Wilpattu National Park – Eluwankulam Entrance

Start your wildlife adventure through the Eluwankulam Entrance — ideal for travellers from Mannar, Kalpitiya, Jaffna and the north-west. Less crowded access, excellent early-morning sightings and quick routes to prime villus make Eluwankulam a top choice.

Why choose Eluwankulam entrance?

• Lower visitor traffic for quieter sightings.
• Closer route for visitors coming from Mannar and Kalpitiya.
• Fast access to prime wildlife zones and villus.
• Great for early-morning leopard and bird-watching safaris.

What you might see

Leopards, sloth bears, elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles and 200+ bird species.

Safari options

• Half-day safari — early-morning wildlife drive (4–5 hours)
• Full-day safari — extended exploration with lunch stop
• Overnight & multi-day — deep exploration and remote zones

Entrance & payments

Tickets issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation at the gate. Payments accepted in LKR, major foreign currencies and cards (card payments may include bank surcharge).

Best time to visit

February to October for the best wildlife viewing. Early morning safaris give the highest chance of leopard sightings.

We recommend booking a private jeep for the most flexible and comfortable experience. Our drivers have 18+ years of experience and deep knowledge of Wilpattu’s zones.

Quick FAQ

• Meeting point: Eluwankulam entrance gate (we provide hotel pickup options).
• Duration: 4–10+ hours depending on safari type.
• What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, water.
• Children: Family-friendly safaris available; follow park rules for safety.