Last Journey to the Villus
December 2004, on our way to the Wilpattu National Park passing through Tabbowa wewa.
Sleepy Kala Oya runs on the southern boundary of the Wilpattu National Park.
The Kala Oya rapids. Due to heavy rains and water been released from the
Rajangana tank, we were very lucky to see the rapids which according to the
village folks occurs once in 10 years.
We decided to go downstream Kala Oya and this is what we saw at the
neelabemma dam. On the other side is the Wilpattu National Park.
Yet another interesting photograph of the Neelabemma dam. Imagine how
intriguing this river might be with heavy rainfalls in the Puttalam district?.
We were on our journey to Pannika Villu Bungalow when we saw this tusker
whom we christened as the Kumbuk vila tusker. However, the next day was
another episode as the Kumbuk vila tusker charged at us but fortunately
he “missed” our vehicle and hit a tree.
Changeable Hawk Eagle at Wilpattu. November 2005.
The Changeable Hawk Eagle is contemplating his next move. Wilpattu National
Park November 2005.
Juvenile Crested Hawk Eagle, sighted on the main road, Wilpattu.
White Bellied Sea Eagle or Haliaeetus leucogaster during one of our memorable trips to the villus.
Changeable hawk spotted during one of our memorable trips to the villus.
Maradanmaduwa, Wilpattu National Park a close sighting of a Serpent Eagle
or Spilornis cheela spilogaster.
Wilpattu National Park March 2006.
The Borupan cubs of Wilpattu National Park 2006.
Our sighting which lasted over 45 minutes until two jeeps wanted a closer
glimpse of the cubs. That was the end to our sighting possibly the last until
the wilpattu park re-opens again.
A third jeep trying to shove and push between the other two jeeps. Then the
Borupan cubs decide to move towards the Borupun Villu.
When will I see you again, I mean the Wilpattu National Park. We hope the
park re-opens soon, as this park has unique lakes called villus and the biggest
highlight here are the leopards and raptors.
Sunset……
