Things to do in Deniyaya and the suburbs | Sri Lanka

Things to do in Sinharaja and Deniyaya | Patna Sliding Rock adventure  

Patna Sliding Rock, Sinharaja Rainforest and Deniyaya 

Sinharaja Forest Guide - Click Here 

How can I get to Deniyaya?

If you are coming from Colombo, take Welipenna interchange exit on the southern expressway, then follow the directions to Pelawatta, Neluwa, Morawaka, Kotapola, and Deniyaya. If you are coming from Galle, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna or Matara, there is a direct road to Deniyaya via Akuressa or if you are coming from Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Ratnapura or Ella, you need to go to Madampe junction and get directions to Deniyaya via Rakwana which is one of the most stunning roads in Sri Lanka.

Deniyaya Bus Station

Deniyaya Tourist Information Center

This is located next to the Bus Station.

Patna Sliding Rock

This location is located approximately 08 kilometers from Deniyaya town in the direction of Ensalwatta via Kosmulana junction. You can reach very close to Patna sliding rock by using your own vehicle or a motorbike, but it is recommended to use a four-wheel drive vehicle.  

The road is much more difficult to drive. Instead, there are two or three vehicle parking areas on the main road (Updated: May 2024). You can park your vehicle and walk approximately 2.8 kilometers from there. From a specific parking area, there is a shuttle service to the sliding rock if you are unable to walk. You can utilize this service for assistance. If you are walking, you need to continue along the main road and turn right at Kosmulana junction. Then, after the bridge, turn left onto the village road and the destination will be at the end of this road.   

 

You need to purchase a ticket from the ticket counter just before the sliding rock to enter the area. Restroom and clothes changing facilities are available. The entire journey takes at least 3 hours from Deniyaya town.

I highly advise against leaving Deniyaya without visiting Sinharaja.

It's best to spend the night at a cottage or a villa on Pallegama-Mederipitiya road, which is nearly 10 kilometers from Deniyaya town towards Sinharaja. There are numerous luxury villas and cottages in the area. This way, it is easy to start your walk at next day to Sinharaja early in the morning.

Below, will outline the easiest way to explore the rainforest, leading up to Kekuna Ella waterfall, where you can take a refreshing bath within half a day.

Pitadeniya Entrance to Sinharaja

To access this entrance, you need to park your vehicle at a private parking area owned by a villager before the entrance and walk about 200 meters to the Pitadeniya entrance. (Updated: May 2024) Alternatively, if you are staying nearby, you can park at your accommodation and walk to the entrance. The road is a single-lane concrete road.   

 

Pitadeniya Entrance ticket counter

You need to purchase tickets at the counter. Authorized travel guides are available at all the entrances and you must pick up a travel guide even if you are traveling alone.

Starting from Pitadeniya entrance, you will be walking along the border of the Sinharaja rainforest with Gin Ganga (Gin River) on your left-hand side as step 01. Our walking pathways are on the right bank of the river. Along the way, you will encounter small waterfalls, indigenous insects and animals as well.

Step 01 walking path ends at Wathugala entrance which is nearly 1.7 kilometres from Pitadeniya entrance. You don’t need to buy tickets again but you have to show the tickets you bought at Pitadeniya entrance to the ticket counter at Wathugala entrance.

There is a three-way junction on the path approximately 1.4 kilometers from Pitadeniya entrance before Wathugala entrance. You will find the below signboard at the location.

 

Sinharaja Conservation Center

If you take a left turn at the three-way junction, you will find the pathway to Sinharaja Pitadeniya Conservation Centre which is located on the left bank of the Gin River. There is a suspension bridge over Gin River that leads to the conservation center where you can find an information center as well.

Suspension Bridge

Conservation Center

You can even drive your vehicle up to here. You have to drive your vehicle from the unknown junction located on the Deniyaya – Lankagama road. If you are coming from that direction towards Sinharaja, you should park your vehicle at the Pitadeniya Conservation Centre. Then, you need to cross the suspension bridge from the left bank to the right bank of the Gin River and head to the three-way junction mentioned earlier. You need to purchase tickets at Wathugala entrance.

