Wilpattu

Wilpattu, also known as Wilpattu National Park, is a protected area in Sri Lanka. It is the largest national park in the country, located on the northwestern coast and spanning parts of the Puttalam and Vavuniya districts. The park encompasses a landscape of dense forest interlaced with numerous natural lakes and water tanks called willu.

Name and landscape: The name Wilpattu is derived from Sinhala words referring to the willu waterholes that dot the terrain, creating a mosaic of lakes and forest that attract wildlife, especially during dry periods.

Wildlife: The park supports a diverse mammal and bird life, including the leopard, sloth bear, Asian elephant, Sri Lankan sambar, and spotted deer. It also hosts crocodiles in its water bodies and a variety of birds and other smaller species. The willus provide essential habitat features that sustain these populations.

History and conservation: Wilpattu is among the oldest and largest protected areas in Sri Lanka. It has long been protected as a wildlife reserve and was designated a national park in the 20th century. The park sustained impacts during the civil conflict and has since reopened to visitors and researchers.

Visiting: The park is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and is accessible year-round, with wildlife sightings typically higher in the dry season. Visitors typically travel by guided safaris, and park rules emphasize conservation, safety, and minimizing environmental impact.