Have you ever dreamed of seeing leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of birds in their natural habitat? If so, you should definitely visit Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest wildlife sanctuary. Wilpattu National Park is a stunning and secluded park that covers over 130,000 hectares of dry woodland, grassland, and natural lakes. It is home to more than 30 species of mammals, over 200 species of birds, and countless reptiles, amphibians, and insects. It is also a place of historical and cultural significance, as it contains ancient ruins and monuments that date back to the 5th century BC. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Wilpattu National Park and how to plan your trip.
Why Visit Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to experience the country’s rich and diverse wildlife. Unlike some of the more popular and crowded parks, Wilpattu National Park offers a more authentic and intimate safari experience, as you can explore the park at your own pace and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Wilpattu National Park:
Wildlife: Wilpattu National Park is famous for its high density of leopards, which are the apex predators of the park. You have a good chance of spotting these elusive and majestic cats, especially during the dry season from February to October, when they come out to hunt and drink from the natural lakes. You can also see other rare and endangered animals, such as sloth bears, which are only found in Sri Lanka and India, and are active during the fruiting season from May to July. Other animals that you can encounter in the park include elephants, water buffaloes, spotted deer, wild pigs, jackals, mongooses, monkeys, and many more.
Birds: Wilpattu National Park is a paradise for bird lovers, as it hosts over 200 species of birds, both resident and migratory. You can see a variety of birds, such as eagles, kites, falcons, owls, peacocks, bee-eaters, kingfishers, hornbills, woodpeckers, barbets, and many more. The best time to see the birds is during the wet season from November to January, when the park is lush and green, and the migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
Scenery: Wilpattu National Park is a scenic and natural park that offers a unique landscape of dry woodland, grassland, and natural lakes. The natural lakes, or villus, are the main feature of the park, as they provide water and food for the wildlife, and create a beautiful contrast with the dry and sandy terrain. The park also has some hills and rocky outcrops that offer panoramic views of the surroundings. The park is especially beautiful during the sunrise and sunset, when the sky and the water turn into a kaleidoscope of colors.
Culture: Wilpattu National Park is not only a wildlife park, but also a cultural and historical park, as it contains several ancient sites and monuments that are linked to the history and mythology of Sri Lanka. The most famous site is the Kudrimalai Point, or the Horse Point, where legend has it that Prince Vijaya, the founder of the Sinhalese civilization, landed in Sri Lanka in the 6th century BC. You can also see the remains of ancient temples, stupas, statues, and inscriptions that date back to the Anuradhapura period, when Wilpattu was part of the first capital of Sri Lanka. The park is also close to the Anuradhapura World Heritage Site, where you can visit some of the most impressive and sacred Buddhist monuments in the country.
What to See and Do in Wilpattu National Park
There are many ways to enjoy and explore Wilpattu National Park, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some of the main attractions and activities that you can do in the park:
Safari: The safari is the main and most popular activity in the park, as it allows you to see the wildlife and the scenery of the park in a comfortable and safe way. You can choose from different safari options, such as half-day, full-day, or overnight safaris, and different vehicles, such as jeeps, vans, or buses. You can also hire a guide or a driver, who can help you spot and identify the animals and birds, and tell you more about the park and its history. The best time to do the safari is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the animals are more active and the temperature is cooler. The safari is an unforgettable and thrilling experience that you should not miss.
Hiking: If you are more adventurous and want to experience the park in a more immersive and challenging way, you can opt for hiking. Hiking is a great way to see the park from a different perspective, as you can walk through the trails and paths that lead you to the natural lakes, the hills, and the ancient sites. You can also get closer to the wildlife and the birds, and enjoy the sounds and smells of nature. You can choose from different hiking options, such as short, medium, or long hikes, and different difficulty levels, such as easy, moderate, or hard. You can also hire a guide or a ranger, who can show you the best routes and trails, and ensure your safety and enjoyment. The best time to hike is during the dry season, when the trails are more accessible and the weather is more pleasant. Hiking is a rewarding and exhilarating experience that you should try.
Camping: If you want to extend your stay in the park and experience the park in a more authentic and intimate way, you can opt for camping. Camping is a great way to see the park at night, when the park becomes a different and magical place, and you can see the stars and the moon, and hear the sounds and movements of the nocturnal animals and birds. You can choose from different camping options, such as basic, deluxe, or luxury camping, and different facilities and services, such as tents, beds, toilets, showers, food, and entertainment. You can also hire a staff or a team, who can set up and take down your camp, and cater to your needs and requests. The best time to camp is during the dry season, when the nights are cooler and the insects are fewer. Camping is a fun and memorable experience that you should not miss.
