Lanka Sites

In 1905, the designated area in Wilpattu national park was declared a sanctuary. Thereafter it was upgraded to national park status on February 25, 1938.Park is located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo) spanning from the northwest coast inland towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura (50 km to the east of the park). The Wilpattu National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife parks. Covering an area of 131,000 hectares that stretches from the Northwestern coast to the north central province. Wilpattu’s varying natural habitats, coastal belt, natural lakes with villus, cliff tops, scrublands and open grasslands. The 5 to 10 km coastal belt of monsoon scrub of very low stature. Further inland, is the monsoon forest with tall emergents such as Palu, Satin, Milla, Weera, Ebony and Wewarana. Some 73% of the park is dense forest or scrub and the rest is more open habitat.dense forest provide for numerous species of animals.

Over 31 species of Mammals have been recorded in Wilpattu including elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo, spotted dear, Barking deer and leopard can be seen here. The coastal belt, forest and natural lakes attract many species of Endemics birds such as Jungle Fowl Brown capped Babbler, Sri Lankan Woodshrike and Black capped Bulbul. Wilpattu is also very good for migrating birds like waterfowl and waders. Some of the commoner migrants seen include Black tailed Godwit, Redshank, Sandpiper, Great Stone curlew, Whiskered Tern, Gull billed Tern, Curlew Sandpiper,Black winged Stilt and Northern Pintail. Also, include forest birds Chestnut winged Cuckoo, Small Cuckoo, Racket tailed Drongo, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Red wattled Lapwing, Brown Fish Owl,Spot bellied Eagle Owl, Crested Hawk Eagle and water birds include Painted Storks, Asian Open bill, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Spotbilled Pelican. Monitors, Mugger Crocodiles and fresh water Terrapins live in lakes and Villus in Wilpattu. Also, forest include some species of reptiles such as park. Indian Rock Python, Indian Cobra, Sand Boa, Russell’s Viper, Saw scale Viper and Hump nose Viper. Great Orange Tip, Glad eye Bush brown, Blue Mormon, Common Mormon and Common Rose are the butterflies in Wilpattu.

Accommodations

Near the turn off to Wilpattu off the A12 (Puttalam to Anuradhapura road) is the simple Preshamel Safari Hotel. The nearest for a choice of accommodation is Anuradhapura which includes the comfortable Palm Garden Village. Wilpattu is also easily accessible from hotels in Negombo.

• Palm Garden Village, Anuradhapura: Rated as three star, the Palm Garden Village is conveniently situated within 5 kms of Anuradhapura, It was built in traditional colonial style in the late 1990s and stands in a large 50 acre property, with villas immersed in the greenery.



• Tisawewa Grand Rest House, Anuradhapura: Built by the British in 1907 and now run by the Ceylon Hotel Corporation, the Tisawewa Grand has an envied location standing in what was once the Royal Pleasure Gardens of the old capital of Anaradhapura. Tisawewa is good value, the closest hotel to the archaeological site of Anuradhapura and has wonderful views of the Tisa Wewa. Its imposing restaurant serves great rice and curry and is attractively priced.



• Alankuda Beach, Kalpitiya: Alankuda Beach is situated in the small fishing village of Alankuda amidst swaying palms, sandy beaches and the azure seas which is home to pods of Dolphins during the season. Individual wattle and daub cabanas set within their own garden space, with separated with cadjan fences, provide a typical village setting and ample privacy.



• Mud House, Anamaduwa: A secluded eco retreat nestled at the foot of the ancient Parmakanda Rock temple in Anamaduwa in the North West district of Puttalam, the Mud House is set amidst six acres of remote wilderness, tranquil lakes and abundant fauna and flora. A stay at the Mudhouse is truly an experience of Sri Lanka's natural beauty within a typical rural setting.

Reference from : Sri Lankan Expeditions and Reddot Sri lanka