Wilpattu National Park

The Wilpattu National Park and its surrounding are steeped in history and covered with legend. Popular legend says that in 543 BC King Vijaya landed at Kudrimalai and that he married Kuweni. According to some ancient ruins identified, it is said that Kuweni lived in the place now identified as the Kali Villu. Both Kudrimalai and Kali Villu are found in the Wilpattu. Furthermore history shows that Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, lived with Asokamala in Maradanmaduwa in Wilpattu over 2000 years ago. Pomparippu too is of historical value as urns containing the remains of those belonging to pre Vijayan times have been excavated from that site.

Also between Palangaturai and Kollankanatte are the remains of an old harbour. Annual temperature in the Park is around 27.2 Celsius and its annual rainfall is approximately 1000 mm. Though situated in the dry zone, the climate inside the Wilpattu National Park is very unlike that of the dry zone. Upon entering the densely wooded Park, a feeling of going to a forest with abundant water is what enters the mind. This is perhaps explained by the patterns of rainfall it experiences.

The period between September to December is known as the rainy season at Wilpattu with the north eastern monsoon falling heavily. Inter monsoon rains come to Wilpattu between March and April. The period of drought extends from May to early September. It is the domain of the exlusive leopard. Bear and herds of deer and sambhur are common. The vegetation is lush and wide changes of vegetation can be experienced in different sections of the park.