Cultural and Historical Sites: If you are interested in the culture and history of Sri Lanka, you can visit some of the cultural and historical sites that are located in and near the park. You can see some of the ancient ruins and monuments that are part of the park, such as the Kudrimalai Point, the Abhayagiri Dagoba, the Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, the Sri Maha Bodhi, the Ambasthale Dagoba, the Jetavanarama Dagoba, the Sinha Pokuna, and the Archaeological Museum. You can also visit some of the nearby attractions that are part of the Anuradhapura World Heritage Site, such as the Thuparamaya, the Isurumuniya, the Samadhi Buddha, the Mirisawetiya, and the Lankarama. You can learn more about the history and mythology of Sri Lanka, and admire the architecture and art of the ancient civilizations. You can hire a guide or a driver, who can take you to the sites and tell you more about them. You can also join a tour or a group, who can provide you with more information and resources. The best time to visit the sites is during the day, when the sites are open and the visibility is better. Visiting the sites is an educational and inspiring experience that you should not miss.
How to Plan Your Trip to Wilpattu National Park
Planning your trip to Wilpattu National Park is not difficult, but it requires some research and preparation. Here are some of the things that you need to consider and do before and during your trip:
When to Go: The best time to visit Wilpattu National Park is during the dry season, from February to October, when the wildlife is more visible and the weather is more favorable. However, you can also visit the park during the wet season, from November to January, when the park is more green and the birds are more abundant. The park is open all year round, from 6 am to 6 pm, but the peak season is from April to September, when the park is more crowded and the prices are higher. You should avoid visiting the park during the holidays and festivals, such as the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, the Vesak in May, and the Poya days, when the park is more busy and noisy.
How to Get There: The easiest and fastest way to get to Wilpattu National Park is by car, as the park is well-connected by roads and highways. You can drive from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, to the park in about 4 hours, or from Anuradhapura, the nearest city, to the park in about 1 hour. You can also take a bus. You can also take a bus from Colombo or Anuradhapura to the park, but the journey will be longer and less comfortable. You can also take a train from Colombo to Anuradhapura, and then take a bus or a car to the park, but the train service is not very frequent or reliable. You can also take a plane from Colombo to Anuradhapura, and then take a car to the park, but the flight service is not very regular or affordable. You can also hire a driver or a taxi, who can take you to the park and wait for you, but the price will be higher and the quality will vary. You should choose the option that suits your budget and convenience, and book your tickets or reservations in advance.
Where to Stay: The best place to stay near or within Wilpattu National Park is a hotel, resort, guesthouse, or campsite, depending on your preferences and budget. You can find a range of accommodation options, from basic and cheap to deluxe and expensive, that offer different facilities and services, such as rooms, beds, toilets, showers, food, entertainment, and wifi. You can also find accommodation options that offer different views and experiences, such as lake view, forest view, or wildlife view. You should choose the option that meets your needs and expectations, and book your rooms or spots in advance. You can also check the reviews and ratings of the accommodation options, and compare the prices and quality of each option.
What to Eat: The best place to eat near or within Wilpattu National Park is a restaurant, cafe, or street stall, depending on your preferences and budget. You can find a variety of food options, from local and traditional to international and modern, that offer different types and tastes of food, such as rice, curry, roti, hoppers, kottu, noodles, pizza, burgers, and salads. You can also find food options that offer different specialties and delicacies, such as seafood, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free. You should choose the option that satisfies your appetite and palate, and pay attention to the hygiene and quality of the food. You can also check the reviews and ratings of the food options, and compare the prices and portions of each option.
What to Pack: The best things to pack for your trip to Wilpattu National Park are clothing, footwear, accessories, equipment, and essentials, depending on your preferences and activities. You should pack clothing that is comfortable, light, and breathable, such as cotton shirts, shorts, pants, and hats. You should also pack clothing that is appropriate, modest, and respectful, such as long sleeves, long skirts, and scarves. You should pack footwear that is sturdy, durable, and comfortable, such as sneakers, boots, or sandals. You should also pack footwear that is suitable, protective, and supportive, such as socks, gloves, and bandages. You should pack accessories that are useful, handy, and convenient, such as sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water bottle. You should also pack accessories that are essential, valuable, and personal, such as passport, visa, money, and phone. You should pack equipment that is necessary, functional, and reliable, such as camera, binoculars, flashlight, and batteries. You should also pack equipment that is optional, fun, and entertaining, such as books, games, and music. You should pack essentials that are basic, vital, and universal, such as toiletries, medicine, and snacks. You should also pack essentials that are specific, special, and individual, such as allergy pills, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements. You should pack your items in a backpack, suitcase, or bag, that is spacious, secure, and easy to carry. You should also pack your items in a way that is organized, neat, and accessible.
Conclusion
Wilpattu National Park is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka that offers a unique and diverse wildlife experience. It is a place where you can see leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of birds in their natural habitat, and enjoy the scenic and natural beauty of the park. It is also a place where you can learn more about the history and culture of Sri Lanka, and visit some of the ancient and sacred sites in and near the park. Wilpattu National Park is a place that you should not miss, and a place that you will never forget. If you are looking for a wildlife adventure, a cultural exploration, or a relaxing getaway, Wilpattu National Park is the perfect destination for you. Book your trip to Wilpattu National Park today, and discover the wonders of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest wildlife sanctuary.
