Wilpattu is a large national park covering over 131,000 hectares across Sri Lanka’s North Western coast and North Central province. The park is made up of many lakes surrounded by grassy plains and scrub jungle. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905, making it one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka.
The main attraction in Wilpattu is the elusive leopard. Visitors can also see elephants, sloth bears, buffaloes, crocodiles, and many other common and rare animals.
Wilpattu is not only important for wildlife but also for history. According to tradition, Prince Vijaya arrived here from East India in 543 BC and founded the ancient kingdom of Lanka.
With its mix of rich wildlife and deep historical roots, Wilpattu is a must-visit for nature lovers and history fans alike.