Explore the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka
What is Wilpattu ?
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest national park which island’s premier wildlife viewing destination situated in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka close to The Sacred City of Anuradhapura (UNESCO World Heritage), about 180km north of Colombo with native wildlife within their habitats. Wilpattu National Park covers an area of hectares 131,800 (1,317 square kilometers) and is managed by Department of Wildlife Conservation DWC Sri Lanka. Wilpattu National Park was declared as a sanctuary in 1905 and upgraded to a National Park on February 25, 1938. (Perera, 2018). Wilpattua National Park is one of the most recommended tourist destinations in Sri Lanka especially for family adventure holidays & wildlife photography tours in Sri Lanka.
When considering the landscape of the park it is flat and covered with dry evergreen forest and deciduous thorn scrub, interrupted by open plains and some 40 seasonal or permanent lakes known as Villu rimmed by sand dunes or sandy plains. Villu are flat, shallow depressions containing rainwater, usually with no water inlet or outlet. They give Wilpattu its name: the “Land of lakes”. The exceptional geographical features groom your wildlife tour a memorable experience. Further Wilpattu National Park is an ideal place for wildlife educational field trips & research in Sri Lanka.
Is it worth to visit Wilpattu National Park during my holiday in Sri Lanka ?
It depends on your purpose of travel and period of stay. Since Wilpattu National Park is one of the best safari parks in Sri Lanka, we recommend you to do a jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park. Wilpattu National Park is one of 2 National Parks in Sri Lanka where you can witness Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera Paradus Kotiya). If you access Yala National Park during your holiday, you may skip Wilpattu.
But, If you are on your wildlife photography tour or wildlife educational field trip to Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National park is a MUST.
How much is the Wilpattu National Park Entrance fees?
Note – These prices are as per the 2022 Januray update and prices can be changed at any time without prior notice.
What type of animals I can see during my wildlife safari at Wilpattu National Park
You will be able to witness Leopards, Elephants, Bears, Deer, Crocodiles, Reptiles and many verities of birds
Can I visit entire National Park within a day?
Yes possible, but if you are on your wildlife photography tour in Sri Lanka, we strongly recommend you to spend 2 nights in Wilpattu National park area.
Can I definitely see a leopard during my wildlife jeep safari in Wilpattu National park?
No. Wilpattu National park is rich with leopard / elephant / sloth bear and other animals. But we cannot guarantee that you will witness a leopard during your wildlife tour in Wilpattu. But being one of the best travel agents in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Expeditions do our level best to show a leopard during your safari.
Can I visit Wilpattu National Park while am staying in Anuradhapura?
Yes this is possible to do a half day safari while you are in Anuradhapura sacred city.
What is the best time to see Wilpattu National Park?
Wilpattu is 365 days safari park in Sri Lanka but recommend to visit between February to October
Can I buy Wilpattu Entrance Ticket online?
No online purchase of Wilpattu National Park entrance fees as of 2022 January and you must get it from the entrance gate. (But the online ticket process will be implemented soon)
Can I pay in USD for Wilpattu Entrance Fees?
No, you must pay in Sri Lanka Rupees and any international currencies are not accepted for National Parks of Sri Lanka for entrance fees.
What is the cost of the safari Jeep in Wilpattu National Park?
Approximately cost of half day safari Jeep at Wilpattu National Park is 40 – 45 $
Fully day safari jeep cost at Wilpattu National Park 85 – 90 $
All are private jeeps by different owners but all are duly registered under DWC Department of Wildlife Conservations.
Note – This price is based on 2022 January rates and the new prices may vary
Can I hire Toyota land cruiser / Mitsubishi Jeep for Safari at Wilpattu National Park?
Yes. Most of the Wilpattu Safari jeeps are Indian made but there are Japanese made Toyota / Mitsubishi jeeps as well. Price will be slight higher than the Indian made jeeps.
Keep JK Travels or your travel agency in Sri Lanka informed in advance that you need a Toyota jeep for Wilpattu National Park safari.
How many people can travel in 1 safari jeep at Wilpattu National Park?
6 people can accommodate in 1 jeep but it’s comfortable for 3 – 4 people in 1 jeep
If you in wildlife photography tour in Sri Lanka, please reserve 1 jeep for 3 people where you can comfortably handle your equipment etc.
Do I get a tracker for my safari? Is Wilpattu National Park providing tracker for safari?
Yes, Department of Wildlife provide wildlife tracker for each jeep free of charge subject to availability. But your Ceylon Expeditions guide also will join for the jeep safari together with jeep driver.
Can I book a shared jeep for Wilpattu safari through Ceylon Expeditions?
Not really. If you are coming with a big tourist group through a travel agency in Sri Lanka, you will be on shared jeep but for all other regular safaris, you need get a private jeep.
Do I need to pay for the tip for safari jeep driver & tracker?
Tipping is a common practice in Sri Lanka. If you satisfied with the service you received from them, recommend to pay a reasonable tip for tracker & jeep driver.
Which are the best safari parks in Sri Lanka?
We recommend Wilpattu National Park / Minneriya National Park / Yala National Parks safaris and Uda Walawe National Parks are the best safaris in Sri Lanka. But note there are 22+ National Parks in Sri Lanka and better if you consult your travel agent in Sri Lanka before selecting the best National Park you should visit.
What to bring for the jeep safari at Wilpattu National Park Sri Lanka?
How can I get lunch during full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park?
Generally, travelers bring packed breakfast & lunch, but we deliver fresh hot meal (Lunch) to inside the park on request.
What is the best time to see wildlife?
Early morning and the hours and evening hours are ideal times to view wildlife.
