The willus
Sand-rimmed lakes filled by rain.
NavaaneethaSarma MurugananthaSarma — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Sumudusoyza007 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · NavaaneethaSarma MurugananthaSarma — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Jayani Jayasinghe — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shaluka Herath — CC BY-SA 4.0
Wilpattu National Park is one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest parks, covering 1,317 square kilometres of the dry lowlands on the northwest coast. Its signature feature is the willu, natural sand-rimmed lakes filled by rain, and nearly 106 of these and other tanks are scattered through the park. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1905 and upgraded to a national park in 1938. Some of the island's oldest stories touch this coast: the Mahavamsa chronicle says Prince Vijaya landed at Kudrimalai Point in 543 BC, a traditional account, and a subject of Emperor Claudius is said to have arrived at the same headland in 47 AD, blown off course by the monsoon. Some 31 mammal species have been identified here, including elephant, sloth bear, leopard and water buffalo, along with spotted deer and sambar. Safari vehicles travel through shady forest on red tracks until the sandy lakes open up. Birds include painted storks, openbills and gulls, and low red cliffs along the coast surprise many visitors. The park entrance lies about 42 km from Anuradhapura and 171.5 km from Colombo in a straight line. The best time is February to October. Visits run by safari jeep with a tracker, so book early and start at dawn. Leopard sightings are not guaranteed, so bring binoculars, always stay in the vehicle and do not feed the animals.
Sand-rimmed lakes filled by rain.
Among the forest's best-known residents.
A low coast in a surprising colour.
Near Anuradhapura and Puttalam, Sri Lanka
No, luck plays a big part, though a dawn start improves your chances.
Yes, visits run by jeep with a tracker, so book ahead.