Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its oldest protected areas, covering 1,317 square kilometers. Known for its scenic natural lakes—called “villus”—and its thriving leopard population, Wilpattu offers a more tranquil, less crowded safari experience compared to Yala. It is located in the North Western and North Central provinces, about 188 km from Colombo (roughly a 4–5 hour drive).
History
Established: 1938 as a National Park (designated a sanctuary in 1905)
Name Origin: Wilpattu means “Land of Lakes” in Sinhala (“Wila” = lake, “Pattu” = area)
Archaeological evidence suggests the area has been inhabited since ancient times, and it’s near the legendary site of Queen Kuweni’s palace from Sri Lankan folklore.
Geography & Landscape
Area: 1,317 km²
Elevation: 0–152 meters above sea level
Landscape Features:
Villus – natural rainwater lakes that attract abundant wildlife
Dry-zone scrub jungle and dense forest patches
Open grassy plains
Coastal belt with sandy beaches along the park’s western edge
The park experiences a dry climate, with annual rainfall mostly from the North East monsoon (September to December).
Mammals (31 recorded species)
Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) – highest density in Sri Lanka, best spotted in the early morning
Sloth Bear – rare and seasonal, feeds on palu fruit during the dry season
Asian Elephant
Spotted Deer
Sambar Deer
Wild Boar
Water Buffalo
Jackal
Mugger Crocodile
Birdlife (over 200 recorded species):
Painted Stork
White Ibis
Openbill Stork
Sri Lanka Junglefowl (national bird)
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Eagles and Kites
Migratory species during the winter months
Reptiles & Amphibians:
Star Tortoise
Bengal Monitor Lizard
Python and Cobra
Tree Frogs during wet season
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season: February to October – higher chance of wildlife sightings as animals gather near waterholes.
Rainy Season: September to December – lush landscapes but more difficult wildlife spotting.
Conservation
Managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC)
Focus areas include leopard conservation, anti-poaching patrols, and eco-tourism initiatives.
Human-wildlife conflict and habitat encroachment remain challenges.
Several NGOs support biodiversity studies and sustainable tourism projects in the park.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Facilities: Basic rest areas, picnic spots; no accommodation inside park boundaries
Nearby Lodging: Eco-lodges, guesthouses, and campsites in Nochchiyagama, Anuradhapura, and Puttalam areas.
Interesting Facts
Wilpattu’s leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) is a subspecies found only in Sri Lanka.
The park’s villus are unique ecosystems—shallow lakes that seasonally fill with rainwater.
It was closed from 1985 to 2003 due to civil conflict, which allowed wildlife populations to rebound.
Wilpattu is one of the few national parks in the world where you can see wildlife right next to the ocean.
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