Wilpattu National Park

Introducing Wilpattu National Park

Covered in dense pockets of jungle scrub interspersed with small clearings, and tanks that shrink in the dry season and swell in the monsoon, Wilpattu National Park (admission per person Rs 600, plus per vehicle Rs 120, plus per group service charge Rs 600, plus 15% tax; 6am-6pm) is home to up to 50 elephants and 50 or more leopards, as well as spotted deer, sloth bears, wild pigs, crocodiles and more. At 1085 sq km, it is Sri Lanka’s largest national park.

Like much of the country, recent history has not been kind to the park. At one time it was the most visited in the country, but it was closed due to ethnic violence in 1985. In the following years it was a base for rebels and poaching was rife. However, the park reopened with a new visitors centre and an enthusiastic staff in 2003.

Research on the park’s animals is only just starting again, so animal counts are more speculative than factual. But visitors usually have a good chance of seeing some wildlife, especially from January to May. In fact, on the drive to the park from Puttalam, you’ll see fences designed to keep marauding elephants out of farmland (you’ll also see lots of abandoned homes). Peacocks and mongooses are everywhere.

This national park is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy animal spotting, albeit in primitive conditions. It still remains very uncrowded.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009