Puttalam attractions

You will explore Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest protected areas. The park covers about 1,317 square kilometres (131,693 hectares) and ranges from sea level up to 152 metres. As you move through its varied terrain, you will come across nearly 106 natural lakes and tanks, locally known as Willu, scattered across the landscape. Along the way you will learn about Wilpattu’s wildlife and its reputation for leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya). The park is world‑renowned for that population, and a remote camera survey carried out by the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust from July to October 2015 photo‑captured a sample of 49 individual leopards; the survey suggested the core area density fell between that recorded in Yala National Park’s Block I and in Horton Plains National Park. The description will give you context for what you may see and the ecological importance of this vast, lake‑dotted reserve.

A visit to Wilpattu National Park places you in Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest protected areas. The park covers 1,317 square kilometres (131,693 hectares) and ranges from sea level to about 152 metres above it. As you move through the varied terrain, you will encounter nearly 106 natural lakes, known locally as willu, and numerous tanks that are scattered across the landscape. These water bodies shape the park’s habitats and the wildlife they support. Wilpattu is also world‑renowned for its leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population, though sightings are not guaranteed. Along the way you may learn about scientific work carried out in the park: a remote camera survey by the Wilderness & Wildlife Conservation Trust, conducted from July to October 2015, photo‑captured a sample of 49 individual leopards in the surveyed area. The survey found that the core area density of leopards lay between that recorded for Yala National Park’s Block I and for Horton Plains National Park. This combination of wide open habitat, scattered willu and notable research makes Wilpattu a compelling place to explore and to learn about Sri Lanka’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

Experience a game drive through Wilpattu National Park, the largest park in Sri Lanka, where you’ll explore varied habitats and search for wildlife as it emerges from the dense forest. Dawn and dusk are especially good times to spot animals. The park is known as one of the best places to see Sri Lankan leopards; you may also encounter elephants, Sri Lankan spot deer, a sloth bear, crocodiles and a range of endemic and migratory birds. Along the way you may see wild boar, peacocks and snakes. Please remain inside your game-drive jeep at all times for your safety. Your guide will meet you at the car park (entrance) of Wilpattu National Park and lead the game drive. The guide is experienced and will point out the park’s highlights, explain what you’re seeing and share local knowledge about the landscape and wildlife. After the drive you’ll be offered king coconut refreshments served with traditional hospitality. The visit focuses on observing and learning about the park’s natural beauty and wildlife rather than a rigid itinerary.

Make your departure to Sri Lanka Colombo Airport (CMB) simpler by pre-booking a private transfer arranged for your group size of up to 7 people. Rather than waiting in long lines for taxis at your hotel, you will travel in a reserved Premium car or a minivan chosen to suit your party. This gives you a straightforward, private journey from your accommodation to the airport. Along the way you will enjoy a comfortable ride and the convenience of having transport organised in advance. The service is suitable for small groups or families who prefer a private vehicle over shared options. It aims to remove the stress of finding a taxi at the last minute and helps you leave for Colombo Airport (CMB) with less to worry about.

With Wildlife Tours Sri Lanka, you will take part in wildlife safaris and photography experiences across Sri Lanka. The tours are designed to offer unique encounters with a range of wildlife species in their natural habitats. Along the way, you will have opportunities to observe animals in the wild and to practise photography in settings that prioritise the animals' wellbeing. The team’s focus on conservation and photography means the guides will aim to make each outing both educational and inspiring. As you move through different habitats, you will learn about animal behaviour and conservation issues, and you will be encouraged to photograph wildlife while keeping a respectful distance and minimising environmental impact. The experience is intended to combine close observation, practical photography interest and an emphasis on protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife.

Wilpattu National Park is the largest and oldest park in Sri Lanka. The park is located in the north-western lowland arid region of Sri Lanka, about one hundred and eighty kilometers north of Colombo. Sri Lanka's largest national park is one of the outstanding parks that attracts tourists from all over the world with its wildlife spectacles, especially the leopard paradise. Apart from leopards and bears, you can also get glimpses of spotted deer, barking deer, jackals, sambar, wild boar and buffalo on a Wilpattu safari.

Experience wildlife in Wilpattu National Park from a well-maintained 4x4 jeep, with a driver, experienced guide, all entry permits and fees, and drinking water included — with no hidden charges. Your guide will accompany you throughout, sharing knowledge as you move through the park and stopping for photo opportunities. The focus of the safari is on tracking elusive animals, with particular attention given to the Sri Lanka leopard, the threatened Sri Lankan sloth bear and elephants. Along the way, you may also spot other mammals, a variety of birds and colourful lizards, and you will have time at each encounter to watch, photograph or film without being rushed. Sightings are unpredictable by nature, so encounters are possible but not guaranteed. You will travel at a measured pace, allowing the guide to follow signs and behaviour that could lead to memorable wildlife moments. The experience aims to combine careful wildlife viewing with the practicalities taken care of, so you can concentrate on observing Wilpattu’s animals and landscapes.

