Wilpattu National Park

Situated 180 km from Colombo, and about 50 km from Anuradhapura Wilpattu National park is the largest wild life sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Declared as a sanctuary in 1938, and subsequently a national park, Wilpattu reserve, is a popular attraction for both tourists and wildlife enthusiasts

This park is packed with over 30 'vilas' or lakes and sandy tracks. Vila is defined as a natural depression generally circular with gently sloping banks - natural pool.

Due these reasons the leopard population seems to have drastically come down. There has been no leopard population count done in the recent past. But in 1978 when we visited Wilpattu we saw no less than 7 leopards in 2 days. But after reopening I have visited this park twice but saw no leopards at all. Even the deer population has thinned due to poaching. During my last 2 visits we only saw about 20 spotted deer, one elk, 6 foxes, few wild rabbits only. Another reason for this is the animals in this park are not used to vehicles and run into the jungle at the first sound of a jeep.

If you want to hire a jeep you need to get one from turn off point along the Puttlam-Anuradhapura Road. You will find all sorts of jeeps parked here. The prices are from Rs. 1750/- to 2000/- per half day or double for full day.

All the bungalows inside the park have been destroyed or burned down. One of the bungalows was re opened on the 30 Feb. 2004 called "Kokmote". Therefore if you want to stay the night you need to book hotel nearby. Camping was allowed for some time but now that is not possible either. There are very few motels close to Wilpattu but it is best to stay the night at Anuradhapura which is about 50 Km away from the park.