Wilpattu National Park | Sri Lanka | Travel | Destinations

Wildlife in Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of "Willus" (Natural lakes). Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is the largest and one of the oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The best time to visit Wilpattu is during the months of February and October.

31 species of mammals have been identified within Wilpattu national park. Mammals that are identified as threatened species living within the Wilpattu National Park are the elephant (Elephas maximus), Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) and Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Sambhur, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, Mouse and Shrew are more of Wilpattu's residents.

The Mahavansa records that in 543 BC, Prince Vijaya landed at Tambapanni now known as Kudrimalai Point (Horse Point), married Kuweni and founded the Sinhala nation. In 1905, the area was designated as a sanctuary and in 1938 it was upgraded to the National Park status.