In March 2010 a clamor of excitement greeted the reopening of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest, oldest and – before the war- most popular wildlife sanctuary. The 131,693 hectare park had been an important historical and archaeological site, as well as home to some of Sri Lanka’s most visible populations of large mammals.

The park was closed in 1985, immediately after an attack on its wardens and officers by a group of LTTE cadres, it was reopened in 2003 before being closed again in 2006 when six Sri Lankan tourists and their guide was killed by a landmine. There has been some dispute over the past year, as roads are being laid in the park causing damage to the ecology and distress to the animals, visitors may see construction vehicles rumbling around.

Wilpattu has a unique topographical landscape of gently undulating terrain dominated by Villus, natural sand-rimmed water basins, which fill up with rain and to which animals come to drink. These used to be the best places to see leopards. Certain sections have a distinctive rich, red, loamy soil and there are also areas of dense forest. The western part of the park is reminiscent of Yala, while out to sea Dutch and Portugal bays may still support populations of dugong. A further protected area, the Wilpattu Sanctuary, lies to the north within Northern Province.

Today Wilpattu is undoubtedly the most rewarding wildlife experience in the island. Its far less commercialized than Yala and animals are fairly spread out. Accommodation in the area is a issue as most of the land is government owned land given to displaced people from damn development projects. These are strict agricultural land and hotels have not been able to establish themselves. Electricity and running water is also an issue in these areas. Wilpattu however can be explored by basing yourself in either Anuradhapura or Kalpitiya areas.