Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest protected wildlife sanctuary, offers a captivating safari experience from the nearby town of Dambulla. Visitors can embark on an 8-hour tour to explore this biodiverse haven, where they may encounter elusive leopards, majestic elephants, and the enigmatic sloth bear. With a knowledgeable guide, a delectable lunch, and convenient transportation, this safari adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka’s wilderness.
Key Points
- 8-hour excursion to Wilpattu National Park from Dambulla, priced at $105 per person, with pickup, jeep hire, guide, lunch, and park fees included.
- 4-hour wildlife viewing safari exploring Villus and diverse wildlife, including opportunities to see leopards, elephants, deer, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
- Wilpattu National Park, spanning 508 square miles, is known for its unique Villus and rich biodiversity, making it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Tour includes pickup and drop-off at accommodation, but is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain health issues, and is not wheelchair accessible.
- Booking options include "Reserve now & pay later" with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and certain restrictions such as no pets, large bags, alcohol, or noise-making.
Tour Overview
The Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour from Dambulla offers an 8-hour excursion to one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most diverse national parks.
Priced from $105 per person, the tour includes pickup, jeep hire, a local guide, lunch, and park entrance fees.
Bookings can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour departs from Dambulla accommodations around 7 AM, with a 2-hour drive to the park.
Visitors can expect 4 hours of wildlife viewing, the chance to spot leopards, elephants, and abundant bird species, and a 3-hour return to Dambulla.
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Itinerary
Visitors meet the guide at their accommodation in Dambulla around 07:00 AM to begin the tour.
They’ll travel for approximately 2 hours by car to reach Wilpattu National Park.
Once there, they’ll spend 4 hours on a wildlife viewing safari, exploring the park’s unique Villus (lakes) and diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, deer, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
After the safari, guests will enjoy a local meal at a hotel in Puttalam.
The tour then concludes with a 3-hour drive back to Dambulla.
Wildlife and Park Information
Wilpattu National Park spans an impressive 508 square miles (131,694 hectares), making it one of Sri Lanka’s largest national parks.
Established as a national park in 1938, the park is known for its unique Villus (lakes) and diverse wildlife.
Visitors can expect to spot an array of species, including leopards, elephants, spotted deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
The park’s varied habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands, provide ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Wilpattu’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty make it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts visiting Sri Lanka.
Inclusions and Exclusions
This tour includes a pickup and drop-off at the accommodation, Jeep hire within the park, a local guide, bottled water, lunch, and the national park entrance ticket.
However, it isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain health issues. Pets, large bags, alcohol, and making noise are also not allowed. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, a charged smartphone, and binoculars. Gratuities are included in the tour price.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
What to bring along for the Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour is important to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Having cash, a charged smartphone, and binoculars can also enhance the tour.
Comfortable shoes, sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Cash, charged smartphone, and binoculars can enhance the Wilpattu National Park safari tour.
Pets, large bags, alcohol, and noise-making aren’t allowed. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with certain health issues may not be suitable.
Following these guidelines will help make the most of the safari through this stunning national park known for its diverse wildlife.
Booking and Reservations
Although guests can reserve and pay for the Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour at any time, the operator offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option. This allows travelers to book the tour without immediate payment.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The pickup location is from accommodations in Dambulla, and drop-off can be arranged at different locations, though additional charges may apply.
Guests should be aware of restrictions, such as no pets, large bags, alcohol, or making noise, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Traveler Experiences
How do past travelers describe their experiences on the Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour?
Reviewers note the safari’s well-organized logistics, from prompt pickups to delicious local lunches.
Visitors praise the knowledgeable guides who expertly navigate the park, spotting diverse wildlife like leopards, elephants, and migratory birds.
Many are impressed by Wilpattu’s serene lakesides and lush landscapes.
Some highlight the tour’s value, considering the inclusion of park entrance fees and other activities.
Getting to Wilpattu National Park
The Wilpattu National Park is located in the northwestern region of Sri Lanka, approximately 2 hours’ drive from the city of Dambulla.
The tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Dambulla and a shared transfer to the park.
The tour includes pickup from your accommodation in Dambulla and a shared transfer to the park.
Once at the park entrance, you’ll board a jeep for a 4-hour wildlife safari.
After the safari, the tour stops for a local lunch in Puttalam before the 3-hour drive back to Dambulla.
Bottled water and the national park entrance ticket are included in the tour price.
Guests should dress comfortably and bring essential items like cameras, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Safari?
You can bring your own food and snacks on the safari, but the tour includes a local meal at Puttalam Hotel. Bringing large bags or alcohol is not allowed within the national park.
Can I Upgrade to a Private Safari Vehicle for More Privacy?
Yes, travelers can upgrade to a private safari vehicle for more privacy, though additional charges may apply. Private tours offer a more personalized experience and flexibility compared to the standard shared group safari.
Are There Any Opportunities to See the Park at Night?
No, the tour does not offer night safari options. Wilpattu National Park is only open during daylight hours, typically from 6 AM to 6 PM. Nighttime visits are not permitted for wildlife viewing within the park.
Can I Book a Customized Safari Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?
Yes, travelers can request a customized safari itinerary to suit their preferences. The tour operator can adjust the duration, activities, and sightseeing locations within Wilpattu National Park based on the customer’s interests and needs.
Do You Offer Any Discounts for Larger Groups or Families?
Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for larger groups and families. Travelers can inquire about group rates when booking the safari. Discounts may be available for groups of 4 or more people.
The Sum Up
The Wilpattu National Park safari tour from Dambulla offers a chance to take in the park’s natural wonders. With the convenience of pickup, guided exploration, and included meals, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife of this Sri Lankan gem. Whether you’re hoping to spot leopards, elephants, or sloth bears, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
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