Let’s plan your journey
Known for its iconic “Willus” — naturally formed rain-fed lakes — the park offers an extraordinary blend of wildlife, scenery and cultural history. With fewer visitors and vast stretches of undisturbed habitat,
As Sri Lanka’s largest national park — and one of the oldest — it holds deep archaeological, ecological and cultural significance. The park’s quiet atmosphere allows travellers to experience wildlife in a more natural and peaceful setting.
Wilpattu is famous for its healthy leopard population… comparable in density to what travellers experience on Yala National Park safaris.The park is also home to sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, mongoose, reptiles and over 200 bird species. With dense forest cover and diverse habitats, every safari reveals unexpected moments and remarkable sightings.
A safari in Wilpattu is unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Its vast wilderness means fewer vehicles, quieter drives and uninterrupted wildlife moments. You’ll weave through forest tunnels, emerge into lake-filled clearings and feel truly immersed in nature. Photographers and nature lovers especially enjoy Wilpattu’s pace, with options for early morning safaris at 6.00am, relaxed afternoon drives from 2.30pm or immersive full-day explorations. For a wider wildlife journey, many travellers combine Wilpattu with our Sri Lanka wildlife tours.
Thanks to the excellent forest cover, Leopards and the elusive Sloth Bears thrive in Wilpattu. The abundant Willus are the best places for sighting both these magnificent creatures and the best time to encounter Sloth Bears is during the June to July period, when their favourite Palu Tree bears fruit.
There are 31 species of mammals in Wilpattu and these include: Leopards, Elephants, Water buffaloes, Sloth Bears, Sambars, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, Mouse Deer, Shrews and more. Full day safaris allow visitors to access deeper areas of the Park which inevitably leads to better sightings.
The water filled landscape is ideal for Mugger Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pond Turtles and Soft Shelled Turtles to thrive as it is a great source of food and also gives them plenty of cover. Wilpattu is also home to the Common Cobra, Rat Snake, Indian Python and many other reptiles.
Due to one side of the park bordering the Indian Ocean, Wilpattu boasts of an excellent population of seafaring birds and the numerous Willus are home to water birds and land birds. Birders can encounter Owls, Terns, Gulls, Eagles, Kites, Buzzards, Storks, Junglefowl, Cormorants, Herons and more during their visit.
The shoreline features salt grass and stunted shrubs, whilst the inlands areas are filled with monsoon forests. The Park has over 623 species of flowering plants including introduced and endemic species, and is also home to a rare instance of a Baobab tree, which is usually found only in Africa.
Each itinerary is crafted by expert naturalists for unhurried exploration and meaningful wildlife encounters. Explore the private tours below that feature Wilpattu or can be tailored entirely to your interests.
This Architecture tour will take you on a wonderful journey across the ages to discover some of Sri Lanka’s major architectural masterpieces, and along...
This holiday will take you on a quick journey of discovery of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights, and along the way you will have exciting...
With this amazing holiday experience in Sri Lanka, you will discover the island fully; North to South, explore at a relatively slow phase yet...
During this 10-day tour of Sri Lanka, you will have loads of exciting wildlife encounters, visits to historic attractions and plenty of delicious cuisines!
We have handpicked a variety of hotels with family or interconnected rooms mostly with swimming pools. You will spend minimum time to get to...
Escorted by Shelly Russell, Director of the National Zoo & Aquarium, Canberra. Open to Zoo members and the general public.
Witness leaping pods of dolphins, from Spinners to Bottlenose, as they frolic and swim alongside your boat..
Observe leopards and sloth bears over 131,000 hectares of forest and wetlands at Wilpattu National Park, visited by fewer jeeps in comparison to Yala.
Experience a mesmerising sunrise and view of Sigiriya Rock , at a mountain top peppered with caves and cells used by 3rd-century monks.
Explore the skies of Dambulla heritage city in a hot air balloon, and watch the first rays of the sun gently kiss the misty...
Experience the authentic way of life, traditions, and livelihood of a typical Sri Lankan village with this holistic, non-touristic excursion.
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Hidden away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a soft sandy beach on one side...
On the edge of a lake and surrounded by bush woodland, the campsite is situated closer to the Wilpattu National Park's southern limit.
Hidden away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a soft sandy beach on one side...
At Mahoora Tented Safari Camps Wilpattu, you can live in a small, 8-acre private wildlife sanctuary that mixes modern conveniences with the wilderness of...
Hidden away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a soft sandy beach on one side...
