Wilpattu & Minneriya National Parks

Uga Ulagalla is conveniently located between two famous nature reserves. Wilpattu National Park is the oldest and second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka: from the western coastline north of Puttalam, it extends halfway to Anuradhapura.

Thick with dense jungle, except for hundreds of ponds or willu that give it its name, Wilpattu is famous for bears, elephants, and leopards (of which it has one of the largest populations in Sri Lanka), bird life, and  many other species. It is best to visit during the inter-monsoonal months of February and October but it is fascinating all year round.

Minneriya lies to the east of Uga Ulagalla, around an enormous irrigation reservoir built in 286AD by King Mahasena I of Anuradhapura. It is a relatively small sanctuary, best known for the ‘Gathering’, a seasonal congregation of wild elephants that attracts herds as big as 400 from all over the country to the shores of the Minneriya tank.

For details of our tour offers to Wilpattu and Minneriya, please contact the Front Office.

  • Time of departure: Best time to go is 5a.m. for morning safaris
  • Duration: 5 Hours, over 1 hour to get to and from any one of these parks and then 2 hours in a 4×4 vehicle with nature guide for the safari in the parks
  • Distance: Check with Front Office for exact distance depending on which park you wish to visit

What is included: Vehicle transport to the park if you do not have your own transport, water bottles, entrance fees to the park, 4×4 jeep, and nature guide for the safari, a picnic basket brunch, fresh juice, and cool towels on your return

What to bring/wear: Comfortable, cool clothes, a sunhat, your camera

Dos and Don’ts in national parks:

Read the rules and regulations of each national park BEFORE entering the park.

Adhere to the park opening and closing times when visiting.

Do not enter the park without a recommended nature guide and at all times follow his advice.

Since you are entering the domain of wild animals, always remember that you are in their territory and treat them with consideration.

Please do bring to the notice of the park’s authorities any special observations you may have.

Do not on any account get out of your vehicle in the park unless in an area designated safe for humans.

All mobile phones should be switched to silent mode.

Do not consume alcoholic beverages or travel under the influence when inside the park.

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