Catch the Sri Lankan Leopard in action at the Wilpattu National Park  

The Wilpattu National Park is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka and comprises diverse forest types. Thus, there is more area to explore and visitors to the Park are widely spread unlike in the Yala National Park. Being one of the first Parks to open in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is one that has a rich heritage and it is also in close proximity to Anuradhapura and Kalpitiya which makes it an ideal destination for those on a historical tour or those planning to go whale and dolphin watching.

The Wilpattu National Park has a steady upward trend of visitors on wildlife safaris. There is no doubt that Wilpattu retains its status as a much frequented game reserve and a popular ecotourism destination - a status which is upheld by the strong prevalence of leopards. Though the present number of Sri Lankan Leopards in the Park is unknown, it is one of the favoured wildlife safari destinations to observe these big cats. Another highlight is the highly dense population of Sri Lankan Sloth Bears which can also be found here.

To cut down on travel time, a Mahoora tented safari camp is one of the best and most convenient accommodation options, especially at Wilpattu where the extensive acreage means that you have to drive a longer distance to where the animals are. Unlike staying in a traditional hotel, Mahoora tented safari camps allow you to feel that you are truly a part of the great outdoors. Choosing this option means that you will have the privilege of being the first in and the last out of the Park when on a safari drive. For more details on Mahoora tented safari camping options on the borders of Wilpattu National Park, check out our accommodation page. However if you still feel that you would prefer hotel style accommodation then let us know and we will arrange it for you, though please note that accommodation in these parts is more of a rustic kind.

Due to the fewer number of visitors, the wildlife within the confines of the Wilpattu National Park has hardly had contact with humans. The animals are therefore often shy unlike those in Yala, making the need for an experienced guide even greater, one which Mahoora can provide.  4WD safari jeeps are the best way in which to explore the varied terrain.

Experience the diversity of Sri Lankan wildlife on a Wilpattu National Park safari

With over 30 recorded species of mammalian wildlife, Wilpattu promises much to the adventurous soul. Some of the treats in store include observing the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and Spotted Deer. Wetland bird species such as the Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill and the White Ibis can also be found in the Wilpattu National Park.

At Wilpattu, among the reptiles found, the most common is the Mugger crocodile, which is smaller than its saltwater cousin. Monitors, Cobras, Rat Snakes and the Indian Python are often encountered here, whilst the Pond Turtle and the Soft Shelled Turtle reside in and around the various bodies of water that have given Wilpattu its name. The Wilpattu National Park is also considering extending its boundaries to include The Dutch Bay and Portugal Bay in order to protect the endangered Dugong.

Leopards and Sri Lankan Sloth Bears and the Wilpattu National Park

The Sri Lankan Leopard is a recognized subspecies of the Indian Leopard and is currently the largest species of leopard living in Asia. The Wilpattu National Park is known for its numerous opportunities to film and photograph these wonderful animals which are often seen lying beside the Park’s many villus.  In addition, Wilpattu is also home to Sri Lankan Sloth Bears, which are highly threatened with less than 1,000 numbers currently living in the wild. Sloth Bears are best seen during the fruiting season of the Palu Tree which is from June to July. Observing endangered animals in the wild is a privilege that this National Park has to offer and it is definitely one that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Big game and other mammal encounters at the Wilpattu National Park

Of the 31 species of mammals residing within Wilpattu four are threatened. These are the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Leopard and the Water Buffalo. Other animal species that can be seen on safari drives are the Sambar, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, Mouse and Shrew.

Birdlife at the Wilpattu National Park

Many species of Owl, Tern, Gull, Eagle, Kite and Buzzard along with the Painted Stork, Sri Lankan Junglefowl and the Little Cormorant can be found at the Wilpattu National Park.  Wetland birdlife includes the Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron.

Reptiles and Amphibians at the Wilpattu National Park

The most common reptiles found at Wilpattu are the Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Common Cobra, Rat Snake, Indian Python, Pond Turtle and the Soft Shelled Turtle which reside in the villus.

Many species of Sri Lankan flora can be identified in the Wilpattu National Park, with three distinct types of vegetation being prominent -  saltgrass and stunted shrub bordering the coastal areas, a coastal strip of approximately three to six miles of monsoon scrub and dense monsoon forests further inland like in the western sector. Many species of flora can be identified at the Wilpattu National Park such as Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), Milla (Vitex altissima), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria), Ebony (Diospyros ebenum) and Wewarna (Alseodaphne semecarpifolia).

Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, the Wilpattu National Park extends inland towards the ancient city of Anuradhapura in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. The Park is a fairly thick dry zone jungle interspersed with a number of flood plain lakes banked with delicate white sands. It boasts an impressive variety of flora in huge expanses of forest with varied wildlife.

A topographical feature particular to this part of the island is the abundance of villus or natural lakes - like basins. All bar two of the villus within the Park contain pure rainwater and support a vast range of resident and migratory water-birds.

The Wilpattu National Park is one that is steeped in history and legend. According to some identified ancient ruins, it is said that Queen Kuweni lived in the place now identified as Kalli Villu. Queen Kuweni is in essence the mother of the Sinhalese race as it is out of her marriage to Prince Vijaya (the first king of Sri Lanka) that its people were born. Historical evidence also points to the fact that Prince Saliya son of King Dutugemunu (161 to 137 BC) lived in Wilpattu over 2,000 years ago. Pomparippu, which borders the Park, is also of historical importance, as ancient urns have been excavated at this site. Between the coastal villages of Palangaturai and Kollankanatte are the remains of an old harbour. Due to its vibrant history, Mahoora also offers historical tours of this National Park, which can be arranged on request. Declared a Sanctuary in 1905, Wilpattu was upgraded to National Park status in 1938.  It is now one of the oldest and most important protected areas in Sri Lanka.

The annual temperature in the Park is around 27°C and its annual rainfall is approximately 1,000 mm. Though situated in the dry zone, the climate inside the Wilpattu National Park is very unlike that of the dry zone. The period from September to December is known as the rainy season in Wilpattu with the north east monsoon falling heavily. Inter-monsoonal rains come to Wilpattu between March and April. The period of drought in the Park extends from May to early September. Thus the best time for wildlife safaris at the Wilpattu National Park is during the months of February and October.

This National Park can be visited throughout the year but for that optimal safari experience a visit during the months of February and October is recommended.

Wilpattuis located 30 km(this is also from the info sent by bhanuka pls check) north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo) extending from the northwest coast inland towards the ancient capital city of Anuradhapura (50 km to the east of the Park), covering an impressive 425 sq miles. The route from Colombo is via Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam, with a turn-off at the little hamlet of Thimbiriwewa near the 28th mile post along the Puttalam-Anuradhapura road. The Park office, where one can obtain a permit and a guide, is at Hunuwilgama, 8 km from the turn-off. Alternatively, you can travel by Helicopter and take off either from the Bandaranaike Airport or from Ratmalana and land at Wilpattu. From there, you can reach the Park by road. The Air Taxi is service is not available. For more information on air travel please visit  www.flysrilanka.com.