Wilpattu National Park, the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, offers up a heady combination of elusive wildlife, fascinating glimpses into history and some magical forest scenery and experiences. Best visited during the drought between May and September, Wilpattu, is a feast for the senses and comprises monsoon forests, sandy valleys, mangrove swamps and grasslands; a haven for the animal kingdom. The National Park is home to some 347 inland vertebrate species, which includes 23 species of fresh water fish, 17 species of amphibians, 57 species of reptiles, 204 species of birds, and 41 species of mammals. They share the famous ‘villus’ that are natural water basins in the form of a depression, that dot the Park.

A game drive either early morning or late evening offers the best chance to view majestic elephants, or eye-catching leopards as they enjoy a less commercial domain in comparison to the islands more popular National Parks.