Reviewed by Kavitra Rajapakse
First of May was an exceptionally special day for the Wildlife Society of Trinity College. The long awaited 3-day excursion with 36 nature lovers to Wilpattu National Park was about to become a reality. Steeped in the historical legacy of the country, Wilpattu is one of the most pristine national parks in Sri Lanka. It is home to some of the rarest and the most distinctive animals, and is a sanctuary of significant botanical wonders that nurture the villus: the wetland that may have inspired the name Wilpattu.
An early start granted us more time to immerse ourselves in the untamed wilderness and the breathtaking beauty of nature. With boundless enthusiasm, we gathered at school by 5 a.m, eager to set off on our much-anticipated journey. On schedule, we departed around 5:30 a.m. excited for the safaris ahead- ready to spot elusive wildlife and, most of all, experience the dense jungle, with its towering trees and hidden creatures awaited.
Following a satisfying breakfast at a restaurant, we proceeded toward Anuradhapura. While we expected warm weather, none of us anticipated the intensity of the heat. When the bus halted, we felt as though we were being roasted alive, but the moment it started moving again, the cool breeze inside provided sweet relief. After purchasing our lunch which we would enjoy at the bungalow, we purchased tickets at the Wilpattu Hunuwilgama entrance.
The dirt track, sandy and brown took our bus to our destination half an hour later. The park had had much rain in recent months. Lakes were full, trees were green and the tracks were scattered with puddles, some shallow, some deep. We reached our destination—the Maradanmaduwa Circuit Bungalow, by about 1.30 pm. The Bungalow with a spacious and beautiful dormitory offered a stunning view of a vast lake. After a quick lunch, we set off on our first safari—the eagerly awaited evening safari by 3.00 pm. Our teacher and committee had meticulously assigned us into groups, ensuring we adhered to the plans set by the society. Leading the convoy were the documentary and photography jeeps, ready to capture the thrills of the evening. There was an assortment of fauna basking in the evening sunlight: floats of crocodiles, herds of buffalo and deer, several species of birds and hare.
The highlight of the day came just 25 minutes into our safari—a leopard drinking from a puddle on the road! It lingered for about five minutes, allowing us ample time to snap photos and record videos. Our hearts swelled with satisfaction as we watched it gracefully cross the road before disappearing into the jungle.
A few minutes later, the jeeps split onto different paths, each group embarking on its own journey of exploration. We spotted a variety of birds and animals, and to our delight, we encountered another leopard. This time, it was just our jeep, but unfortunately, the majestic creature quickly retreated into the dense forest before we could capture more than a fleeting glimpse.
As darkness enveloped the jungle, we began our return to the bungalow, secretly hoping for an encounter with a bear. Luck certainly plays a crucial role in wildlife spotting, and we felt incredibly grateful for the sighting of a bear, frantically searching for termites, at close range. Witnessing this incredible creature added to the thrill, as we had now encountered all our target species within a single safari—yet we still had two more to go.
Upon our return, we called our parents, reminiscing about the day’s unforgettable experiences. A brief photography workshop followed before we retired early, having prepared for the excitement of the next morning.
Day Two: A Wild Encounter
Setting off sharp at 6 am, we were greeted by a myriad of animals and an astonishing number of birds. However, we met with an unexpected challenge —our jeep sank into a deep muddy trap. We remained stranded for nearly 15 minutes, with water creeping into our vehicle. Thankfully, another jeep winched us out, and five minutes later, we spotted our first leopard of the day. This one was extraordinarily close, appearing majestic, regal, and breathtakingly beautiful.
We captured stunning photos and videos before returning to the bungalow for breakfast. After packing lunch into our lunch boxes, we set out once again, determined to soak up every moment in the wilderness.
That evening, we returned to our dorm, deeply satisfied with our sightings—four leopards, a sloth bear, and a vast array of bird species. A videography workshop rounded out the day before we drifted into a well-earned sleep
The Final Farewell
Morning arrived, and with it, the bittersweet task of packing up. We were not disappointed because there, at the bungalow premises, in a thicket, was a bear seeking breakfast near a small anthill!
It was an extraordinary journey, filled with encounters beyond our wildest expectations. Four leopards, two sloth bears, a lesser adjutant, sambur, deer, a brown fish owl, and countless birds and animals made this trip an unforgettable experience. As we reached our school, emotions ran high—we had lived our dream, and now, our hearts carried its legacy.
