LLLF Media Team

L. K. Ravihara Perera

When people think about Wilpattu, the thing that comes to mind is majestic leopards prowling through the ancient forest with a shimmering “Villu” ecosystem under the tropical sun. Wilpattu is the oldest and largest national park in Sri Lanka. It's spread over more than 1367 km2 and famous for the safari and the big mammals like leopards, sloth bears, and elephants. Wilpattu covers three districts and various types of forests and ecosystems. From saltpans to tropical dense forests. It's vibrant and fascinating, and the diverse habitats are home to more than 230 bird species, which is a true paradise for birdwatchers. Here are five reasons Wilpattu deserves to be on every bird lover’s bucket list.

1.  perfect landscaping

The name Wilpattu itself means "Lands of Lakes". The "Villu" (lakes) that are constantly being created and periodically filled with rainwater are an ecosystem unique to Wilpattu. There are fewer than 50 water bodies located there, which is more than any other national park in Sri Lanka. This vast ecosystem is also a Ramsar wetland site. In addition to wetlands, it is also home to marshes, grasslands, and savannahs, making it a true paradise for birdwatchers. Every bird lover knows that waterbodies are some of the best places to spot birds, and it’s no different in Wilpattu. The park’s lakes and villus are always bustling with activity You’ll often see strorks hunting, herons wading gracefully, darters drying their wings, jacanas tiptoeing over floating leaves, and flocks of whistling ducks paddling around together. Adjacent to the “villu” environment, there is another similar forest system unique to Wilpattu, the dry pathana.

The very short grasses and the adjacent mudflats are home to lesser adjutant-like birds searching for prey, creating a scene reminiscent of the movie Jurassic Park. Most of Wilpattu’s landscape is covered with tropical dry evergreen forest, creating a peaceful, shady environment where forest birds thrive. As you drive through these woodlands, you’ll often hear the sweet, melodic calls of the Sri Lanka Shama, an endemic songbird known for its beautiful voice. Alongside it, the forests echo with the sounds of junglefowl scratching through the undergrowth, the Harsh, honking calls of peacocks, and countless other feathered residents that make these ancient forests their home. Along the edges of Wilpattu, near the coastal stretch, you’ll find Sri Lanka’s largest and most untouched mangrove cover. These coastal wetlands are a fantastic spot to watch fish-eating birds in action, including Spot-billed Pelicans, seagulls, and a variety of terns gliding over the water. This incredible mix of mangroves, beaches, villas, and forests creates a diverse landscape, offering a home to a wide variety of bird species, each perfectly adapted to their own little corner of Wilpattu.

Img 0.1 Nelum Villuwa bathed in the morning sun.

2. Geographical location and birds' migration

 There are 8 main "bird migratory flyways" identified in the world, and of these, the main route through which birds arrive in this country is the "Central Asia Flyway".Every year, from around September to April, migratory birds arrive in Sri Lanka. These birds mainly travel along the Central Asian Flyway and enter the island through three main routes: the Western Route, Eastern Route, and Andaman Route.

Among these, the Western Route passes through Mannar and heads down to Puttalam. Along this path lies Wilpattu National Park, one of the best spots to observe these visiting birds. Thanks to its suitable environment and the abundance of food, Wilpattu attracts many migratory birds during this season. During this time, visitors can see floating and diving ducks like the Garganey in the water. Inside the forest areas, birds like the Indian Paradise Flycatcher and Indian Pitta can be spotted moving through the trees. Along the sandbanks, you might find Blue-tailed Bee-eaters, while near the villus, you’ll often see Pacific Golden Plovers and waders like the Black-tailed Godwits.

Img 0.2 Migratory Bird Pathways to Sri Lanka

3. Rich diversity of birds

A pair of colorful Malabar Trogons, a species rarely seen in the dry zone these days, have been spotted nesting near Talawila, a real treat for wildlife photographers and bird lovers. Wilpattu National Park, known for its incredible birdlife, is home to over 230 species of birds, making it one of the finest bird watching destinations in the country.

In the dense forests, you’ll often catch sight of impressive raptors like the Crested Hawk-Eagle and Crested Serpent Eagle, while the open ‘villus’ are full of life with flocks of Painted Storks, black headed Ibises, various plover species, and sandpipers. Watch closely and you might see Cotton Teals, Little Grebes, and Lesser Whistling Ducks diving and swimming in these water bodies.

From endemic favorites like the Sri Lankan Hornbill, Black-capped Bulbul, Ceylon Junglefowl, and Sri Lankan Shama, to harder-to-spot species like the Black-capped Kingfisher, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, and Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Wilpattu is a perfect paradise for anyone who loves to witness the diversity of birds in their natural habitat.

Img 0.3:Colorful oriental dwarf kingfisher waiting for its prey

4. Quiet, Undisturbed Bird Watching Experience

Wilpattu National Park was closed for over a decade during the civil war, but after reopening, a second entrance was introduced at Eluwankulama. Unlike other popular national parks like Yala and Bundala, Wilpattu remains relatively quiet and less crowded, meaning there’s minimal disturbance to animal behavior and natural sounds.

Another unique feature of Wilpattu is that most areas inside the park have no mobile signal coverage. While some might see this as an inconvenience, it adds to the experience. With no phone signals or mobile towers nearby, both animals and birds enjoy a more natural, undisturbed environment. Even during special sightings, jeeps don’t gather in big groups because there’s no way to instantly spread the news giving both wildlife and visitors a more peaceful, personal connection to nature.

If you head out on an early morning safari from the Eluwankulama side, you’ll often spot fresh animal tracks and signs along the sandy roads, offering a little extra thrill for those who enjoy reading the language of the wild. It’s a perfect setting for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers seeking a quieter, more authentic wilderness adventure.

0.4 img :-Nature’s raw moment — a Junglefowl falls to the skies

05 Favorable Temperature and Weather

Wilpattu’s dry zone climate is a key factor in supporting its remarkable birdlife. The park receives around 1,000 mm of rainfall per year, mostly during the monsoon seasons, filling up its famous natural lakes,villus. These water bodies attract large flocks of waterbirds like painted storks, egrets, ibises, teals, and sandpipers.

During the long dry spells, water levels drop in these villi, reducing the number of available water sources. As a result, animals and water-dependent bird species gather in higher numbers around the remaining waterholes. This offers perfect hunting opportunities for predatory birds such as painted storks and egrets, and it’s common to witness impressive feeding scenes at these shrinking pools.

Adding to this, Wilpattu’s cool mornings and sunny, warm days keep birds active, especially during the early hours and late afternoons when temperatures are most comfortable. This combination of seasonal rains, dry spells, and favorable daily weather makes Wilpattu a dynamic, ever-changing paradise for birdwatchers, offering fantastic opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species throughout the year.

Img 0.5 Large bird flocks are busy during the dry season