Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour From Dambulla

Exploring Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations, has become a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Dambulla. The safari tour from Dambulla promises an immersive experience, taking visitors on a scenic drive to the park’s gates and guiding them through its diverse habitats in search of iconic species like leopards, elephants, and a myriad of bird life. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, travelers can expect to uncover the park’s rich biodiversity and savor a delectable local meal, all while enjoying the convenience of door-to-door transportation. What lies in store for those who embark on this extraordinary adventure?

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Wilpattu National Park.

Key Points

• 8-hour safari tour from Dambulla to Wilpattu National Park, covering wildlife viewing, transportation, and a local meal for €96.13 per person.
• 2-hour drive from Dambulla to the national park, followed by 4 hours of wildlife exploration with an English-speaking guide.
• Opportunity to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse bird species within the 508 square mile national park.
• Pickup and drop-off service, jeep hire, entrance fees, and gratuities included in the tour package.
• Recommended items for the safari include comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, and binoculars for better wildlife viewing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour from Dambulla provides an 8-hour excursion that costs from €96.13 per person and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants will be picked up from their accommodations in Dambulla and transported to the national park, which is located about 2 hours away.

The tour features a 4-hour wildlife viewing experience within Wilpattu National Park, led by a live English-speaking guide. Lunch at a local hotel is also included.

Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, such as leopards, elephants, and numerous bird species, in the park’s dense woodland and lake-dotted landscape.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though certain medical conditions may make it inadvisable.

Itinerary Details

Typically, the Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour begins around 07:00 AM, with the 2-hour drive to the park from Dambulla. Once arrived, participants spend 4 hours exploring the diverse wildlife and landscapes within Wilpattu National Park under the guidance of a local expert. Afterwards, the tour returns to Dambulla, arriving back at the pickup location.

Start Time	Travel Time to Park	Wildlife Viewing
~07:00 AM	2 hours by car	4 hours

The total round-trip journey takes approximately 3 hours, providing ample time to spot various animals such as leopards, elephants, and sloth bears in their natural habitat. A local meal at Puttalam Hotel is included during the tour.

Park Highlights

Spanning an impressive 508 square miles, Wilpattu National Park boasts a diverse array of landscapes and wildlife. Its dense woodlands and numerous lakes, known as ‘villus,’ provide a thriving habitat for a wide range of species, from majestic leopards and elephants to the elusive sloth bear.

Declared a national park in 1938, this protected area is renowned for its unique features, including its abundant spotted deer, crocodiles, and an impressive array of bird species.

Whether you’re hoping to spot the elusive leopard or simply learn about the park’s natural beauty, a safari through Wilpattu National Park promises an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Wildlife Sightings

On a Wilpattu National Park safari, visitors often encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including the majestic leopard, the gentle elephant, and the elusive sloth bear, as they explore the park’s dense woodlands and serene lakes. Spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience.

Leopards, known for their stealth and agility, prowl the undergrowth, while herds of spotted deer graze peacefully. Massive Asian elephants lumber through the landscape, and the rare sloth bear forages for termites and honey.

Crocodiles bask on the banks of the Villus, and a myriad of bird species, from vibrant kingfishers to majestic cranes, fill the skies. The diversity of wildlife is a testament to the park’s ecological richness and a true highlight of the Wilpattu safari experience.

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Inclusions and Amenities

The Wilpattu National Park safari tour includes a comprehensive package of amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience for visitors.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, along with the hire of a jeep and a knowledgeable local guide to lead the safari. Bottled water and a delicious local meal at Puttalam Hotel are also provided. Entrance fees to the national park are covered, and gratuities are included as well.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, or those with allergies to animals. Guests are advised to come prepared with appropriate attire, personal items, and a sense of adventure to make the most of this wildlife viewing experience.

Preparation Tips

To make the most of the Wilpattu National Park safari, visitors should come prepared with the right equipment and attire.

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera are essential for navigating the park’s diverse terrain and capturing memorable wildlife sightings.

Plus, bringing sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellent, and a charged smartphone can enhance the overall experience and ensure visitors are ready for any weather conditions or unexpected events.

Visitors should also bring cash for any incidental expenses and binoculars to get a closer look at the park’s diverse fauna, including leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

Accessibility and Restrictions

Visitors must keep in mind that the Wilpattu National Park safari isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Plus, the tour restricts certain items, prohibiting pets, drones, alcohol, glass objects, climbing gear, explosives, and noise-making activities within the park. This is to ensure the safety and preservation of the delicate ecosystem.

Guests are advised to pack appropriate attire, such as comfortable shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent, to fully enjoy the safari experience.

The tour also caters to those with specific medical conditions, advising against participation for pregnant women, individuals with back/heart problems, recent surgeries, motion sickness, or animal allergies.

Customer Feedback

Overwhelmingly positive customer reviews underscore the exceptional quality of the Wilpattu National Park safari tour, with an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on feedback.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guide, who provides insightful commentary on the park’s diverse wildlife and unique features.

Numerous guests highlight the thrill of spotting majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a vast array of bird species during the safari.

The convenient pickup and drop-off service, as well as the inclusion of a delicious local meal, further contribute to the tour’s appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Safari?

Yes, customers can bring their own food and drinks on the safari. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand as some parks may have restrictions or require the purchase of meals from their approved vendors.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

While the standard tour duration is 8 hours, it may be possible to extend the length by prior arrangement with the tour provider. Additional fees would likely apply, and the extended schedule would need to be confirmed before the safari.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There aren’t any age restrictions for the tour, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back/heart problems, recent surgeries, motion sickness, or animal allergies. The tour operator advises checking with them if there are any concerns.

Can I Request a Private Safari Instead of a Shared One?

Yes, participants can typically request a private safari instead of a shared one for an additional fee. Private tours offer more flexibility and customization to better suit individual needs and preferences.

How Often Do You See the Elusive Leopards During the Tour?

Leopard sightings during safaris can be quite elusive, as they are naturally camouful and solitary creatures. However, guides are experienced in spotting signs and tracking leopards, so guests have a good chance of seeing these majestic animals during their safari.

Recap

The Wilpattu National Park Safari Tour from Dambulla offers an immersive wildlife experience in one of Sri Lanka’s most diverse national parks.

With a scenic drive, knowledgeable guide, and opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, and birds, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure.

Convenient pickup and drop-off services, along with a delicious local meal, make this an accessible and enjoyable option for nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: