Wilpattu

Its location close to the northwestern coastal belt of the island meant that Wilpattu was among the areas which were not accessible during Sri Lanka’s 26 year civil unrest. As a result, Sri Lanka now has another untouched wildlife treasure to share with the world. Thankfully, responsible tourism will ensure that the park remains an oasis for wildlife. Covering an area of 131,000 hectares that stretches from the Northwestern coast to the north-central province, the Wilpattu National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest wildlife parks. As its name suggests, the park has numerous emerald lakes (‘villus’) dotting the landscape. The lakes, the scrub forest and rocky outcrops provide perfect habitat for all of Sri Lanka’s “big game” including leopard, elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo and spotted deer. The coastal belt and natural lakes attract many species of birds such as painted storks, white ibis, open bills, Whistling teals, spoonbills, cormorants and kingfishers, as well as water monitors and mugger crocodiles. Situated away from the common tourist routs, Wilpattu is unspoilt and can be enjoyed in tranquil seclusion.