Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is the largest and one of the oldest national parks located in Sri Lanka. It is located approximately 180 km north of Colombo.

In 1905, the area was designated a sanctuary and in 1938 it was upgraded to the National Park status.

The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Hence, the name “Willu-pattu” (Land of Lakes) has been used, which finally has turned to Wilpattu. One of these lakes, called Kokkari Villu which is situated nearly 13 km inland, contains salt water!

Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya)

Wilpattu is in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka spreading over 1,317 km² across North-Eastern and North-Central Provinces. The elevation ranges from 0 to 152 m above sea level. The annual rainfall is about 1,000 mm and the annual temperature is about 27.2°C. Inter-monsoonal rains in March and the northeast monsoon (December – February) are the main sources of rainfall.

Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus)

The crown jewel of Wilpattu is its abundance of the leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population, which is an endangered species. Recent studies suggest that there could be over 100 leopards living within Wilpattu.

Apart from that, around 30 species of mammals have been identified within Wilpattu national park.

Among them,

• elephant (Elephas maximus maximus)
• sloth bear (Melursus ursinus inornatus)
• water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
• sambhur (Rusa unicolor unicolor)
• spotted deer (Axis axis ceylonensis)
• barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak malabaricus)

are prominent.

Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus)

Wilpattu is the home for numerous bird and reptile species. Specially due to its abundance of lakes and tanks, this park has become a haven for migratory birds.

Ruins of Kuweni Palace

Apart from the ecological importance of Wilpattu, there is a high archaeological value as well. There are many locations which relate to Princess Kuweni (c. 6^th century BC). Certain ruins are still visible.

Wilpattu has a geological significance as well due to its evidence of some unique rock formations closer to Kudiramalai beach, which leads to the speculations that this could very well be a meteor impact site millions of years ago.

Changeable Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus ceylonensis)

Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)

Getting There…

Main entrance to the Wilpattu National Park is called Hunuwilagama Entrance which can be reached via turning off from the Wilpattu Junction on the Puttalam-Anuradhapura (A12) Road.

1. When coming from Anuradhapura side, Wilpattu Junction is situated around 7 km passing Nochchiyagama. From Puttalam side it is around 8.5 km passing Saliyawewa.
2. From the Wilpattu Junction, it will be 8 km to the Hunuwilagama Entrance.

Places to Stay

• Kokmote Bungalow (Wildlife Dept. Bungalow) (40 km)

Travel Notes

Following are based on the visit to Wilpattu National Park on 2019-06-29.

• Road conditions were very good all the way up to the Hunuwilagama Entrance with carpeted roads.
• There is ample parking space at the entrance.
• Unless you have a serious 4×4 vehicle, it would always be wise to hire a dedicated safari vehicle. You can easily find one around the Wilpattu Junction.
• Your whole Safari experience depends on the skills and knowledge of the driver and the Wildlife Guide you have been assigned with. Therefore, make sure to discuss your expectations of the trip with them, prior to the journey.

Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis)

Kokkari Villu

For more pics… Album: 2019-06-29 ~ 30 » Wilpattu