungles, abundant wildlife, and distinct ecosystem. Unlike popular parks like Yala, Wilpattu features sprawling natural lakes (villus) that attract diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. Its less crowded and secluded environment makes it a perfect choice for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic safari experience. Additionally, Wilpattu is known for its rich biodiversity and is one of the oldest and largest parks in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu vs Yala

Wilpattu is better due to many reasons, and recommends a Full Day Safari to get that advantage. If you can only spend a half day safari, go for Yala. If you averse jeep traffic, go through Yala Katagamuwa Entrance or Yala Block V via Galge Entrance. But Yala Block I main entrance is Palatupana entrance, which makes it the most demanding and crowded. Following summarises basic differences between Wilpattu and Yala National Parks,

  • Wilpattu National Park is larger in size than Yala blocks.
  • General animal population is somewhat similar in both Wilpattu and Yala Parks.
  • Sloth bear sightings are slighting higher in Wilpattu.
  • Yala has more elephant sightings generally than Wilpattu National Park as Elephants moved closer to neighboring villages recently. 
  • Chances of leopard sightings are more or less equal in Yala vs Wilpattu assuming you avoid the rainy season in each park.
  • Wilpattu offers high quality leopard sightings due to less jeeps & sightings are mainly on the road.
  • Natural beauty of Wilpattu is better due to green tree cover, and many small to medium lakes.
  • Yala is accessible enroute from famous tourist cities Ella and South Beach, hence most demanding.
  • Wilpattu has less registered jeeps than Yala making Wilpattu more peaceful in general, but a good sighting can bring many jeeps into one place.
  • Yala has a well developed rest area with a cafe & beach access in Patanangala while Wilpattu has a small rest area in Kumbukwila with lake access. Both has toilet facilities. 

Other Experiences around Wilpattu National Park

DT401_Anuradhapura_City_Tour
DT406_Experience_Sunrise_on_Top_of_Sigiriya
DT602_Sigiriya_Village_Tour
DT504_Kalpitiya_Kite_Surfing
DT308_Kalpitiya_City_Tour (2)
Tour NameImportant Facts
Ancient Anuradhapura (UNESCO Site)Just 40mins away from Wilpattu Hunuwilagama entrance, Anuradhapura ancient sites are a much visit attraction to experience Sri Lankan buddhist cultural..
Wilpattu Border Night SafariSmall to medium size animals like Jungle cats, Slender Loris and Owls can be seen in night with a good tracker just outside Wilpattu border.

Kalpitiya Lagoon & Beach Activities

About 1–1.5 hours from the southern side of Wilpattu. Experiences include:

  • Dolphin watching (Nov–Apr)
  • Kitesurfing
  • Lagoon boat trips
  • Quiet beaches with little tourism
Wilpattu Villege Tour – Cycling or TukTuk
  • River & Lake Experiences
  • Elephant Watching Outside the Park
  • Traditional Boat Rides & Fishing
  • Paddy plantations
  • Villege Traditional Farming

Night Sky & Stargazing

Wilpattu area has very low light pollution. Perfect for:

  • Milky Way photography
  • Stargazing from wildlife lodges
  • Quiet evenings with nature sounds
Boat Safari at Kala Oya

Considered one of the most peaceful waterways in the region. You may see:

  • Crocodiles
  • Waterbirds
  • Fishing communities
  • Forest edges of Wilpattu

Tantirimale Sacred Temple & Ruins

Historic site with:

  • Large reclining Buddha statue
  • Ancient blooming ponds
  • Stone carvings in remote forest surroundings

Paramakanda Rock Temple (Near Tantirimale)

An incredibly atmospheric ancient cave temple perched on a rock. Very peaceful and not crowded at all. You can enjoy:

  • Short hikes
  • Panoramic sunset views
  • Old meditation caves

Click here Book Day Tours near by Wilpattu

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