Kaudulla National Park

Opened in 2002, Kaudulla is the newly established national park in the heart of the cultural triangle. Situated around the ancient Kaudulla tank, the park provides a 6656-hectare corridor for elephants between Somawathiya National Park and Minneriya National Park.

Kaudulla National Park offers a fantastic chance of getting up close with elephants. In October, there are up to 250 elephants in the park, including herds of juvenile males. There are also leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, endangered rusty spotted cats and sloth bears.

The park stands on the fringe of the ancient Kaudulla Wewa irrigation tank, 6km off the Habarana–Trincomalee Road at Gal Oya junction. It is visited on a jeep safari from Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or Dambulla. As an additional novelty, you may go for catamaran rides on the tank.

The best time to visit Kaudulla National Park is between August and December, with the population of elephants peaking at over 200 from September to October, following the period of the famous elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park. However, the Elephants could be seen in either one of these parks at any time of the year.

Climate and vegetation in Kaudulla National Park

 Located 197km from Colombo as the dry period persists from April to October. The park consists of many plant and grass species that grow well during the rainy season whilst an abundance of food and water, even in the dry period, attracts a large number of herbivorous mammals to the park. Moreover, the vegetation of the park represents Sri Lanka’s dry evergreen forests.

Wildlife in Kaudulla

Kaudulla National Park is home to 23 species of mammals including Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Chevrotain, Wild boar, Leopard, and Sloth Bear are other mammals. Very rarely one could spot leopard and sloth bears. The best period to visit this park is during June to September. Tourists find a ride in Paddle-boats on the lake an excellent opportunity to enjoy bird watching.

More than 160 species of bird including large water birds such as the Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant visit the Kaudulla tank. Asian Spoonbill, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork and Openbill Stork are common sights at the park. Peacock, Eagle, and Giant Eagle add to the significance of the park. One of the most spectacular sceneries in the park is hundreds of pelicans at the tank when it is about to sunset.

Safari at Kaudulla

There are 3 safari options available for the guest.

1. Morning Safari (6.00 am-11.00 am)
2. Afternoon Safari (2.30 pm – 6.00 pm)
3. Full-day Safari (5.45 am -6.00 pm)

The safari would take place with an experienced guide in specially modified comfortable jeeps for a unique safari experience. The tour could be more customized for guests for their preferences (Family safari, honeymoon safari, photography safari etc.).

Tour in brief

Initial meeting with the safari guide, a brief of the tour will take place in the entrance to the Kaudulla Safari. For the morning half-day tour, the starting time will be at 6 a.m. while the afternoon tour begins at 2.30 p.m.

After entering the national park with your guide in a jeep, you will be able to spot several species of birds and other animals that have made their homes in this sanctuary. The guide will explain the various interesting attributes as you will learn and enjoy the flora and fauna of Kaudulla.

You will be taken through most of the Kaudulla National Park, covering the wetlands, grasslands, forest patches, etc. We will make longer stops at certain watering holes for unique photography opportunities.