Wilpattu National Park

To explore Sri Lankas nature trails on road less travelled head further up from Kalpitiya to Wilpattu National Park. The park is located in the northwest coast low land dry zone roughly a one hour drive from Barreef Resort.

Wilpattu, is renowned as Sri Lanka’s largest National Park and is one of the oldest National parks. It was declared a National park in the year 1935. It was a declared Sanctuary before this period and the jungles existence is also written in the country’s ancient history.

There are many types of vegetation to be found in Wilpattu; Littoral vegetation, including Salt grass and low scrub monsoon forest with tall emergents, such as Palu (Manilkara hexandra),Satin (Chloroxylon swietenia), Milla (Vitex altissima), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria), Ebony (Disopyros ebenum) etc.

Wilapattu in the meaning of its name captures what it entails a land of many lakes “Willu” or collection of water bodies (tanks) of various sizes. Among Sri Lanka’s National Parks Wilpattu National Park is unique with its Biodiversity. Over 25 species of mammals, unique Flora and Birds can be found in Wilpattu Jungles.