Been to Wilpattu yet? The Wilpattu National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife parks. It is located on the Northwestern coast of Sri Lanka and has a varying natural habitat. Open grasslands, scrublands, cliffs and dense forest all are home to an immense variety of animals. One of the park’s most unique features is the natural lakes or sand-rimmed water basins referred to as ‘villus’. All these elements combined help the Wilpattu National Park, the largest in the country with an area of approximately 131,000 hectares, become one of the best places to see and experience wildlife. Wildlife binge The park is home to a diverse variety of wildlife and with its calm and less commercial vibe Wilpattu is the place for avid wildlife enthusiasts to indulge in peace. It has relatively less visitors when compared to the popular Yala National Park so there is literarily less traffic within the park. Visitors can actually feel alone with nature when at Wilpattu owing to its vast expanse and serene atmosphere. On the list of amazing wildlife are Whistling Teals, Eurasian Spoonbills, water buffalo, Sloth bear, spotted deer, Painted stork and the Black-headed Ibis. Also closer to the water depressions crocodiles can be found soaking up the sun. Wilpattu is also home to the majestic elephant and the allusive leopard. What more could an enthusiast ask for than the possibility to see elephants up close and personal as well as catch a rare glimpse of a leopard? History within Amazingly Wilpattu has a number of important cultural sites as well. The park is located close to the areas of Puttalam and Anuradhapura, places of historic value. It is said that the history of the park’s cultural importance dates back to the time of Prince Vijaya, as it is believed that he landed in the area known as Kudriamalli located within the park. The native princess Kuveni, who Prince Vijaya first met upon landing in Sri Lanka, is said to have had her palace at Kali Villu. Several urns containing human remains have been found in Pomparippu in Wilpattu, which are said to belong to the period prior to that of Sri Lanka’s recorded history. Wilpattu is such a wonderful place to visit with its perfect mix of wildlife, historic value and untouched quality. Safari tours are available while great accommodation options are many. Wilpattu is a must explore when holidaying in Sri Lanka.
https://visitwilpattupark.com/