28/01/2025
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ต๐น๐ช๐ฝ๐ฝ๐พ ๐๐ช๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ท๐ช๐ต ๐๐ช๐ป๐ด
Located in northwest Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is the largest national park on the island covering an area of more than 1,300 square kilometres. The park is comprised mostly of dense scrub forest and grass-covered clearings; however, the defining feature of Wilpattu is its network of wetlands called โvilluโ which help to sustain the flora and fauna.
More than 30 species of mammal can be encountered here and the park is becoming increasingly reliable for leopard, sloth bear and Asian elephant sightings. Other mammals that can be seen include water buffalo, mongoose, mouse deer, sambar and spotted deer.
The birdlife in Wilpattu is also prolific with Malabar pied hornbill, Sri Lankan junglefowl, crested serpent eagle, Indian peafowl and changeable hawk-eagle are just some of the more notable species that can be observed here. In addition, there are several reptile and amphibian species to see too, such as mugger crocodile, Indian python, common cobra and monitor lizard.
Also roaming on the grasslands are Star tortoises at Wilpattu. In the large Villus are Pond turtle and the Soft shelled turtle.
Jeep Safari is the regular norm in exploring the Wilpattu National Park. While Leopards, Elephants, Sloth bear, Deer, endemic birds can be sighted easily during a half day safari, of course, the full day safari at National Park affords greater joys with wildlife. During the safari, the tourists arenโt supposed to get off the jeep at the tracks of the wild animals and expose themselves to the possible encounters in the wilderness. With the rangers at the Wilpattu National Park guiding the wildlife safaris, the visitors are always safe though in the thick of wilderness.
The best time to visit Wilpattu National Park is during the months of February and October. Wilpattu National Park has a good network of gravel roads, particularly between the water holes.