Wilpattu National Park

The main attraction of Wilpattu National Park on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka are the 40 lakes, around which wild animals cavort again and again. Parts of the park are densely forested, but the vegetation around the lakes is relatively low, so safari tourists have good opportunities for wildlife viewing. We have summarized here what you can experience in Wilpattu and what its special features are.

Animals in Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu is home to many shy animal species. However, this apparent "disadvantage" is compensated for by the fact that you share the slope with only a few other visitors. The most important animal species are the Sri Lankan elephant and sloth bear; every now and then you can also meet leopards, buffaloes, samba and axis deer and mongooses. There is also a great persity of birds such as the endemic Ceylon grouse, the pygmy whistling goose and the purple heron.

Wilpattu National Park Tours

We recommend a safari park tour, which starts from the coast and leads by jeep to the park entrance in Hunuwilgama or from there back to the hotels on the eastern edge of the park. The access to the sea is the most suitable starting point for a safari across the park.

Through the park directly, you can also book jeep safaris, which last half day (3 to 4 hours) or full day (12 hours). Two people pay US$ 96 (full day) or US$ 78 (half day) including entrance fees – the larger the group, the lower the safari price for each person.

Best time to visit Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is warm to hot all year round, with an average temperature of 27°C to 30°C. The months of September to December fall in the rainy season, while you can expect some rain between March and May. The drought period in the park extends from June to early September. Nevertheless, thanks to its many water sources, the park is covered by green and blooming nature almost all year round.

Arrival and accommodation tip for Wilpattu National Park

For arrival and accommodation, the cultural gem of Anuradhapura, 38 km to the east, is ideal. The city of Puttalam is 30 km away and Colombo is 190 km away. Alternatively, it is also possible to travel for a full-day safari tour from Kalpitiya on the opposite headland (by boat). Many safari camps and lodges have settled on the eastern edge of the park, which serve as end points. We recommend the 3-star hotel or tent camp Big Game Camp Wilpattu as accommodation.