Wathugala Entrance

This is the next entrance to Sinharaja along our walking route, and it is also the entrance for people coming from Lankagama area. Why do we need to cross this entrance? because our route follows the border of the forest, and all the other entrances are connected to the border. We are still going on the border instead going inside of the forest because our destination, Kekuna Ella Waterfall is on the border.

Kekuna Ella waterfall is located just 500 meters away from Wathugala entrance.

How do you reach Wathugala entrance by your own vehicle?

There is a three-way junction next to Lankagama bridge towards Neluwa on Deniyaya – Lankagama - Neluwa road. You can get very close to Wathugala entrance by turning right at that junction. While you can ride a bicycle on that road, but cannot guarantee that a vehicle can pass through.

You don't need to worry about the junctions within the forest because a travel guide will always be there to guide you.

Our Destination, Kekuna Ella Waterfall

This waterfall is nearly 10 meters high and has an elevation of 276 meters above sea level. It is located on the border of both Galle and Matara districts. This is a safe place for swimming and guides will always be available to assist you. People also swim on the upper level of the waterfall, but the path to reach is much more difficult.

From Pallegama junction to Neluwa via Lankagama

This road is one of the most breathtaking routes in Sri Lanka, spanning nearly 25 kilometers.

From Pallegama junction, continue for 2 kilometers along the road and then turn right at a three-way junction onto a single lane road leading to Dambagoda Bridge. Follow this road for about 20 kilometers, passing through Lankagama, Warukandeniya, Madugeta, Thamabalagama Maithree Viharaya, Neluwa Doovili Ella three-way junction and continue on the Kosmulla-Lankagama road until you reach Neluwa bridge. (Make sure to turn right on Madugeta junction because there is a bridge on the left road but it is uncertain whether vehicles can pass through). It is better to ask someone on the road as the road may not be updated on the maps yet.

Tip: Turn on directions from Pallegama Junction to Neluwa and turn the travel mode to ‘Walking’ on Google Maps.

 

The road is safe and not difficult, and it is suitable even for the vehicles with low ground clearances. Along the journey, you will come across Lankagama entrance of Sinharaja and a waterfall called Brahmana Ella Waterfall, which is very close to the road.

Brahmana Ella Waterfall

 

There are three waterfalls near Lankagama entrance within the forest that you can visit: Thattu Ella Waterfall, Gal Oruwa Ella Waterfall and Doowili Ella Waterfall Lankagama. It's worth noting that there are two waterfalls called Doowili Ella in Sinharaja. Gal Oruwa Waterfall is the farthest from Lankagama entrance, located only 500 meters away.

There is a designated vehicle parking area available at the entrance. (Updated: May 2024)

                             

                                                                          ---- The end ----

 

The Best Tourism Routes in Sri Lanka via Kandy, Ella, Udawalawa , Yala , Madunagala hot water springs, Hiriketiya, Mirissa and Unawatuna

1.       Colombo and surrounding area

2.       Pinnawala elephant orphanage

3.       Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy and the surrounding area

4.       Ella and the surrounding area

5.       Udawalawe National Park

6.       Sacred city of Kataragama

7.       Yala National Park

8.       Madunagala hot water springs

9.       Muruthawela canal bathing point / sliding point

10.   Dikwella and surrounding area

11.   Mirissa and the surrounding area

12.   Surfing Point Weligama

13.   Unawatuna beach cafes and restaurants

14.   Galle fort

15.   Hikkaduwa corals

16.   Again Colombo

Below pictures will show you the route starting from Colombo-Pettah market to Yala National Park via Pinnawala, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe National Park and Kataragama. 

Here is the route again to Colombo starting from Yala National Park via Madunagala hot water springs, Muruthawela canal sliding point, southern and south-west sea beach area.

Colombo and Surrounding Area

Modern Colombo - You have plenty of opportunities to explore the city, with numerous star-rated hotels, restaurants, and cafes. The area boasts sunny weather, and tourists particularly enjoy strolling through the streets in the evenings, especially near Galle Face Ground.

Galle Face ground – In the evening, both locals and foreigners can be seen walking around the area, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the sunset and indulging in local street foods. Occasionally, locals gather here to celebrate kite festivals. The walkway near the beach extends towards Port City. Port City is a newly constructed city in the sea adjacent to Galle Face ground. In Port City, visitors can enjoy walking along the path, go-cart driving, and breathtaking views during the early morning and evening hours.

