North-West
Wilpattu
Wild, uncrowded national park.
The largest and oldest of the national parks, named for the villus — natural sand-rimmed lakes — scattered through dense dry-zone forest. Leopards and sloth bears are both here.
Wilpattu is thicker and quieter than Yala. Sightings take more patience and the jeep traffic is a fraction of it, which for many travellers is exactly the trade they want.
Highlights
What you do here.
The villus
Waiting at the lakes at first light, where the forest opens and the animals come to drink.
Leopard and sloth bear
Harder-won than Yala, in forest that feels genuinely wild rather than managed.
Birding the dry zone
Eagles, painted storks and endemics, with a naturalist who knows the calls.
