Destination guide

Wilpattu and Nochchiyagama

North Central / North Western · Anuradhapura / Puttalam

Wilpattu and Nochchiyagama is a Sri Lankan travel destination known for national park, wildlife, nature.

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Quick facts

Ideal stay

1 to 3 nights

Stay length

1-4 nights (2 recommended)

Timezone

Asia/Colombo

Elevation

85 m

Tourism region

North West Coast (Wilpattu)

Budget level

Budget to midrange

Recommended pace

Relaxed

Popularity

6/10

Crowd level

Moderate

Difficulty

Easy

Coordinates

8.264014, 80.21051

Data status

Generated starter requires verification

Linked attractions

Connectivity

Internet quality

Poor

Mobile coverage

Average

Airports

Nearest airport

Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ)

Distance from airport

~30 km

Recommended arrival airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Recommended departure airport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

History

Wilpattu, declared in 1938, is Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park, its forest studded with 'villus' — natural rain-fed lakes that give the park its name. Closed for much of the civil war, its leopard and sloth-bear country reopened in 2010; legend places Prince Vijaya's landing at Kudrimalai point on its coast.