What is Wilpattu?
One of Sri Lanka’s best national parks, called Wilpattu National Park, is located in the north-western region of the island. The existence of “Willus” (natural lakes), which are rain-fed water basins or depressions with sand rims, makes this park special. The park is situated on Sri Lanka’s northwest coast lowland dry zone, 30 kilometers west of Anuradhapura and about 180 kilometers north of Colombo.
Experience Sri Lanka’s most secretive animals in Wilpattu National Park’s immense isolation. This is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest wildlife reserve, taking up a sizable area of land that borders the northwestern coast’s copper-sand beaches, the Cultural Triangle’s ancient ruins, and the Northern Province. The park supports amazing birdlife, including Asian elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and Sri Lankan sloth bears, in addition to being home to other rare species.
Origins of Wilpattu
Although Wilpattu was initially declared a wildlife refuge in 1905, this 13,500-hectare park’s elevation to national park status wasn’t accomplished until February 1938. It is widely accepted that the Indian Prince Vijaya landed on the reserve’s copper seashore, notably at the rocky cape of Kudiramalai, in the fifth century BC. Together, he and Princess Kuveni of Sri Lanka founded the Sinhalese race. The reddish hue of the sand that stained Prince Vijaya and his followers’ hands and feet as they arrived at the shore gave the area its alternate name, Thambapanni, or the “color of copper.” The ruins of Kuveni’s palace are just one of 68 archeological sites within Wilpattu National Park.
Flora and fauna in Wilpattu
Wilpattu is home to more than 600 varieties of flora, with the enormous Palu tree (Manilkara hexandra) standing out among the forest’s foliage. In addition, there are 2,000-year-old irrigation tanks, seasonal and permanent rivers, coastal salt marshes, and vegetation that extends below the shore. One of Sri Lanka’s largest mangrove forests is found in the Kala Oya estuary. Dense forests, meadows, grasslands, and a few notable water bodies that supply the region with water may be found covering Wilpattu’s western half. This area is home to three different kinds of plants. Close to the seashore are areas of coastal vegetation, such as salt marsh and low scrub right next to the beach, as well as monsoon forest with tall emergent trees. Depending on the nature of the soil, the deciduous thorn scrub and dry evergreen forest covering around 70% of Wilpattu National Park are different in height. The little grasslands that surround the villu are susceptible to flooding during the rainy season.
The most fascinating and long-awaited wildlife in Sri Lanka can be found in Wilpattu National Park. Along with spotted and sambar deer, crocodiles, mongooses, and water buffalo, these include the rare Sri Lankan leopard, Asian elephant, and Sri Lankan sloth bear. Despite the reserve having a far less concentrated leopard population than Yala National Park, leopard sightings are among the greatest in the nation.
The park’s water elements also make it one of the best spots in Sri Lanka for bird watching, where you may see endemic species such as the red-backed woodpecker, Ceylon Prakeet, and Ceylon Grey Hornbill. The national bird of Sri Lanka, the brownish chicken-like Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, may also be seen. The monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, common cobra, rat snake, Indian python, pond turtle, and soft-shelled turtle are the most prevalent reptiles in the park and may be found in the sizable permanent villus.
A little travel guide to Wilpattu
Visitors can access the entirety of Wilpattu National Park, which is eight times bigger than Yala National Park’s Block I, where the majority of game drives take place. As a result, there is a much lower likelihood of running into large groups of Jeeps. Wilpattu requires a little more time to explore because it’s really enormous. Because Wilpattu National Park receives much less tourism traffic than Yala, in part because of its more isolated northwestern location, your Jeep is likely to be the only one observing any leopard, sloth bear, or elephant sightings. You may enjoy the Wilpattu safari experience to the fullest by taking your time.
According to the requirements of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance, you must apply for a permit at one of the two park entrances, Hunuwilagama in Anuradhapura or Eluwankulama in Puttalam, by paying the required fee. Wear neutral, green, khaki, and brown-colored clothing that is comfy and breathable. Additionally, it’s a good idea to dress in layers because it can be cold in the morning hours before becoming extremely hot and muggy as the day progresses. Sun hats and sunscreen may also be necessary.
✦ Never give food to animals or remove anything from the park.
✦ When you see wildlife on your wildlife tour, you should remain silent.
✦ Never get out of your vehicle, lean out the window, or ascend the roof.
✦ Please take all of your trash and return it with you.
✦ Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the park.
✦ The park only permits 4x4 vehicles, and they are restricted to a top speed of 25 km/h.
✦ You can see small animals like birds, reptiles, and mammals if you drive slowly.
✦ Please make sure your driver doesn’t block traffic or impede the passage of animals.
Climate and Topography of Wilpattu
The dry zone is home to Wilpattu National Park. The most notable topographical feature of the national park is a distinctive complex of more than 50 wetlands known as “Villu,” which fosters an environment that is ideal for experiencing a top-notch wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. ‘Villu’ are small, naturally occurring lakes surrounded by wide, grassy plains and filled with rainwater, nestled in the thick scrub forest. The weather patterns that dominate the park best explain why these Villus have an abundance of water: the main rainy season, which runs from September to December, is marked by heavy downpours from the northeast monsoon; the intermonsoon season visits the park in March and April. The drought, on the other hand, only lasts from May to early September. The temperature is around 30 °C all year.
Final words about wilpattu
The more than 20 national parks in Sri Lanka are excellent locations to see wildlife. Yala and Wilpattu are two of Sri Lanka’s most notable national parks because of the enormous diversity of their native fauna. During a single safari drive, you can cross off Sri Lanka’s Big Three: sloth bears, elephants, and leopards. Although Wilpattu also boasts a year-round high number of leopard sightings, Yala’s dense leopard population has made it unique around the globe. In both reserves, one can also spot sloth bears. All of Sri Lanka’s national parks are home to elephants; however, two of the best reserves for seeing big herds of elephants are Minneriya and Uda Walawe. Wilpattu National Park, along with Yala and Bundala, will appeal to birdwatchers.
Wilpattu National Park’s wildlife hasn’t encountered many people because of the park’s limited number of tourists. As a result, unlike those in Yala, the animals are frequently shy, which increases the need for a knowledgeable guide. The best way to explore the various terrain is in a 4WD safari jeep. Therefore, you must see this undiscovered gem during your first trip to Sri Lanka.