Pettah market – Sri Lanka’s largest market ever. You can buy anything you want such as plastic items, electronic items, electrical items, computer accessories, mobile phones and accessories, dressing items, household items, shoes, clothes, food items, vegetables, fruits, lighting items, types of decorations, bags, etc. There are sets of streets in Pettah market famous for particular items. However, there is an issue of sustainability of some sensitive items in there. 

The below list will show the streets in Pettah and what they are famous for. 

·         Prince Street – Dutch museum. The only remaining Dutch building in Pettah

·         Bodhiraja Street – Clothes, food stores, various kinds of spicy food and so on

·         Dam Street – Stainless steel items, plastic items, cake tools

·         Wolfendhal Street – Electronic or non-electronic scales, kind of oils

·         Sea Street / Hetti Weediya – Jewelleries

·         Main Street – Sarees, cloth stores, all government and private banks, especially the world-famous Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque aka Red Mosque is situated there.

·         China Street – Chemicals, party items, plastic items, polythene items

·         St. John Street – Cashew stores

·         1^st Cross Street – Mobile phones and accessories, electric items, computer items

·         2^nd Cross Street and Keyzer Street – Shoes, bags, cloths, carpet, curtains

·         3^rd Cross Street – Industrial items such as screws, scales, and so on

·         4^th Cross Street (the busiest street) – Food items

·         5^th Cross Street – Vegetable stores, rice mills

·         Maliban Street – Stationery items, paper decorations and items made by papers

·         Malwatta Street – Bags and related items, shoes, watches, DVDs

·         Prince Street – Toy stores, mirror stores, glass stores

·         Bankshall Street – Handy crafts materials

Pettah floating market – This market is on the water. There is a small lake near Pettah bus station and this market is built on that lake. Snack bars, cafes, restaurants, dining areas and lavatory facilities are available there.   

Aluthkade street food - You can taste famous street food till midnight in Aluthkade area. Various kinds of food and beverages in there.   

Make sure to visit the Hindu Kathiresan Temple on Sea Street.

 

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

One and only elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka situated very close to Rambukkana town.

Pinnawala Zoo – Situated closer to the elephant orphanage.

 

 

The Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy and the suburbs

Temple of the Tooth Relic Kandy – This is the most treasured tooth relic that belongs to the Buddhists. Hundreds of locals and foreign visitors come to visit every day and they feel the serene atmosphere. Additionally, the Kandy Esala Perahera, aka a grand procession is one of the most ceremonial festivals in Sri Lanka that takes place every July.

Lake round and streets – You can walk along the streets in Kandy especially the lake round enjoying beautiful scenery even in the afternoon since it has calm and cold weather in the daytime there. There are plenty of star-rated hotels, restaurants, cafes and shopping malls within the city.

Make sure to visit Kandy's city viewpoint on Rajapihilla Street.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden – Beautiful walkways, benches and Sri Lanka’s indigenous plants can be seen here. Sri Lanka’s largest river, river Mahaweli is the boundary of the garden. Calm weather and calm environment.

 

Ella and the Surrounding Area

Ella is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka and one of the places where you can breathe pure oxygen in the world. Ella town, Ravana Falls, Nine-Arch Bridge and Demodara railway loop (Rail bend) have become the main reasons for attracting local and foreign people. Basically, the weather is very calm without much more heavy showers or even sunny.

Ella-Rock Hike, which is very much loved by people who go hiking and camping in Sri Lanka.

·         Nine arch bridge – Click Here

·         Demodara railway loop - Click Here

·         Ella Rock Hike – One of the most famous hiking ranges in the world. Click Here

 

Udawalawe National Park

The park is especially for seeing the elephants. Early morning and the evening are the best for safari and scenery. One side of the park is completely covered by Udawalawe reservoir. You can complete the safari within half a day. 

Kataragama Stupa aka Kirivehera

Stupa and the God of Kataragama - Kataragama Kiriwehera aka Kataragama Stupa is the only stupa in the world built during the lifetime of Lord Buddha. Manik river is a partial boundary of the sacred city. Thousands of locals come to Kataragama to worship every day. Kataragama procession continues for 15 days in July every year. Click here to read more:

Yala National Park

This Park boasts the world’s highest leopard population density. The park's boundaries are home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians, etc.

