With over 131,000 hectares stretching from the North Western coast to the North Central province, Wilpattu is a complex of lakes surrounded by grassy plains and scrub jungle. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905, Wilpattu is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest national parks. The main attraction is Leopards, but elephants, sloth bears, buffaloes and crocs and other species – common and rare, are also abundant.

Wilpattu and its surroundings have great historical significance too. History states that in 543 BC Prince Vijaya arrived here from East India and formed the land of Lanka.