Beginning from Anuradhapura or Wilpattu, you’ll head into Wilpattu National Park to explore one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest protected areas. Covering around 130,000 hectares, the park is known for its high leopard density, its historical significance and the distinctive Willus — natural lakes that punctuate the landscape and add to the park’s wild character. As you move through the park on safari, you’ll have the opportunity to spot elusive leopards alongside other wildlife such as sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer and wild pigs. Along the way, your guide will help you appreciate both the animal behaviour and the area’s natural features. To keep you comfortable, water and light refreshments will be provided during the visit. This experience offers a rare chance to see Sri Lanka’s vibrant wildlife within a landscape shaped by its lakes and long history.

At Big Game Safaris Wilpattu you will stay at a campsite set close to the southern boundary of Wilpattu National Park. The camp adjoins a lake and is surrounded by bush forest, giving a strong sense of being inside the park. The site sits about 7 km from the park entrance and feels directly linked to the park’s landscape. You will enjoy alfresco meals near the lake, surrounded by the serenity of nature. The area is visited by elephants and supports a very rich birdlife, and plenty of wildlife will wander across into the campsite from the park itself. Alongside lakeside views and forest sounds, you will have natural encounters and opportunities to observe local birds and animals from close to your camp.

Wilpattu National Park takes its name from local languages: in Sinhala it means 'natural lakes' and in Tamil it means '10 lakes' — and lakes are exactly what you’ll encounter as you move through the park. Visitor numbers stay low, even in high season, so you’ll sense a genuine wilderness atmosphere as you explore the open waterholes and surrounding habitats. Along the way you’ll pass through dense forest and around the park’s lake systems. Because the vegetation is thick and many animals are skittish, sighting wildlife is less of a sure thing than in Sri Lanka’s more‑visited parks. You may nevertheless appreciate the solitude, the varied landscape of lakes and forest, and the feeling of being in a place that attracts fewer visitors. This setting is best suited to the more dedicated safari‑goer who values wild, quiet spaces and the chance of seeing animals in a less crowded environment.

When you leave for Sri Lanka Colombo Airport (CMB), pre-booking a private transfer will take the worry out of your departure. This service provides a private vehicle sized to your group (up to 7 people) and a choice of a Premium car or a minivan, so everyone can travel together without needing to wait for taxis. By arranging the transfer in advance, you avoid long lines for taxis at the hotel and enjoy a more comfortable, direct journey to the airport. The service is designed to make your final trip simpler and smoother, allowing you to focus on the end of your stay rather than transport logistics.

This experience takes you to the coastal waters off Kalpitiya, where several types of whales regularly visit. You will spend time watching the sea close to shore, with opportunities to spot these large marine mammals as they come into the shallower waters near the coast. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the area is known for regular whale activity. You will also explore the area around Alankuda Beach, where the continental shelf comes in close to the shore. Because of this, you won’t need to travel far into the open sea to reach deeper water where whales are often found. Along the way you’ll get a clear sense of the local marine landscape and why these waters attract whales, making shore-based and nearshore viewing particularly suitable for this coastline.

Leaving for Sri Lanka Colombo (CMB) Airport will feel straightforward when you pre-book a private transfer. The service is arranged to suit your group size, with options for up to 15 people, so you can skip the long taxi queues at your hotel and travel together. You’ll travel in the comfort of a Premium car or a minivan, depending on what fits your group. Along the way you can relax or check final details of your trip, rather than worrying about finding a taxi. The transfer is private, so your party will go directly to Colombo (CMB) Airport without sharing the vehicle with other travellers.

Experience the wild beauty of Wilpattu National Park on an all-inclusive safari that takes you into Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve. You’ll travel in a private 4x4 jeep driven by a local who will also act as your guide. As you move through forests, open plains and around the park’s natural lakes (villus), you may spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer and more than 200 species of birds. Along the way your guide will share local knowledge about the park’s habitats and wildlife behaviour, helping you make the most of every sighting. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Anuradhapura or Hunuwilagama, park entrance fees, breakfast, snacks and bottled water, so you can enjoy a hassle-free time in the wilderness. Pickup times can be customised on request, while the core itinerary remains the same. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the route is planned to give you good opportunities for memorable encounters and photography.

You will enjoy an adventurous full-day safari at Wilpaththu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka. Your experience will include breakfast and lunch at the park, giving you time to relax between game drives. The setting is quieter than many other reserves, so you’ll spend the day immersed in the park rather than in crowds. Wilpaththu records the second-highest leopard density in Sri Lanka, after Yala National Park, so sightings of leopards are a key reason many visitors choose this destination. You may also see other magnificent wild animals in their natural habitat as you travel through the park. Because the park admits fewer visitors than Yala, you’ll typically have a more peaceful safari experience, which makes Wilpaththu a strong alternative for safari-goers who prefer to observe wildlife with fewer people around.