Anuradhapura: Morning or Evening Safari at Wilpattu Park

Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, offers visitors an exhilarating opportunity to explore the renowned Wilpattu National Park through a guided safari. Whether you choose a morning or evening excursion, this four-hour journey promises an unforgettable encounter with the park’s diverse wildlife, including the elusive leopard, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Immersed in the stunning landscapes dotted with natural lakes, you’ll gain insights from expert guides while savoring refreshments. While the price tag of $140 per person may seem steep, the chance to witness the park’s unique ecosystem in all its glory could prove to be a truly remarkable experience.

This experience made our list of the 23 Best Safari Tours In North Central Province.

Good To Know

• Wilpattu National Park offers both morning (06:00 start) and afternoon (15:00 start) safari options with a duration of 4 hours each.
• The morning safari concludes at 09:30, while the afternoon safari concludes at 18:00, with hotel pick-up and drop-off services provided.
• Guests have the opportunity to spot a high population of leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and wild pigs during the guided safari experience.
• The safari includes entrance fees, customized safari jeeps, refreshments, and water, with binoculars and camera recommended for an enhanced wildlife viewing experience.
• Guests with mobility challenges can opt for the safari, as the jeeps are designed to accommodate their needs, though uneven terrain may still pose difficulties.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Safari Overview

The Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu Park offers visitors a thrilling 4-hour experience to explore Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuary.

Priced from $140 per person, this morning or afternoon safari provides a guided tour and game drive through the park’s diverse habitats.

Travelers can expect to encounter a high population of leopards, as well as sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and wild pigs.

With its natural lakes, known as "willus," Wilpattu National Park’s wilderness ambiance is truly unique.

The safari includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fees, customized safari jeeps, refreshments, and water, ensuring a seamless and immersive wildlife experience.

Wildlife Encounters

Wilpattu National Park boasts a high leopard population, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Along With the elusive big cats, the park is home to other notable species like sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and wild pigs.

The natural lakes, or "willus," enhance the park’s wilderness ambiance, providing a unique habitat for its diverse fauna.

Guided tours and game drives allow visitors to explore the park’s varied ecosystems, from dense forests to open grasslands, for an up-close encounter with Sri Lanka’s impressive wildlife.

With its abundance of rare and captivating creatures, Wilpattu offers an unforgettable safari experience.

Itinerary Details

Guests have the option to join the safari at either 06:00 or 15:00, allowing them to explore the expansive 130,000 hectares of Wilpattu National Park. The tour begins with a pickup from designated locations in Anuradhapura, followed by a guided game drive through the diverse habitats of the park. The safari concludes at 09:30 or 18:00, respectively, with a drop-off at the same designated locations.

Schedule	Pickup	Safari Start	Return
Morning	05:00	06:00	09:30
Afternoon	14:00	15:00	18:00

The safari package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, park entrance fees, customized safari jeeps, refreshments, and water. Guests are advised to bring their passport, camera, and binoculars to make the most of their wildlife-viewing experience.

Transportation Included

As part of the Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu Park, transportation is conveniently included in the package.

Depending on the distance, visitors will be transported either via a safari jeep or a comfortable vehicle. The safari jeeps are customized for an optimal wildlife viewing experience, providing ample space and visibility.

For longer distances, the comfortable vehicles ensure a smooth and pleasant journey to and from the park. Complimentary water is provided throughout the excursion.

While gratuities and any additional expenses not mentioned in the inclusions aren’t covered, the transportation arrangements make the overall safari experience seamless and hassle-free.

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Recommended Essentials

Visitors venturing on the Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu Park would do well to bring a few essential items to enhance their wildlife-viewing experience. A camera and binoculars are must-haves to capture the park’s vibrant flora and fauna and spot distant creatures, respectively. Sunscreen, hat, and light, breathable clothing will help combat the tropical sun. Bug spray is also recommended to fend off pesky insects. Finally, a reusable water bottle ensures hydration throughout the safari. With these items in tow, safari-goers can fully enjoy Wilpattu’s captivating natural splendor.

Item	Purpose	Recommendation
Camera	Capture memories	DSLR or high-quality mirrorless
Binoculars	Spot distant wildlife	Compact, waterproof model
Sunscreen	Sun protection	SPF 30 or higher
Hat	Sun protection	Wide-brimmed, breathable
Bug Spray	Insect repellent	DEET-based formula

Accessibility Considerations

The Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu Park caters to a diverse range of visitors, with a few considerations regarding accessibility.

The safari jeeps are designed to accommodate mobility-challenged guests, with ample legroom and easy entry and exit. However, the uneven terrain within the park may pose some challenges for those with limited mobility.

The safari experience isn’t recommended for pregnant women, as the off-road conditions can be strenuous. Plus, the early morning and late afternoon timing of the safaris may not be suitable for all.

Guests with specific accessibility needs are advised to consult with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided mixed reviews for the Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu Park. While some praised the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including leopards and sloth bears, others expressed disappointment with the overall experience.

The safari currently holds an average rating of 3 out of 5 based on a single review. Guests highlighted the stunning natural beauty of the park’s wilderness and lakes, but noted issues with the transportation and organization of the tour.

Safari-goers recommended bringing a camera and binoculars to fully immerse in the wildlife-viewing experience. The Wilpattu Park safari offers a unique chance to explore Sri Lanka’s largest national park, though customer satisfaction appears to be mixed.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Anuradhapura Safari at Wilpattu Park is a straightforward process, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services available. The safari is priced at a reasonable $140.00 per person, and guests can enjoy the flexibility of cancelling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Safari Details	Morning Safari	Afternoon Safari
Pickup Time	05:00	14:00
Safari Start	06:00	15:00
Return Time	09:30	18:00
Duration	4 hours	4 hours

The safari includes entrance fees, a guided tour, refreshments, and water, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors to Sri Lanka’s largest wildlife sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography Permits Required During the Safari?

Photography permits are not explicitly required for the safari at Wilpattu National Park. Guests are generally free to take photos throughout the experience, though they’re advised to be mindful of wildlife and not disturb the animals.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Safari Tour?

The safari doesn’t have any age restrictions. However, it’s not suitable for pregnant women due to the bumpy terrain and long duration. Children are welcome, but parents should consider their ability to handle the safari experience.

Can Visitors Bring Their Own Food and Drinks?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, refreshments and water are already included in the tour price. It’s recommended to pack lightly and avoid bringing unnecessary items that could distract from the wildlife viewing experience.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Spot Wildlife?

The best time to spot wildlife at Wilpattu National Park is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this period, animals are more visible as they congregate around the park’s natural lakes and waterholes.

Can Visitors Extend the Duration of the Safari?

Visitors can extend the safari duration to explore more of Wilpattu’s diverse habitats and wildlife. Additional fees may apply, but extending the safari provides more time to spot elusive animals like leopards and sloth bears.

The Sum Up

Embark on an exhilarating safari at Wilpattu National Park, where you’ll have the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including the elusive leopard. With a duration of four hours, this guided tour offers an unforgettable encounter with nature, immersing you in the park’s unique ecosystem. The safari’s comprehensive package, including transportation and refreshments, ensures a seamless and memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: