Wilpattu National Park, located on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, is the island’s largest and one of its oldest national parks, covering over 130,000 hectares across the borders of Mannar, Anuradhapura, and Puttalam. Famous for its unique “willus” (natural lakes), Wilpattu offers a serene and less-crowded alternative to Yala, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy an authentic wildlife experience.

Declared a sanctuary in 1938, the park is home to leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, wild buffalo, spotted deer, and over 200 bird species. The park was closed during Sri Lanka’s civil war but reopened in 2010, regaining popularity as a prime eco-tourism destination. A full-day jeep safari through Wilpattu provides a rare chance to explore the untouched wilderness, watch animals in their natural habitats, and witness the beauty of the villus where wildlife gathers to drink, bathe, and breed.