Wilpattu National Park

In fact the eco system in Wilpattu is so complex, and the area so large, that even today naturalists have struggled to record accurate numbers of the parks residents. Leopards, which are often the main attraction, are well known to be numerous but there is no official census number. Records indicate that there are 41 species of mammal (of which 4 are endemic), 149 bird species and 57 reptile species.

Wilpattu National park was cut off for almost 30 years during the war meaning that today, only a handful of luxury tented camps have ventured off the well trodden path to set up their accommodation. And boy are we grateful to them. Some of our most rewarding safari experiences in Sri Lanka have taken place in Wilpattu and there is nothing more authentic and exciting than sleeping on the parks boundary with canvas above our heads.  But the small number of quality accommodation options means that competition is intense and often expensive in comparison to similar options available in the more popular national parks.

For us, Wilpattu has an irresistible magic that draws us back time and time again. The feeling of it still being raw, rustic and an untouched habitat for Sri lanka’s wondrous wildlife is something that is hard to articulate. It’s a privilege to visit and to experience the majestic animals in their spectacular natural habitat undisturbed by the tourist frenzy found in Sri Lanka’s other national parks.