Unique Wilpattu

Tucked away on Sri Lanka's northwestern coast, Wilpattu National Park is a hidden gem that offers a raw and untamed glimpse into the island’s wild heart. As the country’s largest and one of its oldest national parks, Wilpattu is renowned for its unique landscape dotted with natural lakes—called “villus”—which provide vital watering holes for an incredible variety of wildlife. Spanning over 131,000 hectares, Wilpattu National Park holds a special place among Sri Lanka’s protected areas, captivating both birdwatchers and big game enthusiasts alike.

Unlike many other national parks in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is distinguished by its dense forest cover, creating a rich and secluded wilderness. Its landscape is a mosaic of dry zone forests and thorny scrublands, interspersed with sweeping open plains, shifting sand dunes, and the distinctive villus—shallow, natural wetlands that are unique to this region. Adding to its dramatic scenery are bare, reddish cliffs that rise sharply from the narrow beaches of Portugal Bay and Dutch Bay, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery.

The journey along Sri Lanka’s west coast to reach Wilpattu is a scenic and enjoyable one, particularly if you set out from Colombo early in the morning. Along the way, travelers can enjoy several captivating stops, including the tranquil Negombo Lagoon, the Anavilundawa Bird Sanctuary in Chilaw, and the striking, varied landscapes that unfold across the Puttalam region.

While there are many upscale options now popping up for accommodation around the park, it's easy to find budget-friendly yet beautiful small hotels bordering the park. These hotels bordering the park are a fantastic way to walk around and photograph birds.

I have visited the park twice in 2022 and 2023. The landscape transforms dramatically during the rainy season. In the wet season, the majestic "villu" boasts beautiful fields of lush green grass, making it ideal for beautiful captures.

Rain also enabled unique colours to pop out.

The relatively dense forest cover, particularly during the overcast rainy season, can make wildlife photography a bit challenging. Yet, modern cameras with high ISO capabilities handle low-light conditions remarkably well. The interplay of shade and shadow in the forest creates moody, atmospheric backdrops, lending bird photographs a distinctive character that sets them apart from images captured in more open or sunlit environments.

One is almost guaranteed to come across Brown Fish Owls inside the park. I saw a few of them during both my trips. Such a beautiful and interesting sight.

I encountered these two striking Woolly-necked Storks, who, despite their elegance, aren’t exactly the most graceful—or the most hygienic—residents of the park. The telltale droppings on the log and even on their legs speak for themselves!

Wilpattu is teeming with apex avian predators—a strong testament, in my view, to the park’s ecological health. Sightings of raptors are almost guaranteed, with species like the Oriental Honey Buzzard, Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, White-bellied Fish Eagle, and Grey-headed Fish Eagle commonly seen both within the park and along its outskirts.

One of the most memorable moments from my first trip was spotting the rare and striking Orange-headed Thrush. While wandering through the grounds of the hotel where I was staying, I stumbled upon this little gem hopping around a muddy puddle. In my excitement, I couldn’t get close enough for a better shot—a missed opportunity that remains one of my few regrets from the journey.

Another magnificent encounter was the nest-building Tawny-bellied Babblers. In the same hotel grounds, these energetic beauties were busy constructing their nest. It was amazing to see the skills and dedication.

A morning walk along the outskirts of the park often leads to a host of unexpected and delightful avian encounters.

Even if you're not an avid birdwatcher, Wilpattu is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary offering the chance to see a wide variety of animals, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard and the shaggy-coated sloth bear. While I wasn’t lucky enough to spot either during my visits, I encountered plenty of other fascinating creatures that were just as rewarding to photograph.

Wilpattu National Park is more than just a destination—it’s an experience of stillness, beauty, and wild discovery. Its unique blend of dense forests, open plains, and serene 'villus' creates a landscape that feels both ancient and untouched. Wilpattu offers a kind of magic that lingers long after you’ve left its borders. It’s a place that invites you to return—not just to see more, but to feel more deeply connected to Sri Lanka’s wild heart.