After being left untouched for years, Wilpattu is open again and it holds an incredible array of habitats and species within its borders. Arguably, this is one of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife destinations.
Located in northwest Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is the largest national park on the island covering an area of more than 1,300 square kilometres. The park is comprised mostly of dense scrub forest and grass-covered clearings; however, the defining feature of Wilpattu is its intricate network of ‘villu’ or shallow natural lakes which help to sustain the flora and fauna.
Since re-opening Wilpattu National Park has quickly become one of the finest wildlife watching locations on the island of Sri Lanka. More than 30 species of mammal can be encountered here and the park is becoming increasingly reliable for leopard, sloth bear and Asian elephant sightings. Other mammals that can be seen include water buffalo, mongoose, mouse deer, sambar and spotted deer.
The birdlife in Wilpattu is also prolific with Malabar pied hornbill, Sri Lankan junglefowl, crested serpent eagle, Indian peafowl and changeable hawk-eagle are just some of the more notable species that can be observed here. In addition, there are several reptile and amphibian species to see too, such as mugger crocodile, Indian python, common cobra and monitor lizard.
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