Lots of locals and foreign people come here to see the elephants, leopards, deer, and kind of birds and more. There are several entrances to the park, especially the four-wheel drive safari vehicles available at the entrances. You can complete the whole journey within half a day. Better if you could visit early in the morning or afternoon till the evening. Click here to visit:

 

Tissamaharama Ancient Temple and Stupa

Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya and Stupa – This belongs to the kingship era in past Sri Lanka. Why this is important? The Stupa was built by King Kawanthissa in the second century BC. This area became the old capital of Ruhunu division in the kingship era in the third century of AD. Lots of people make sure to worship this temple and the Stupa during their travels to Kataragama.  

Tissamaharama lake – This lake’s early morning and evening sceneries must be one of the best sceneries presented by nature to the people in the world. The way from Hambantota to Kataragama via Tissamaharama is going through the dam of this lake. Vehicle parking slots are available within the way on the dam. 

Madunagala Hot Water Springs

This location is situated in a village called Madunagala in Hambantota district closer to Padalangala – Sooriyawewa main road. There are several hot water springs in the location and they have kind of different temperatures. The location’s surrounding area is very sunny probably the whole year. You can feel the nature of a real Sri Lankan village there.

Muruthawela Canal bathing point/water sliding point

This is an uncommon hidden place situated in a village called Muruthawela in Hambantota district. The nearest city is Walasmulla.

These two canals are the outlet of Muruthawela reservoir which always carries water to the farming in the suburbs. You can bathe or slide in the canals in there. 

 

Dikwella and the Surrounding Area

Hummanaya Blowhole – Click here to visit:

Blue Beach Island – This is a private camping island that is connected to the mainland by a sandway. There are several camping sites in there. To reserve the campsite, you can inquire with the owner of the island.

Nilwella beach – Ideal place to feel the sunset. Less crowded and one of the best places to go snorkeling and swimming. But make sure to get a guide.   

Hiriketiya beach – This is also an ideal place for mind relaxing. Hiriketiya Bay is a trendy surf area. Several surf schools there. Surfboards are available for rent. The location is safe but make sure to get a guide.

 

Mirissa and the Surrounding Area

Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa - One of the most famous and unique destinations in down-south Sri Lanka. Thousands of locals and foreign people come here to see the scenery combined with the red floor.

Mirissa whale watching – There are plenty of clubs that offer whale-watching packages in there. You can contact any club and they will organize a journey for you. The journey will start early in the morning and most probably you will have your breakfast on the boat. It takes 05 or 06 hours to complete the trip.

 

Surfing Point Weligama

Weligama bay is the ideal place for beginners who are willing to learn surfing. Hundreds of locals and foreigners are daily arriving here to experience the sport. Beach and the sea waves are small and continuously occur which is perfectly fitted for beginners to their surfing career.

Unawatuna Beach cafes and restaurants

Stunning beach. Ideal location for snorkeling and swimming. There are plenty of eateries, cafes, and villas facing the beach. Unfortunately, from the main road to the beach, the road's approach is constrained. Therefore the available parking spaces are low. Your car can be parked on either side of the street if you are only enjoying the beach without booking a villa there.

Dewata - Surfing and bathing area

Unawatuna Jungle Beach – bathing point

Galle Fort

The best location for relaxation and sunset viewing. There are a number of star-rated hotels, villas, eateries, pubs and retail establishments there, particularly jewelry and gem stores. Parking slots and areas are available. The city inside the fort is almost entirely made up of Colonial architecture. Read the history of Galle Fort:

Galle Fort at night

Hikkaduwa Corals

Things to do in Hikkaduwa: Hikkaduwa Marine National Park, Hikkaduwa corals & Hikkaduwa diving. Visit here:

Conch Ship | What is this? - The ship was built in the United Kingdom in 1892. The ship struck the coral by accident on the 02nd of June in 1903 while traveling to Madurai. The location is 08 kilometers North of Hikkaduwa beach and 02 kilometers from the sea at Akurala point. ReadMore:

                        ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination, and the route from Colombo to again Colombo via Kandy, Ella, Tissamaharama, Dikwella, Unawatuna and Galle is one of the best. 

