The Wilpattu forest area in the North Western Province is a fertile natural habitat with lush vegetation and a variety of wildlife.
Thirty-one species of mammals are found here, including elephants, leopard, bear, wild pig, deer, wild buffalo and porcupine. Trees like veera, palu and milla thrive in this forest.
The best time to visit the park is February.
The circuit bungalow, which had been closed since the war, is now open with security provided. Visitors can enjoy many of the reserve’s attractions such as Madhara, Gam Aaru and Kadhiramale and there are plenty of guides to assist.
The Wilpattu forest area covers about 60 waterholes. The park is situated about 180 miles away from Colombo.
According to the Mahawamsa, Prince Vijaya had lived here with Kuveni as his queen. This forest was recognised as a national park in 1938. The Kahalla Pallekale Forest Reserve was recently enlisted a forest reserve. Pallekele is frequented by local and foreign visitors and students studying the various aspects of this area.
Kadhiramale is the highest point in Wilpattu where King Vijaya is supposed to have landed.
The copper-coloured soil of the area is said to have given the country the name ‘Thambapanni’.
The North Western Province consists of two administrative districts, namely Kurunegala and Puttalam, with a total area of 7,888.2 square kilometres. The Wilpattu forest is one of the country’s major tourist attractions. This natural forest has a mixture of dry zone and wet zone climates.
About 240km away from the park, one reaches the lagoons which are popular with tourists for water sports. The area is also known for its coconut plantations. The best beach resorts are situated in Maravila, Thalavila and Waikkal.
The Wilpattu national park is an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
However, visitors to the park pollute the area by throwing plastic items and polythene bags and action should be taken to curb such environmentally-harmful acts.
from daily news