From Negombo: Wilpattu National Park Safari

Wilpattu National park is among the oldest and most important 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 28th milepost along the Puttalam Anuradhapura road and the park office where one obtains a 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, and 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 ecotones 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 Chiroptera undoubtedly present. Among the most conspicuous reptiles are common.