Wilpattu National Park: Where the Jungle Whispers with the Wild – By Nadeeka – eLanka Wilpattu National Park is a sanctuary where nature breathes, the air is thick with mystery, and every turn of the jungle trail promises a new encounter. Located in the northwest of Sri Lanka, just 30 kilometers west of Anuradhapura, Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest national parks in the country. Spanning nearly 1,300 square kilometers, it is a realm of untamed wilderness, ancient legends, and an astonishing array of biodiversity. What makes Wilpattu distinct from other national parks is its signature feature—“villus,” natural sand-rimmed water basins that fill with rainwater and become lifelines for the park’s wildlife. These villus, both open and forest-lined, are scattered across the park like natural oases and serve as perfect spots for animal sightings. They give Wilpattu its name—“Willu” meaning “lake” and “Pattu” meaning “region.” Unlike the ...