Discover the Hidden Gems of Wilpattu National Park

Sri Lanka is known for its natural beauty and tropical forests, with many national parks and nature reserves scattered throughout its length and breadth. One of these is Wilpattu National Park in Sri Lanka, one of the largest and oldest national parks in the country. It is nestled on the northwest coast of the island and is also one of its least-explored nature reserves, making it a top spot to visit if you’re looking for hidden gems. Famous for the elusive leopards that can be spotted here, it also has dense forests and diverse ecosystems that are perfect for nature lovers. While most tourists come to view the leopards and elephants, Wilpattu offers so much more. Embark on a Wilpattu National Park safari to see the sights:

Wilpattu takes its name from the word “Villu,” which refers to the scenic natural lakes and rainwater basins found in the park. There are over 60 of these water bodies which are important lifelines for the park’s wildlife. The villus are thriving ecosystems which attract a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Some of them, such as Kumbuk Villu and Periya Villu, also offer eye-catching views at dawn and dusk when the wildlife can be seen coming to have a drink. The best time to visit Wilpattu National Park is from February to October. Since this is during the dry season, visitors will have a chance to see many animals drinking from the waterholes. Bird watchers will also have plenty to interest them. The villus attract species such as painted storks, herons, and egrets.

Wilpattu is one of the best places to spot leopards. Travellers can book a Wilpattu National Park tour to see these big cats away from the busy areas. While hotspots like Maradanmaduwa and Ilangam Villu are packed with safari jeeps, there are lesser-known trails, such as the routes leading towards Mana Villu and Kuruttupandi Villu, that will allow you to see leopards in a more isolated setting. The dense forests and lonely villus along these trails are top hunting grounds for leopards. These spots are also ideal for photography, with minimal noise or distractions.

Though there are elephants and other large mammals roaming around the park, bird lovers too will be in for a treat. The park is full of mangroves, wetlands, and scrub forests that are home to a diverse variety of bird species. Many of them are rarely seen in other parts of the island. If you travel to the Kala Oya river area or the Modaragam Aru, the landscape changes into a wetland paradise, which attracts waterfowl and migratory species. You might catch sight of the black-necked stork, white-bellied sea eagles, and even the spot-billed pelican. The best time for birdwatching is in the early morning or late afternoon.

The park has thick, tropical jungles with villus and grassy plains. Visitors can stop to admire the less-visited forest paths, where wildlife sightings may be rarer. Keep an eye out for sloth bears, who eat the termite mounds in these forests, especially in the quieter areas around Palugas Wewa and Maha Villu.
Going on a night safari in Wilpattu is a great way to experience the nocturnal wildlife of the park. Although night safaris are less common in the country, there are some tour operators that offer them. This allows visitors to view animals in Wilpattu National Park that are rarely seen in the daytime, such as civets, wild cats, and the endemic fishing cat. You may also hear the calls of nocturnal birds and the roar of leopards during your tour.

VIsitors can find hotels near Wilpattu National Park in Anuradhapura or in Sigiriya, which is located about 2 hours away. One option is, Jetwing Vil Uyana, an eco-luxury hotel overlooking a scenic wetland. It offers a spa and pool, allowing guests to unwind in rustic comfort.

Wilpattu National Park is more than just a leopard-spotting haven. From the serene villus to thick forests, Wilpattu is full of hidden gems. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a birdwatcher, Wilpattu has something to offer every visitor.