Wilpattu is defined by its villu lakes, natural circular water holes in the forest that hold water through the dry season and attract wildlife throughout the day. Far fewer visitors than Yala, a very different atmosphere, and a quality of photographic light that serious wildlife photographers often prefer. Leopard sightings are possible but not promised.
Kumana National Park
Sri Lanka’s most underrated wildlife region - wetlands, leopards and coastal forest
Kumana sits at the eastern end of the Yala complex and offers a very different experience - dense wetland habitat, lagoon systems and coastal forest that are among the most productive birdwatching environments in South Asia. Leopards and elephants are present. The sense of remoteness makes Kumana worth including for travellers who have already done Yala.
