A Tribute to Wild Life: February 2019

Memorable experiences at Wilpattu National Park

Natures’ Sanctuary: Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is located 25km north of Puttalam or 30km west of Anuradhapura. The park that lies on the northwest coast spans the border between North Central Province and North Western Province of Sri Lanka. To the south of Wilpattu National Park is River Modergam Aru to the north is River Kala oya.

We started our journey early morning at 3.00 am on a weekend at reached Wilpattu at 8.30am. Upon reaching, we hopped on a jeep and started our first game drive into Wilpattu National Park. As soon as we entered we spotted two peacocks lying on either side of the park near the pond. After having a look at their behavior patterns we continued our journey inside the park in search of the Leopard. A herd of deer, Buffaloes, few endemic birds such as Blue Magpie, Grey Heron, Jungle Fowl, King Fishers, Malkohas, Pelicans and other various species were lying on either side of the park. After a long ride we turned our jeep to another by-road in search of the leopard. As soon as we entered we saw some jeeps which were stopped together, and to see they have spotted the Leopard who was fast asleep on a tree. The Leopard was covered with the branches of the trees so we were having a hard time to capture some photographs. "Patience" matters for all so we stayed for a long time till the fellow wakes up and get down the tree. All the photographers were ready with their cameras like if they were in a battle field. The leopard got down and crossed the road and it walked front on either side of the road. The jeep continued to move little by little till near the Leopard. The fellow stood up from its two legs to scratch its face from the leaves of the trees. It was one of most luckiest moments to see a Leopard standing from its two legs. We captured few photographs immediately before it gets back to its normal position.

In the afternoon we stopped at our picnic site which was inside the park. We stayed there and got ourselves relaxed for a while till we started our afternoon safari inside the park. In the afternoon we were moving at different places in the park to see none of the animals weren't outside. But we didn't give up hope till we find the leopard or the tusker elephant. But there were ample number of birds in the park from different species.

Bird life in the Wilpattu National Park

Wetland bird species found in the Wilpattu National Park include the Garganey, Pin tail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron. Also, many species of Gulls, Terns, Owls, Kites and Eagles are also lives here. The endemic Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Little Cormorant and the Painted Stork can also Can be seen.

Reptiles and Amphibians in the Wilpattu National Park

Monitor Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Common Cobra, Rat Snake, Indian Python, Pond Turtle and the Soft Shelled Turtle can be seen in Wilpattu National Park.

It became darker little by little in the evening, it came to an end of the safari. After safari we returned back to our camp by dusk.

We started our last drive into the park on the next day hoping to spot any leopards or wild tuskers in the park. We wanted to see the tiger and the Sloth bear but was not fortunate enough to see no one. In late afternoon we returned back to our camp for lunch and to refresh ourselves before check-out.

My advise regarding Wildlife is to protect it without destroying or dumping the National parks. People should love these gifts given by god to us, we as knowledgeable people should handle it with care. Jungle trips are one of the best journeys that anyone can do. The cost is less, the diversity is more. A good vehicle is also a mandatory requirement for Safaris.

I always wanted to do safaris every weekends or would never mind if i live there. I am certain that this would not be the end but the beginning of many more road trips to come. Let me know if anyone wants me for assistance i would be happy to help anyone at any time. And i always thank my Boss Mr. Rajiv Welikala from bottom of my heart for giving me this exposure throughout my entire life.

Cheers. Thank you Rajiv, Hamid and Baalamurai for wonderful memories we shared.