Anuradhapura: Morning or Evening Safari at Wilpattu -Private

Anuradhapura’s Wilpattu National Park offers a captivating private safari experience. Visitors can choose between a morning or evening adventure, each providing unique opportunities to witness the park’s diverse wildlife. With a high leopard population and sightings of sloth bears and crocodiles, this 4-hour tour promises an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuary. Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off, along with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, ensure a seamless and customizable experience. But what secrets might be unveiled during this safari through Wilpattu’s natural wonders?

Key Points

• Morning and evening safari experiences at Wilpattu National Park available, priced at $95.00 per person.
• Safari tours are 4 hours long and conducted in private groups with an English-speaking guide.
• High leopard population and diverse wildlife including sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and wild pigs.
• Pickup locations include Anuradhapura, Horuvila, and Galkadawala, with hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Inclusions cover fuel surcharge, driver charges, parking fees, refreshments, water, and entrance fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuary, offers morning or evening safari experiences. Priced from $95.00 per person, these 4-hour private group tours provide an English-speaking guide to lead the adventure.

Visitors can expect free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The safari allows participants to discover Wilpattu’s high leopard population and spot other wildlife like sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and wild pigs.

Guests are picked up from hotels in Anuradhapura at 5:00 AM or 2:00 PM, with the safari starting at 6:00 AM or 3:00 PM, respectively.

Wildlife Experience

Visitors can expect to discover Wilpattu’s high leopard population in their natural habitat during the safari.

The park is also home to other wildlife, including:

1. Sloth bears, known for their distinctive markings and agile movements.

2. Crocodiles basking on the banks of the natural lakes, called ‘willus’.

3. Spotted deer and wild pigs, grazing peacefully in the lush vegetation.

These diverse species thrive in Wilpattu’s 130,000-hectare expanse, which is renowned for its historic significance and unique wilderness ambiance created by the natural lakes.

Itinerary and Schedule

The Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu National Park offers morning and evening options for visitors. The morning safari departs at 6:00 AM, with pickups from hotels in Anuradhapura, Horuvila, and Galkadawala. Guests return to their hotels by 9:30 AM. The evening safari starts at 3:00 PM, with the same pickup locations, and concludes around 6:00 PM.

| Pickup Locations | Morning Safari | Evening Safari |

| — | — | — |

| Anuradhapura | 5:00 AM | 2:00 PM |

| Horuvila | 5:00 AM | 2:00 PM |

| Galkadawala | 5:00 AM | 2:00 PM |

| Safari Start | 6:00 AM | 3:00 PM |

| Return to Hotel | 9:30 AM | 6:00 PM |

Inclusions and Amenities

The Anuradhapura Safari package includes various amenities and services to enhance the wildlife viewing experience.

Guests receive hotel pick-up and drop-off in a comfortable vehicle, as well as customized safari jeeps for optimal wildlife sightings.

The experience also includes:

1. Fuel surcharge, driver charges, parking fees, refreshments, and water.

2. Entrance fees to Wilpattu National Park.

3. All government taxes covered.

These inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable safari adventure, allowing visitors to focus on the natural wonders of Wilpattu without additional expenses.

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Important Information

Although the safari experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women, visitors can still enjoy the tour by bringing their passport, camera, and binoculars.

The one-day Wilpattu safari is carried out within a designated meeting point for the tour start. The itinerary is customizable, so it may be subject to change.

Travelers should be prepared for the natural wilderness of the park, which spans 130,000 hectares and is known for its historic significance.

Participants can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and wild pigs, as well as the unique natural lakes called Willus.

Leopard Sightings

Wilpattu National Park is renowned for its high leopard population, allowing safari-goers a rare opportunity to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat.

During the safari, you may be lucky enough to witness:

1. Stalking leopards silently moving through the dense scrubland, showcasing their remarkable camouflage abilities.

2. Leopard cubs playfully chasing each other, giving a glimpse into the species’ family dynamics.

3. Adult leopards perched atop trees, surveying their territory and keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding wilderness.

The park’s diverse ecosystems and abundant prey base make it an ideal habitat for leopards to thrive, elevating the chances of memorable sightings during your safari experience.

Unique Natural Lakes

Enhancing the park’s wilderness ambiance are the unique natural lakes, known as "Willus," that dot the landscape of Wilpattu National Park.

These shallow depressions fill with rainwater, creating natural oases in the dry zone. Visitors can explore the Willus, which provide vital habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, waterbirds, and sloth bears.

The tranquil waters, surrounded by dense forests, offer a serene respite from the safari drive, allowing travelers to enjoy Wilpattu’s unspoiled natural beauty.

These Willus are a defining feature of this vast and ecologically significant protected area.

Historic Significance

Wilpattu National Park holds immense historic significance, dating back to the 4th century BCE. The park’s origin is closely intertwined with Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms, and visitors can explore remnants of these bygone eras:

1. Ruins of ancient Wilpattu Vihara, a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 1st century BCE, showcasing the region’s religious heritage.

2. Remains of fortified settlements, which were part of the defense network during the Anuradhapura Kingdom, providing insights into the area’s strategic importance.

3. Inscriptions and artifacts found within the park, shedding light on the socio-cultural practices of ancient Sri Lankan civilizations.

Common Questions

Can We Request Specific Animal Sightings During the Safari?

While guides do their best to spot specific animals, they cannot guarantee sightings as wildlife roams freely in the park. Requesting particular animals may limit the overall safari experience and diversity of wildlife encountered.

Are Personal Snacks or Meals Provided During the Tour?

The safari includes refreshments and water, but personal snacks or meals are not provided. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and food if desired during the 4-hour safari experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

The safari does not offer an option to extend the duration. It’s a fixed 4-hour experience as stated in the details. However, travelers can book additional morning or evening safaris to extend their wildlife viewing at Wilpattu National Park.

Are Discounts Available for Children or Senior Citizens?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounted prices for children and seniors. Children under 12 enjoy a 50% discount, while seniors over 65 receive a 30% discount on the standard adult price.

Can We Reschedule the Safari in Case of Inclement Weather?

Yes, the safari can be rescheduled in case of inclement weather. The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing flexibility for unexpected weather conditions.

The Sum Up

The safari at Wilpattu National Park from Anuradhapura offers a thrilling opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, including the elusive leopard. With flexible scheduling and a knowledgeable guide, this private tour provides an unforgettable experience exploring the country’s largest wildlife sanctuary and its unique natural lakes. Whether you choose a morning or evening adventure, you’re sure to leave with lasting memories of the park’s natural beauty and historic significance.

You can check availability for your dates here: