Wilpattu National Park is the largest national park in the country. It is nestled in dense, dry woodland. Here, you can view a wide range of wildlife, including leopards, wild pigs, spotted deer, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
The Sri Lanka safari park is essentially a paradise for bird lovers since it is infested with seasonal birds. If you are planning to visit this spectacular location, there are a few essential things that you can consider before embarking on the trip.
A Guide to the Wilpattu National Park in Srilanka
Let us find out more about the place as a step-wise guide under the following topics-
Where is this Park located?
The national park is in Sri Lanka’s northeastern part. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Anuradhapura and roughly 4 hours from Colombo by road. Spread over an area of 508 square mi, it is the biggest safari national park in Sri Lanka, as we have noted above. Although the area is huge, you are allowed to access only a quarter of the park.
Landscapes
Unlike a few other national parks, where you would have had to drive through open landscapes, the landscape at Wilpattu National Park is quite diverse. You can expect to drive through the bushlands, scrubs, and dirty unwinding roads amidst the tall trees.
The landscape also comprises dunes, wetlands, and scrubland forests. You will be delighted to see a few remnants of the ancient city of Anuradhapura if you have a fondness for architecture.
Interestingly, Wilpattu is also known as the “Land of the Lakes.” And you will find that it sure is! As you drive through the red, dirty, rugged roads, small round lakes, similar to saucers, appear. These water bodies are spread throughout the national park. These small lakes serve as waterholes for the species living here.
And it is not a rare view if you get to see elephants, water buffaloes, crocodiles, and deer all around these lakes quenching their thirst.
Have an Unforgettable Safari
If you have an image of the African safari on your mind before embarking upon a Sri Lanka safari, you might be disappointed. The two have many differences, and both appeal to different audiences.
While on a Sri Lanka safari, there are fewer luxury resorts or lodges where you can put up in sharp contrast to the ones on the African safari. It is less flashy and you get to see fewer animals. Individuals will likely book a safari trip to Africa only. Still, as a traveler to Sri Lanka, you may include the Sri Lanka safari at Wilpattu National Park as part of your itinerary.
FAQs
Check out a few common questions that arise in the minds of most of the tourists traveling to Sri Lanka for a safari trip.
1. What is the Wilpattu National Park famous for?
The national park is famous mainly for its leopard population. It is one of the two best places to catch a glimpse of leopards.
2. How many leopards one can find here at the park?
You can see as many as 600 to 700 leopards here.
3. What is the best time to visit the national park?
The best time to visit the Sri Lanka safari park is between February and September. Ideally, the dry season is the best.
4. What are the different types of animals you can see at the park?
You can see different kinds of animals here. A few of them are:
- Spotted deer
- Sloth bear
- Elephants
- Leopard
- Crocodile
- Peacock
- Common Kingfisher
- Water buffalo
- Chicken or Junglefowl
- Monkey
- Hornbill
- Owl
- Mongoose
- Sambar or elk
- White egret
- Eagle
- Painted stork
5. What is the cost of a safari at Wilpattu National Park?
The cost of a safari usually differs from time to time depending on the number of people. However, if two of you are going for it, expect to shell out USD100 for each for the entire day. The cost includes taxes, entrance fees, and a guide’s services.
Having gathered considerable information on the Wilpattu National Park, schedule a trip with your loved ones to the land of lakes inside another natural marvel in Sri Lanka.
