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Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka, established in 1938, covering 1,085 km² (419 sq mi). It is the #2 largest of Sri Lanka's 26 national parks.

Area
1,085 km²
Established
1938
IUCN
II: National Park
Nearest airport
TRR · 130 km
Wilpattu National Park
Photo: Thimindu Goonatillake from Sri Lanka · CC BY-SA 2.0

Nearest airports to Wilpattu National Park

  1. 1
    China Bay Airport Flag of Sri LankaTrincomalee, Sri Lanka Airports in Sri Lanka
    TRR130 kmstraight line
  2. 2
    Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport Flag of Sri LankaColombo, Sri Lanka Airports in Sri LankaTransfers & Meet & Greet →
    CMB140 kmstraight line
  3. 3
    Jaffna International Airport Flag of Sri LankaJaffna, Sri Lanka Airports in Sri Lanka
    JAF151 kmstraight line

More about Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is one of 26 national parks in Sri Lanka. It covers 1,085 km² (108,500 ha) — about 1.4 times the size of New York City, making it the #2 largest national park in Sri Lanka (12.5% of the country's national park area).

History and protection

The park was established in 1938, 88 years ago, one of the earliest national parks in Sri Lanka (the first dates from 1937). It is listed in IUCN category II: National Park — protecting whole ecosystems while welcoming visitors for recreation and education.

Visiting Wilpattu National Park

The closest airport is China Bay Airport (TRR), about 130 km away — around 2 h 50 min by car; alternatively Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport (CMB, 140 km). Other national parks within reach include Madhu Road National Park (631 km²), Adam's Bridge Marine National Park (190 km²), Horowpathana National Park (2,570 km²) and Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park (560 km²) — easy to combine on one trip.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Wilpattu National Park?

1,085 km² — about 108,500 hectares or 419 square miles.

When was Wilpattu National Park established?

In 1938 — 88 years ago.

What is the nearest airport to Wilpattu National Park?

China Bay Airport (TRR), about 130 km away in a straight line.

What protection category is Wilpattu National Park?

It is listed under IUCN category II: National Park of the IUCN protected area categories.

Data: Wikidata (CC0), English Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.