Is it safe to go on safari at Wilpattu National Park?
Cannot give a Yes or No answer since you entering the zone of untamed wild animals. The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) has fully committed to the safety of the visitors. Code of conduct/rules for the safari jeep drivers are well in place. But make sure your own safety and always be inside the safari jeep and avoid unnecessary behaviors like feeding/shouting/selfies / high-speed driving etc.
How do I plan a safari at Wilpattu National Park?
If you are traveling on your own, make sure to reserve a safari jeep well in advance to avoid last-minute hassle at the entrance gate searching for jeeps that destroy your holiday. You can buy your entrance ticket at the gate. Keep water / camera / light dress / binocular ready. If you travel through a travel agency in Sri Lanka, they will organize all these well in advance.
How do I make a jeep safari booking at Wilpattu National Park?
eMail to info@jktravelssrilanka.com or SMS / WhatsApp / Viber to our hotline +94 766915112
Can I pay for the Wilpattu entrance ticket with my credit or debit card?
As of January 2022, this facility is not available.
Can I hire an air condition safari jeep at Wilpattu National Park?
Yes, possible but subject to availability. Make sure to inform your travel agent in advance.
Are there lots of bugs inside the Wilpattu National Park?
Since you are in a tropical country, yes, bugs/mosquitoes are there but this won’t affect your jeep safari
Can I feed the animals at Wilpattu National Park?
Not at all. You are not allowed to feed animals at any National Park in Sri Lanka. This is an offense.
Can pregnant women go on safari at Wilpattu National Park?
Yes, can but subject to medical advice. we operate babymoon holidays in Sri Lanka including safaris with very comfortable spacious safari jeeps with very careful slow driving and with very special care. In this case, you need to inform your travel agency in Sri Lanka.
What kind of clothing should I pack for the Wilpattu National Park safari?
Casual, comfortable cotton clothing is suitable due to temperature and ideal colors are Khaki, brown, white, green, and beige. Please note: that brighter colors like blue or red are proven to attract insects.
What happens if it rains during my Wilpattu jeep safari,
All jeeps are open, but the tent is there to cover you if it rains.
How long is Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari?
Regular safari will take 3 – 4 hours but if you are on your wildlife holiday or bird watching tour in Sri Lanka, we recommend a full day + half-day safari since Wilpattu is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka with high animal sightings.
Can I stay in a luxury tented camp near Wilpattu National Park?
Yes, there are few luxury tented camping operators in Wilpattu and contact your travel agency in Sri Lanka or JK Travels to go with the safest / luxury tented camp.
Is Wilpattu jeep safari escorted?
Yes these are escorted safari
Can I use the washroom/toilet at the entrance of Wilpattu National Park?
Yes, toilets are available at the entrance premises.
Is there mobile phone reception in Wilpattu National Park?
No mobile signals are available inside the Wilpattu National Park. Signals are jammed purposely by the government to enhance the experience of wildlife enthusiasts.
What are the other National Parks to see Leopards in Sri Lanka?
There are only 2 National Parks to see Sri Lankan leopards namely Wilpattu & Yala National Parks which are mostly recommended for visiting during your wildlife photography tour or family holiday in Sri Lanka.
How can I get water / soft drinks during the safari at Wilpattu National Park?
Our exclusive jeeps are fully loaded with cool box water/snacks / soft drinks etc. but if you are an individual traveler, better for you to check with your travel agent in Sri Lanka beforehand.
Am I allowed to walk around inside the Wilpattu national parks during a jeep safari?
Not at all. You are not allowed to get down the Jeep and must be inside the vehicle unless otherwise instructed by the wildlife tracker. You can get down at a few selected locations inside the national Park in consultation with your tracker/tour leader.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
we generally check meal plans well in advance and arrange them accordingly. If you are an individual traveler, better you check with your Travel Company in Sri Lanka.
What are the historical aspects of Wilpattu National Park ?
Tanks, Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and rock inscriptions are among the buildings scattered across the park, indicating a civilization focused on irrigated agriculture in the area. Much of the legend and history is associated with the park and its surroundings. It is said that King Vijaya landed in about 500 BC and founded the Sinhalese people in Tammanna Nuwara, is said to be in Wilpattu National Park between Kudiramale point and Moderagam Ara mouth. According to the facts it is remarked that Galbendi Neeravia, North-East of Maradanmaduwa tank, is supposed to be the place where Prince Saliya, the son of King Dutugamunu, lived with his bride Asokamaala 2,000 years ago. Further, prehistoric sites of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic period have also been recorded around the area. (Channa Bambaradeniya, 2006)
Wilpattu National Park During Civil War in Sri Lanka
The park was reopened on 27th February 2010 which had closed to the public for nearly 20 years during the civil conflict in Sri Lanka. Due to the war the area was suffered a lot. Substantial amount of time, parts of the frontline ran through or near the park. As a consequence, the management was severely disrupted, and the park staff and many animal populations suffered. Now the park infrastructure and management are being rehabilitated and the wildlife is almost recovered.
Livelihood of the people around Wilpattu National Park
In the immediate neighborhood of Wilpattu, there are approximately 34,000 people living in 135 settlements. Coastal fishing, livestock-rearing in the north and south, but largely rain-fed agriculture, are among their main sources of income. Living next to a national park has its drawbacks, such as animals eating the crops, but it also has its advantages, such as job opportunities in the tourism industry. Wilpattu has a Community Outreach program that aims to reduce such problems and to increase the benefits by working closely with the local people. Visiting the Wilpattu National Park leads the way to study about typical livelihood of the people who are living in the buffer zones of Wilpattu National Park and this is recommended for your experiential holidays in Sri Lanka.