In this article, we highlighted some of the most eye-catching and ideal places to see along this route.

The Best Place to See Leopards in the World | Yala National Park | Bundala | Udawalawa | Sri Lanka

Yala National Park | Bundala National Park | Udawalawa National Park

Sri Lanka possesses 21 national parks and sites, but Yala National Park is unquestionably one of the most popular.

Yala is a protected naturalist haven. And it is separated into five different sections. The park covers 989 square kilometers and is made up of light forests, tanks and grasslands. In 1900, it was declared as a wildlife refuge, and in 1938, it became a National Park. This reign was used as a hunting ground during the British rule.

Yala is 270 kilometers from Colombo, and the best route to get there is via the Southern Expressway. It takes 4 to 5 hours to drive from Colombo.

Blocks in Yala

Block 1 contains 14101 hectares.

Block 2 contains 9931 hectares.

Block 3 contains 40775 hectares.

Block 4 contains 26418 hectares.

Block 5 contains 6656 hectares.

Entrance 1 of Yala National Park

Once you arrive at Thissamaharama, the closest major town to Yala, continue towards Kirinda. The Block 1 entrance, commonly known as ‘Palatupana’ entrance, is only 12 kilometres away from Kirinda and it is the busy and the popular entrance among other entrances. Accommodations are available immediately outside the Park, including hotels and even motels also there in just a few minutes away from Block 1.

Entrances 2 and 3 of Yala National Park

Katagamuwa and Galge are the other two entrances. Katagamuwa entrance is about 12 kilometres from Kataragama town while Galge entrance is about 27 kilometres from Buttala town.

What is more about Yala National Park?

The Park is covered in several ways. Kataragama from the Northern end. Panama and Kumana National Park from Eastern end. Sea from the Southern end. Kirinda, Thissamaharama and Lunugamwehera National park from the Western end.

The terrain is flat, and the temperature ranges from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. A Sri Lankan endemic leopard, Panthera Pardus Kotiya can be seen here.

The park is home to 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds. There are a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish within the park’s boundary. The elephants, spotted deer, peacocks and crocodiles are among the animals that can be observed here.

Yala is one of the best places to see the Leopards in the world. This Park boasts the world’s highest leopard population density. The leopard population in Sri Lanka is estimated to be between 750 to 950 individuals.

The best season to visit Yala is February to July. Sometimes the Park is closed during September. During the dry season, Kumbukkan oya in the east and Manik River that flows through the park provide vital water sources. There are a limited number of Park bungalows available for those who want to be in touch with nature. These can be arranged through the wildlife department in Colombo.

There are various camping areas within the park that are close to streams. Hundreds of pilgrims visit  Sithulpawwa temple, which is located within the park’s boundary.     

Udawalawe National Park

This expands two provinces, Sabaragamuwa and Uva. This is the best place to see wild elephants. The elephants can be easily seen in the daylight at Udawalawe National Park. There were several villages in this area before the park was established in 1972, including Muwanpelessa and Senuggala. As a source of income, they farmed here. Then they proceeded to a different locations.

Inter-regional forests and dry mixed evergreen forests are featured in here. We may also see various sub-ecosystems in this national park. These environments include riverine ecosystems, wetland ecosystems and grass lands. As a result, the park is home to a wide range of animals and plants.

Sometimes during the summer, the officers of the National Park are responsible for firing on some limited grasslands within the park. They do this because after the fire, the land grows seeds well for the animals to eat during the next season.

The park contains Udawalawe and Mauaara reservoirs. The majority of the visitors arrive in the evening to watch the elephants near Udawalawe reservoir. Early in the morning, there is a good chance of spotting the birds.

Bamunu Piyakussa (Brahminy kite) is an endemic Sri Lanka bird that is usually spotted in down-south of the country especially here. Perali Kondakussa (Changeable Hawk Eagle) rarely flies but occasionally does. It is endemic to Sri Lanka and can be found almost anyplace. Raja AluHis Masukussa (Grey headed fish eagle) is one of the birds that can be found in here, does not fly. Also it is endemic for Sri Lanka. Rarely seen in the country.

