Wilpattu safari (private jeep)

What happens

A large park of forest and natural lakes (villus) rather than open plains. Fewer jeeps than Yala, but animals are harder to spot in the trees. Leopards and sloth bears are seen on some drives, not all.

What is in the price

Season

• ●Good month
• Blank: neither

Good months: Feb to Oct.

Usually best in the dry months from February to October; heavy rain from November to January floods some tracks. Seasons are from general guides, not the park.

Limits

• Up to 6 people in one group.
• Tracks are bumpy. Not advised in late pregnancy or with back problems.
• Open-sided jeep: bring a hat, sunscreen and a light layer for the early start.

How we run it

Where it is offered

• Wilpattu National Park
• Anuradhapura

Day tours with this activity

• Wilpattu safari from ColomboIncluded · day tour, $164 per person for two, from Colombo, tickets included

Tours with this activity

• Wilpattu to the south coast, 12 daysIncluded · tour, $1,368 per person for two, 12 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites and one activity paid there
• Complete island, 14 daysIncluded · tour, $1,716 per person for two, 14 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites paid there
• Slow travel with the north and east, 21 daysIncluded · tour, $2,411 per person for two, 21 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, Udawattakele forest ticket and temple-run sites paid there
• Wildlife Sri Lanka, 8 daysIncluded · tour, $1,102 per person for two, 8 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included
• North and Jaffna, 6 daysIncluded · tour, $666 per person for two, 6 days, comfort hotels, shoulder season, tickets included, temple-run sites paid there

Read more

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• Sri Lanka 14-day itinerary: the whole island loop

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• Best time to visit Sri Lanka: month by month

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