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9 hours
No Cancellation
5 people
English, Francais, German
Wilpattu (often spelled Villpaththu) National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the oldest protected areas, covering about 1,317 km² in the northwestern and north-central provinces. Known as the “Land of Lakes,” it features over 100 natural villus—saucer-shaped water basins that draw wildlife.
Mammals: Home to the “Big 3” of Sri Lanka—leopards, Asian elephants, and sloth bears—alongside jackals, deer (sambar, spotted, barking), wild boar, water buffalo, and mongooses.
Reptiles & Amphibians: Spot mugger crocodiles, Indian pythons, monitor lizards, cobras, and soft-shelled turtles near waterholes.
Birdlife: Over 150–200 species, including painted storks, black-headed ibis, herons, eagles, owls, junglefowl, kingfishers, and more.
Leopard density is especially high—camera traps recorded around 18 leopards per 100 km², with an estimated 144 individuals in surveyed areas.
Ecosystems: Tropical dry-zone forests, open grasslands, scrublands, coastal areas, and the signature villus.
Cultural & Archaeological Sites: Ancient ruins, rock inscriptions, tanks, Buddhist monasteries, and historical points like Kudiramalai (Horse Point)—site of Prince Vijaya’s landing circa 500 BC.
The area was initially protected as a sanctuary in 1905 and became a national park in 1938. It was closed during the Civil War (1988–2010) and reopened in 2010.
Best time to visit: February to October, especially early morning and late afternoon safaris.
Entry & fees: Park open from 6 AM–6 PM; foreign adult fee approx USD 30–45; Jeep hire & guide additional.
Safari options: Half-day (~3 hours) or full-day (6–8 hours) jeeps; ideal for wildlife, birdwatching, and photography enthusiasts.
Stay: Bungalow accommodations and camping (with gear) are available inside via DWC; lodges/safaris also offered nearby.
| Feature | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tranquil & Wild | Far less crowded than Yala, offering a more immersive wilderness experience. |
| Rich Biodiversity | Top-tier leopard habitat; robust populations of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, diverse birdlife |
| Scenic Landscapes | Picturesque villus, coastal cliffs, forests, and historical sites like Kudiramalai |
Go with experienced guides in safari jeeps.
Bring binoculars, camera, sun protection, and water.
For budget savings, join group safaris or split costs with other visitors.
Book accommodations and park entry/Jeep early—especially during peak season.
Follow wildlife ethics—maintain distance, avoid noise, and never feed animals.
Let me know if you’d like help planning your safari, suggestions for accommodations nearby, or touring options from Colombo or Anuradhapura!
Immerse yourself in the bustling crossroads of the world at the See Forever Theater.
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Your tour will conclude in San Francisco on Day 8 of the trip. There are no activities planned for this day so you're free to depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to give yourself time to fully experience the wonders of this iconic city!
Day 1 of this tour is an arrivals day, which gives you a chance to settle into your hotel and explore Los Angeles. The only planned activity for this day is an evening welcome meeting at 7pm, where you can get to know your guides and fellow travellers. Please be aware that the meeting point is subject to change until your final documents are released.
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