Udawalawe National Park has 03 camping sites.

1.       Pansadara

2.       Alimankada

3.       Pilimaddara

The authority provides all of the necessary amenities for guests who choose to camp, including land and sanitary facilities. Visitors must bring their own camping equipment when visiting. They will not be able to choose their own camping spot. They must assemble their tent in the location assigned by the authorities. They are only allowed to stay in the park for a maximum of three days.

Pansadara camping site can be reserved through the headquarters of Department of Wildlife in Colombo, while the other two sites can be reserved directly through the park. Alimankada camping site is near Walawe River. The responsible wildlife officers are staying here with the visitors within the camping site. Another circuit bungalow is located near the lake Thimbiriyagasmankada within the park. There are a maximum of ten people that can stay on the bungalow.

Bundala National Park

This is a wetland in the south-eastern part of the country. All visitors must purchase a ticket at the counter. The information centre is also located near the office. Visitors have to go a short distance to get to the main entrance of the Park. 

There is a lagoon within the park. Fishermen are permitted to fish in the area, but they must first obtain formal approval from the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Travelling birds are frequently seen in the park. Every year at the end of August, they moved to Sri Lanka. They have all come to obtain food and endure the winter in their homelands. They arrive in three different ways.

Those are Western, Eastern and Andaman island pathways. Birds that are accustomed to being near water are migrating from the western and eastern beaches to the southern dry-zone regions. The remainder of them are heading to the country side of Sri Lanka to feel the cold. They goes to their native countries in April and May.

The park is home to both endemic and migrating birds.

The percentage of fresh-water in the lagoon within the park has increased due to the construction of Lunugamwehera dam project. As a result of such incident, the proportion of the travelling birds has decreased. Thousands of flamingos used to flock to this location, but they no longer do.

This area is considered a dry zone and the land consists of a low population of plants. Predator birds are frequently seen in this area and we only observe a few elephants because this is a small national park. Two species of crocodile ever in Sri Lanka and both can be found here. 

Sea swallow can be seen in the neighborhood because the park is adjacent to the ocean. The historians found that the area known as Pathirajaya within the park had prehistoric settlements. They also discovered stone implements in this location. Turtles can be found on the shore in Bundala National Park. They lay eggs on the sand during the night.  

-------------------------------------------------------------

Wilpattu National Park | Top destination for Wildlife Safaris, Bird watching and spotting Sri Lankan leopards

Wilpattu National Park

This is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. It spans over 1317 square kilometers (131693 hectares) in Puttalam, Mannar and Anuradhapura districts. It is situated in northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The western section of the park is made up of arid zone forests and the Eastern section of the park is made up of dry zone forests.

Before to 1973, the main entrance was at Maradanmaduwa, approximately 20 kilometers from Wilpattu junction. Now the main entrance is Hunuwilgama entrance, which is about 08 kilometers from Wilpattu junction on the A12 road that connects Puttalam and Anuradhapura.

Wilpattu junction is 25 kilometers from Puttalam. The entry requires all visitors to purchase a ticket. The entrance office is open from 6.00 am until 4.30 pm. However, visitors should leave before 6.00 pm. At the main gate, Safari vehicles are available for hire, or you can be driven your own high powered (four wheel) vehicle. 

Wilpattu has a number of small lakes that fill up with rains. These are called Willu. More than 60 Willu can be found around the national park. The name, area with Willu, later becomes Wilpattu. Persibendi, Maradammaduwa, Borupan, Thimbiri, Kumbuk and Kokkariya (the largest) are the lakes that can be seen within the park.

Vegetation of Wilpattu

The arid zone area consisting forests with thorn bushes. The dry zone area consisting the trees of Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Weera (Drypetes sepiaria) and Buruta (Ceylon stain wood). The average height is about 06 meters.

Additionally, the park can be divided into three ecosystems in general. Wetlands, forests and the coastal zone. These all are important components of the ecosystem. 

