Wilpattu National Park

Are you looking for adventure amongst the wild animals to learn about them and experience the most full filing wild life experience,then Wilpattu is the place for you!Spanning more than 1,300 square kilo meters Wilpattu is the largest national park in the country, and one of its oldest.The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Villus” (natural lakes) and world-renowned leopards. 

Let us take you on a journey through one of the largest forests and most prominent national parks in Sri Lanka. Hidden in the dense, dry woodland, you willfind an array of wildlife. Home for wild animals such as Elephants, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sloth Bear, Crocodiles and water buffaloes. Bird lovers in particular will love Wilpattu with its abundance of varieties of birds, the dry forest, water and coastal birds as you get to experience and watch closely interact with the species in all their beauty.It’s an incredibly beautiful place, with diverse landscapes and habitats including dry evergreen forests, marshes, wetlands, scrub jungles, mangroves, grasslands, and saltwater lagoons.

Where is it Located?

The park is located in the North western coast of the country. It covers an area of 131,693 hectares of dry forest. It consists of cluster of water bodies known as “Villus” which a naturally formed rain fed Lakes. Wilpattu sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1938, Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. The park is approximately 180 km north of Colombo. It was closed for most of Sri Lanka’s brutal 26-year civil war and witnessed periods of intense fighting. However, it’s been fully open since 2010.

Things to do in Wilpattu National Park

Embark on Safari Adventures

This would be the safari adventure of your life time. You would have the chance to witness the natural park’s majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The park offers various safari options, including jeep safaris and walking safaris, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s beauty. The close encounter with wildlife is an experience you don’t want to miss.If you’re a bird lover this is the place for you Many species of migratory birds flock here from all over Europe and Northern Asia to escape the cold winter, including pintails, plovers, sandpipers, and terns.

Wilpattu is the best place to observe the various species of mammals. The top predator of the country the Sri Lankan Leopard are also a sight to behold. You will also come across various other species such as the Sloth bear, Golden Jackal, Spotted deer, Rudy Mongoose, Purple faced Leaf Monkey, Asian elephants and many more.

Wilpattu is also a paradise for migrant birds. The commonly seen birds are the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Black tailed Godwit, Brown-crapped babbler, Forest eagle owl, Capped bulbul and many other species more than you could ever count.

It also consists of various reptiles such as the Land Monitor. Many other interesting spices also inhabit the park including the Mugger Crocodile. Varieties of Turtles Tortoises and snakes have made their home here. Wilpattu is also a place where the rarely seen Sri Lankan Chameleon is spotted.

Learn about its Cultural and Historical Significance

Wilpattu National Park holds many other values apart from its wildlife.  The park consists of ancient ruins and sacred sites, where Lord Buddha is believed to have visited himself. Exploring these remnants of the past would bring to life sacred memories leaving travelers amazed. Therefore a walk in this forest will not only show you wonders of wildlife but also reveal ancient historical values of Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Wilpattu National Park is during the dry season. The dry season extends from February to October. This is where the wild creatures venture from the thick shrubs in search of food and water, which gives you a higher chance of spotting Sri Lanka’s beautiful creatures,which consists of 30 different species of mammals. During these months, the animals tend to gather around the park’s many natural lakes and other watering holes making them easier to spot.

If you visit during the wet season which would be (late October–February), you should be prepared for some heavy rain. Some of the park’s roads and tracks can become impassable, which can restrict the areas that you’re able to visit. 

Opening hours of  Wilpattu National Park

The park is opened from 6 am–6 pm, Monday–Sunday. 

How much does the ticket cost?

Wilpattu National Park admission prices could differs based on you requirements. Entrance tickets currently cost about $58.00. If you’re looking for a guided tour prices starts around $35.00 per person. Since Wilpattu Nationalis mostly booked for safaris it’s always good to book and reserve your tickets online.

You can book your tickets at the main national park entrance gate. Here you will be able to organize something on the spot with one of the jeep guys that often hang around near the entrance. Or else you can book your tickets online.

How to Get to Wilpattu National Park from Colombo

You can take a train from Colombo to Anuradhapura, and then a taxi to Wilpattu. If you are looking for a cheaper optionto get to Wilpattu from Colombo the best option is to take a bus straight to Nochchiyagama. The bus journey would takeyou about 4.5 hours. From Nochchiyagamayou can take a taxi to the park entrance which is only a 20-minute drive.

And if you are planning to spend any time in the central, western, or northern parts of the country, it’s actually not that difficult to reach WilpattuIf you’re on the fence, go for it and have one of the best wildlife experience of your life.

If you are considering a visit to this amazing place you don’t have to think twice. Wilpattu National Park will be an experience you will enjoy. Its home for variety of species, animals and being able to witness them with such close proximity is something you don’t want to miss out on. Take a ride on those safari jeeps and explore this dense beautiful forest and be amazed by all that wilpattu would offer you.