The magical wilderness of Wilpattu National Park

There are 31 species of mammals who make themselves at home in Wilpattu. Among them are elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffaloes, sambhurs, the spotted deer, and mongoose. The avifauna is far more diverse ranging from wading birds that include the large painted stork to birds of prey that occupy the high reaches of the forest such as owls and eagles. The forest is also so home to endemic birds including the jungle fowl. Leopards and elephant are a popular attraction and the former prove to be a memorable chance encounter although not uncommon. Other animals of interest include the mugger crocodile, and species of turtles sighted at the brink of Villus. 

Kudiramalai, or the Horse’s Point is a legendary highlight of the Park.  It is believed that this beach stretch is where the exiled Indian Prince name Vijaya set foot on the island over 2500 years ago and named it Thambapanni after the copper red soil. And a visitor today can witness the same copper red soil of an isolated stretch of bay not found elsewhere in the park premises. Nearby is the Ashwa Kanda, or Horse’s Hill, which reveal the mysterious presence of molten rock.

There are also ruins of what is believed to be the tribal queen Kuveni’s palace or abode, setting the stage for the legendary meeting and union of the queen and the prince etched in the annals of history.