Birds in Wilpattu

Thimbiri Wila is a place inside the park known for its indigenous and migrating birds. It is typical to see Punchi Binguharaya, Nilpenda Binguharaya and Thamalahis Binguharaya in this area. The Crested Serpent Eagle (Silu Sarapakussa) is a common visitor to this area. Reptiles are one of their main sources of food for them. As well as the Malabar Pied Hornbill (Poru Kendeththa) and Great Thick-knee (Maha Golukiraluwa). Fruit is consumed by them. Here you can witness Indian Peafowl (Peacock), endemic Sri Lankan jungle fowl and endemic Sri Lankan grey hornbill. 

The hornbills have a fascinating backstory.

They chose to live in a tree hole. Inside the tree hole, the male bird locks up the female bird and covers the entrance with cement made from the male bird’s feces. The male bird provides all of the food and necessities to the female bird by the hole at the entrance of the tree hole. After the chicks were hatched, the female bird went outside by dissolving the cement and then they close the hole again. They continue to feed the chicks through the little hole in the entryway. As the chicks grew in size, they tore up the cement and emerge and began to fly. During the months of April to August, they give birth to their brood.

In Mahapathessa Willu area, we frequently observe birds and on rare occasions, tigers. Heen Thamba Seruwa (Lesser Whistling duck) may be found in Willu regions in Wilpattu. While they are living on the water, they are able to find food in the evening. They did, however, build their nests in trees.

An uncommon birds called the Lesser Adjutant (Heen bahuru Manawa) and Woolly necked Stork (Padili Manawa) can be found here. White bellied Sea Eagle (Kusa eli sayurukussa) and mostly hawks and eagles can be spotted in this area.  The Sri Lankan brown fish owl and the Sri Lankan jungle fowl are endemic to this land. A sweet-toned oriental magpie-robin (wild Polkichcha) can also be observed here. Migratory birds are frequently seen in the park along the Willu.

Wilpattu National Park Animal population

Generally, the herds of animals can be seen both in the morning and evening.

Some of them include elephant, bear, deer, barking deer (Olu Muwa), Sambar deer (Gona). That only bear that lives in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan sloth bear can also be found here. Here you will find a wide range of birds and reptiles. This park is home to 30 different species of mammals.

Elephants frequently pass through the boundary sections and the western section of the park, particularly the Willu areas near Pomparippu. The roads in here have fallen to the middle section of the park. As a result, probably visitors are unlike to encounter an elephant in this national park, but the elephant population is estimated to be approximately 370. Elephants are accustomed to eating thorny shrubs, which are commonly found in the border areas. During the summer, though, they flock to the Willu areas in the park’s center section for food. The Kudapathessa Willu area is also a wildlife viewing location. 

Wilpattu national park has Sri Lanka’s second largest population of Sambar deer. It is only second to the Horton Plains National park.

Bear are frequently seen in the Maradanmaduwa and Kokmote areas. Their diet consists of fruit and insects.

Weather in Wilpattu

The yearly rainfall averages 1000mm and the average temperature is 27.2 Celsius. The northeast monsoon is active in the area from December to January. The park had significant rainfall during the March inter monsoon. 

The Surroundings of Wilpattu

Several locations throughout the park allow visitors to get-off from their vehicles. The leopard population is one of the most significant assets in this park. There are more than 100 leopards living there according to the census with Sri Lankan endemic leopard.

The tigers are primarily notable for the road and surrounding region leading from Thalawila to Panikkawila. Panikkawila is also a great area to see migrating birds and deer. This Panikkawila Willu region is unique in that it contains a significant percentage of saline water while being 16 kilometers from the sea. Authorities said that a layer of limestone had formed beneath the Willu.

Approximately 04 kilometers from the entrance, we can see the lake called Persi Bendi Wewa, which was built by Mr. Persi de Alwis who was a caretaker of the park (the first person of the park). In 1905, this was designated as a sanctuary and on February 25, 1938, it was converted to a national park.

Visitors can stay in Maradammaduwa circuit bungalow which is situated within the park near to the Maradammaduwa Lake. Kokmote circuit bungalow, situated in near Modaraganaru and the Mailawewa camping site is also available for visitors to stay.

More than 05 circuit bungalows situated within the park. Some of these are Manawila, Thalawila and Panikkawila. The department of forest conservation in Colombo can be contacted to make a reservation.

The park contains a historically noteworthy feature. The ruined Palace of Kuweni, which is associated with the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, can be found in here.