Wilpattu National Park Safari: Wildlife Adventure from Sigiriya

Wilpattu National park is among the oldest and most important of protected areas in Sri Lanka. It also contains a number of important cultural sites. The sanctuary lies inland from the coast and is entirely within Northern Province. 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 and 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.