Wilpattu National Park Leopard Safari

Sri Lanka, a stunning island with rich natural beauty, is home to numerous wildlife parks. Among these, Wilpattu National Park is the largest and oldest, holding a special place in the country's rich wildlife heritage. This sanctuary is rich in beauty and famous for its natural lakes. Based on all these facts, it is considered a profitable national park that offers a unique safari experience among the national parks in South Asia. Home to wild creatures like leopards, bears, and elephants, this park offers a beautiful destination with thrill and wonder.

Here is a more detailed overview:

Location of Wilpattu National Park

This national park is a large and attractive area of about 1,317 square kilometres spread between the North Western and North Central provinces of Sri Lanka. It lies on the eastern border of Anuradhapura and the western border of Puttalam.

Weather

The park has a dry climate, with average temperatures ranging between 27°C and 30°C (80°F to 86°F) throughout the year. Rain falls from May to September, giving the forest a beautiful green colour. The dry season lasts from February to October.

Best Time to Go on Safari

Here is a deeper dive into the ideal safari times:

This national park is open all year round. But the best time to go on safari is during the dry season from February to October. This is because during the dry season, wild animals migrate to the park's water sources in search of water, so you can see wildlife more easily during these months. But if you are interested in spotting different bird species, book your safari between October and November.

Journey Time to Wilpattu National Park

From Bandaranaike International Airport: Approximately 3.5-4 hours by car (170 km)
From Colombo: Around 4-4.5 hours by car (180 km)
From Sigiriya: About 2-2.5 hours by car (90 km)
From Polonnaruwa: Approximately 3 hours by car (125 km)
From Anuradhapura: Just 40-50 minutes by car (30 km)

Time Taken For the Safari

A half-day safari (morning or evening) takes 3-4 hours.
A full-day safari (morning to evening) takes 6-8 hours.

How to Go on a Safari

There are different jeeps and drivers/guides available for safaris. So, you can enter the park with them. Usually, these safaris operate through two main wildlife viewing windows:

Morning Safari (6:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Evening Safari (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM)

These are divided into two parts according to the time of day when the animals are most active.

Contact our office to arrange a safari that suits you based on your desired time and purpose. We can help you make your safari day a great one. Also, remember to book the safari in advance during the peak season.

Safari Jeeps

The upgraded 4x4 jeeps can accommodate between 6 and 8 passengers and feature:

High seats for better viewing of the animals and the surrounding environment
Canvas roof for protection from the sun
Open sides for 360-degree views
The jeeps come in various comfort levels (from standard to premium).

In addition, remember that we provide an experienced and skilled safari driver who knows the best spots to spot wildlife in the park easily.

Things to Do

Here is a closer look at some of the best activities in Wilpattu:

Wildlife safaris: A wide variety of wildlife is found, including leopards, bears, elephants, and many species of birds.
Photography: The beautiful landscapes within the park are incredible for photography opportunities.
Birdwatching: For bird lovers, this is a paradise with over 200 species of birds, making it a treasure trove.
Camping: Some select operators offer guided camping experiences within designated buffer zone areas.
Nature Walks: Access is available in restricted areas with a park ranger.

Visitor Information

01. Entrance Fees

Foreign Adults: USD 40-50
Foreign Children (6-12): USD 20-25

02 . Opening Hours

The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

03. What to Bring

Light, neutral-colored clothing
Hat and sunglasses
Headwear and insect repellent
Binoculars with a zoom lens and a camera
Water and snacks
A rain jacket during monsoons

04. Park Rules

Do not park at any designated rest areas, but only in your vehicle.
Do not litter in the park
Maintain silence
Do not smoke or drink alcohol
Follow all instructions given by park rangers and guides

Cafes and Restaurants in Wilpattu National Park

Here is a glimpse at some food options:

Dining options are limited within this national park. There are no formal restaurants in Wilpattu, so bring enough food and water. A few small local restaurants near the park entrance also serve simple Sri Lankan cuisine.

Places to Stay in Wilpattu National Park

Here is a more detailed look at accommodation options:

01. Luxury: Wilpattu Trails: Safari camp with luxury tents

Wilpattu Tree House: Upscale eco-friendly accommodation with modern amenities

02. Mid-range: Wilpattu Big Game Camp: Comfortable safari tents with en-suite bathrooms

Wilpattu Safari Camp: Well-appointed tents with proper beds and dining facilities

03. Budget: Wilpattu Safari Lodge: Basic but clean rooms near the park entrance

Backpacker hostels and guesthouses are also available in nearby towns if desired.

Other Nearby Attractions

Anuradhapura Ancient City: A UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient ruins (30 km)
Kalpitiya: Known for dolphin watching and kitesurfing (70 km)
Munneswaram Temple: A significant Hindu temple complex with vibrant architecture (50 km)
Tabbowa Wewa Reservoir: Good for bird watching and fishing (25 km)
Pomparippu Archaeological Site: Bronze Age burial site with historical significance (35 km)

Summary

Wilpattu is a calm destination often overlooked by tourists due to its remoteness. But it also offers authentic wildlife experiences and ensures a close connection with nature.

For conservation-minded travellers, a trip to Wilpattu offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and supports crucial conservation efforts for one of Sri Lanka’s most important ecosystems.