Wilpattu: The Wild, Lake-Dotted Northern Park
Wilpattu, in the north-west, is the country’s biggest national park. It takes its name from its "willus", natural rain-fed lakes scattered through the forest, and it sees far fewer jeeps than Yala.
Wildlife
Leopards are the main draw, rewarding for the lack of crowds. Sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer and abundant birdlife round out the experience.
The landscape
Dense forest opens onto the willus, and much of the appeal is the sense of wilderness and space. Drives can be long between sightings, so patience pays off.
When to go
The drier months from around February to October generally give better access and sightings. Roads can be tough after heavy rain.
Getting there
It is often combined with Anuradhapura to the east, or reached on a longer drive up from Negombo and the west coast.
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