Wilpattu National Park: Sri Lanka’s Largest Wildlife Sanctuary

Located 180 km north of Colombo along the country’s northwestern coast, Wilpattu National Park is not only the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka but also boasts a rich historical significance. It is believed that Prince Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhalese nation, landed in Sri Lanka by accident near Mannar, where remnants of his wife Kuweni’s palace can still be seen within the park.

Spanning an area of 131,693 hectares, Wilpattu is renowned for its numerous natural lakes, known as “Willus,” which create a vast network of waterways. These lakes, replenished by inter-monsoonal rains and northeast monsoons, sustain diverse habitats that attract a plethora of wildlife species, including leopards, sloth bears, elephants, deer, crocodiles, and a variety of birdlife. The park’s biodiversity also includes an array of butterflies and reptiles, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike.