Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Designated a sanctuary in 1905 and formally recognised for its importance, Wilpattu was awarded National Park status in 1938. Located 30 km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam, the park spans over 1,317 square kilometres (131,693 hectares) open all year round, but is best visited between the months of February and October by jeep safari.
Wilpattu (Willu-pattu) means land of lakes and approx. 106 of these natural, sand-rimmed water basins that fill with rainwater are found spread throughout the park. They attract a wide range of wetland bird species including the garganey, pintail, whistling teal, spoonbill, white ibis, large white egret, cattle egret and purple heron. The painted stork, the open bill, little cormorant, Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii) along with many species of owls, terns, gulls, eagles, kites and buzzards are also found at Wilpattu National Park.
Wilpattu however, is most famous for being in the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population. The Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust conducted a survey using remote cameras in 2015 and photo-captured forty-nine individual leopards. In total, 31 species of mammals roam the salt grass meadows, monsoon forests and lakes within the park including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, mongoose and monkeys.
Many species of reptiles are also found in the park including the monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, common cobra, rat snake, Indian python, pond turtle and the soft-shelled turtle.
With so much to see, be sure to have your camera constantly at the ready!