Wilpattu National Park is the largest and oldest of its kind in Sri Lanka. Located in the dry zone of the north western coast of the country, Wilpattu is world renowned for its leopard and sloth bear population. The highlight of the park – which gives the park its name – is the existence of several “natural lakes” – also known as ‘villus’ (sand rimmed depressions that fill up with rainwater).
Wilpattu in Sinhala means “natural lakes”
Wilpattu in Tamil means “ten lakes”
Throughout the park, a total of about 60 natural lakes are found. Most animals and birds use these ‘villus’ as their breeding grounds, hence wherever you spot the lakes, there is a high chance of animals being spotted around there. Although Wilpattu is the largest national park in Sri Lanka, it is not the most visited one. Hence the animal sighting probabilities are slightly less but on the flip side, the park has a more genuine sense of wilderness due to the fewer visitors. Dedicated safari goers will definitely enjoy the Wilpattu wildlife experience.
Packed with exciting wildlife, Wilpattu is waiting to be explored! The varying habitats have attracted many species of wildlife, both resident and migrant. 31 species of mammals have been identified; some of them being Leopard (a favourite amongst visitors), Sloth Bear, Elephant, Spotted and Barking Deer, Sambur, Wild Boar and even Crocks. It is also home to an abundance of endemic birdlife such as the Jungle Fowl, Painted Stork, Owl, Terns, Gulls, Eagles, Heron and the winter migrants who home for short periods within the nature reserve. Butterflies such as the Blue and Common Mormons, Common Rose and Crimson Rose amongst many other species can be seen vividly fluttering around. On top of the list of reptiles is the Mugger Crocodile followed by Monitor Lizards, Python, Cobra, Rat Snake along with Star Tortoise, Pond turtle and Soft shelled Turtle amongst many others.
