Sri Lanka’s Largest Natural heritage: Wilpattu National Park

Thinking of the island’s wildlife hotspots, Wilpattu turns out to be the number one. Owning the reputation as the island’s largest and the oldest national park, its landscape spreads across a total of 1,317 square kilometers. This widespread landscape holds giant, shallow natural lakes by which the name was formulated “Willu” and “pattu”, evolving to Wilpattu. Not just for the sake of the name, these “villus” have massive significance in contributing to the diverse ecosystem of the park stretching through almost all of the country’s Northeastern land. 

Given its luxe nature, it’s no wonder Wilpattu holds a massive amount of wildlife within, providing them a wonderful home rich in nature in its purest form like nowhere else. Unlike other parks around the island, Wilpattu is not the common pick for a safari ride, hence remaining its barely touched beauty as it is. 

Wilpattu is a haven for wildlife

Wilpattu’s most popular inhabitants are the leopards and spotting one during your visit is not so uncommon. Apart from that major highlight of Wilpattu’s wildlife, the park has its diverse variety of wildlife from sloth bears, elephants, birds, reptiles and many other mammals. While being the hotspot for the sloth bear population in the country, Wilpattu is also the home for a large number of elephants roaming around the famous Willus and on the grasslands. Over 200 species of birds inhabit the park. This list goes on from eagles to storks to kingfishers and owls, making it a paradise for the bird watchers. Crocodiles, monitor lizards, and snakes are the ones ruling the wetlands of this park, even roaming around inside the forest is their way of life. A significant mammal population which includes sambar deer, spotted deer, water buffalo, and mongoose claim their residency spreading across this landscape. 

A rich nature’s setting 

Apart from these and many more amazing wildlife populations, Wilpattu is a unique blend of forests, scrublands, open plains, and wetlands creating a picturesque landscape and a wonderful ecosystem within and beyond. Bustling crowds however, are very much foreign to this nature’s creation and therefore always sustain a calm, quiet and serene atmosphere at all times. It’s not exaggerating when saying that it cannot get any prettier anywhere else, when Wilpattu illuminates in beautiful golden hues during the sunrise and the sunset, turning episodes for the time passing inside these forests for its inhabitants. 

Best time to visit Wilpattu

With warm temperatures throughout the year, Wilpattu has tropical weather, which, however, the dry season, lasting between the months of February and October are known to offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around waterholes. Given the park’s dense forestry and large population of leopards, Jeep safaris are considered the primary way to explore the park. With its unique combination of lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and peaceful ambiance as one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured natural wonders, Wilpattu will serve it all whether you are seeking an adventurous safari, a tranquil escape, or an opportunity to connect with nature. 

Preserve for future

Being the largest and the oldest of all Lanka’s natural wildlife parks, Wilpattu’s biodiversity is unmatchable. Since its serenity has remained due to careful preservation by the authorities, contributing to the well being of the entire island, it cannot be disturbed with careless actions. Therefore, visitors are advised to be responsible in conserving this great wonder, and respect park regulations, avoid littering, and contribute to preserving the park’s pristine environment.