Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest protected areas, covering over 131,000 hectares. Located in the northwest, it spans across the Puttalam and Anuradhapura districts, and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including dry zone forests, thorny scrub, open plains, and the unique Villu wetlands.
The park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and over 200 bird species. It is considered one of the best places to spot leopards in the wild. Wilpattu’s landscape features striking features like red cliffs, sand dunes, and coastal bays, adding to its allure.
Wilpattu is also rich in cultural history, with several ancient ruins scattered throughout the park, linking it to Sri Lanka’s early civilizations, especially near the nearby ancient city of Anuradhapura.
