It is contiguous with the park, the intervening boundary being marked by the Moderagam Aru. The only practical access from Colombo would be via Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam. The turn off is at the little hamlet of Thimbiriwewa on the 28 th mile post along the Puttalam Anuradhapura road the park office where one obtains permit and a guide is at Hunuwilagama 8km from the turn off. The main topographical feature in this park is the concentration of “villus” or “lakes” within it. The striking feature, though confined to certain sectors of the park, is copper red, loamy soils extremely varied. The western sector of the park with deeply forested areas and thorny bushes is reminiscent of Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka. Characterized by inter monsoon rains in March and April, an extensive drought from May until early September and a major rainy season (Northern Monsoon) from September until December. Mammalian diversity and ecological densities are highest in such ecotomes as the interfaces between forest, scrub and grasslands converge in the west and the “villus” and drainage systems in the center of the park. A total of 31 species of mammals have been recorded but additional species of Rodentia and Chiropotera undoubtedly present. Among the most conspicuous reptiles are common. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
4 Comments
5
Exploring Wilpattu National Park was a highlight of our trip, where we were captivated by the stunning landscapes and wildlife. The adventure continued as we journeyed to Anuradhapura, immersing ourselves in the rich history and ancient ruins that really showcased Sri Lanka’s heritage. One small suggestion would be to have a bit more time at each site, as we felt rushed while soaking in the beauty and stories of the national park and historic landmarks.
4.6
As a solo traveler, I was excited about venturing out for the day to explore Wilpattu National Park and the historic wonders of Anuradhapura. The safari part was exhilarating; I spotted diverse wildlife while cruising through the park, feeling completely immersed in nature. The guide was knowledgeable and shared fascinating insights about the flora and fauna, which enhanced my experience significantly. Transportation was comfortable, but I would have appreciated a bit more time in Anuradhapura to fully absorb its historical significance. Overall, it was a fulfilling day that balanced adventure with cultural exploration, making for a memorable experience in Kandy in Sri Lanka.
4.8
We had an amazing time exploring the wildlife during our safari at Wilpattu National Park, where we were thrilled to spot leopards and elephants in their natural habitat. The historic ruins in Anuradhapura were equally captivating, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich past. One suggestion would be to include a longer break for lunch, as we felt a bit rushed between the two experiences.
4.4
Our experience was truly memorable as we ventured into the wilderness, spotting a variety of wildlife during the safari. The historical insights we gained while exploring ancient ruins added a unique layer to our day. If there’s one area for improvement, it would be to consider a longer stop at the park to fully soak in the natural beauty before heading to the next destination.