Location: North Western, North Central Provinces Map
Area: 131,667 ha
Wilpattu National Park is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka, spanning approximately 1,317 square kilometers in the dry zone of the northwest region. The name "Wilpattu" translates to "Land of Lakes" in Sinhala, referring to its distinctive natural sand-rimmed water basins or "willus" that fill with rainwater, numbering over 60 within the park. Located about 30 kilometers west of the ancient city of Anuradhapura and 26 kilometers north of Puttalam, the park stretches from the northwest coast inland, encompassing a diverse landscape of dense forests, scrublands, grasslands, and coastal areas. Its coordinates are roughly 8°25′N 80°00′E, with elevations ranging from sea level to about 152 meters. The park's climate is tropical monsoonal, with an annual rainfall of around 1,000 mm, primarily during the northeast monsoon from October to January, leading to seasonal flooding of the willus. This unique ecosystem supports a rich biodiversity, making Wilpattu a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly for leopard sightings.
Wilpattu's history as a protected area dates back to 1905 when it was first designated as a wildlife sanctuary under British colonial rule. In February 1938, it was elevated to national park status, becoming one of Sri Lanka's earliest protected reserves. The park's ancient roots are evident in archaeological sites like the ruins of the Kuchchaveli monastery and Pomparippu, indicating human habitation from prehistoric times. During the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009), Wilpattu was closed to the public from 1988 due to security concerns, with parts allegedly used by LTTE rebels. It reopened in March 2010 after extensive demining and restoration efforts. Post-reopening, the park has seen a resurgence in tourism and conservation activities. In recent years, including 2025, Wilpattu continues to be managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, with expansions and boundary adjustments to enhance protection. Historical records also note its role as a royal hunting ground in ancient times, adding to its cultural significance.
Wilpattu National Park boasts exceptional biodiversity, characterized
by its mosaic of habitats including monsoon forests, thorny scrub, open
grasslands, and the iconic willus. The flora is dominated by dry
evergreen forests with species like palu (Manilkara hexandra), weera
(Drypetes sepiaria), and satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), alongside
emergent trees such as ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and ironwood. The park's
wetlands support aquatic plants and grasses that provide vital forage.
Fauna is diverse and abundant, with Wilpattu renowned for its high
density of Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya), estimated at
over 50 individuals, making it one of the best places globally for
leopard safaris. Other mammals include Asian elephants (Elephas
maximus), sloth bears (Melursus ursinus), water buffaloes (Bubalus
bubalis), spotted deer (Axis axis), sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), barking
deer, wild boars, mongooses, and golden jackals. Reptiles feature mugger
crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) and estuarine crocodiles in the
willus, along with monitor lizards and various snakes. Avifauna is rich
with over 200 bird species, including endemics like the Sri Lanka
junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, and the endangered Sri Lanka whistling
thrush. The park also hosts butterflies, amphibians, and fish in its
water bodies, contributing to its status as a biodiversity hotspot.
Conservation in Wilpattu focuses on protecting its flagship species, particularly leopards and elephants, amid threats like habitat fragmentation, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. The Department of Wildlife Conservation employs anti-poaching patrols, camera trapping for monitoring (as in recent 2025 surveys), and community engagement programs to mitigate conflicts. The park's buffer zones help reduce encroachment from agriculture and settlements. International collaborations, such as with WWF and IUCN, support research and habitat restoration. Challenges include illegal logging, sand mining near boundaries, and climate change impacts on water levels in the willus. Recent initiatives in 2025 include enhanced eco-tourism regulations to minimize disturbance and funding for wildlife corridors connecting Wilpattu to adjacent forests. The park's role in preserving Sri Lanka's endemic species is crucial, with ongoing efforts to maintain its pristine status despite increasing visitor numbers.
Wilpattu offers immersive wildlife experiences, primarily through jeep safaris that traverse its 100-kilometer track network, allowing sightings of leopards, elephants, and birds around the willus. Full-day (12-hour) or half-day safaris are popular, with private tours providing flexibility for photography and birdwatching. Visitors can explore archaeological sites like the ancient palace ruins at Kudrimalai Point. Camping is available at designated bungalows within the park for overnight stays, enhancing nocturnal wildlife observation. Guided nature walks and boat safaris on larger lakes offer closer encounters with aquatic species. The best visiting season is from February to October for drier conditions and better animal visibility, though year-round access is possible. Entry requires permits from the park office at Hunuwilagama, with eco-lodges nearby providing accommodations. In 2025, sustainable tourism emphasizes low-impact activities, with options for cultural tours incorporating local folklore about the park's "willus."