Kaudulla National Park: A wildlife reserve known for its large elephant population and excellent birdwatching opportunities

Kaudulla National Park: Elephant safari

Description

Kaudulla National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, known for its large elephant gatherings, lush landscapes, and diverse fauna. The park is part of the elephant corridor connecting Minneriya and Wasgamuwa National Parks, making it one of the best places for elephant safaris. It also features wetlands, forests, and the Kaudulla Reservoir, which attracts numerous birds and other wildlife.

Visitor Fee

Foreign Adult: ~$15
Foreign Child (6–12 years): ~$8
Local Adult: ~$2
Local Child: ~$1
Jeep Safari Cost: ~$40–$60 per jeep (fits up to 6 people)

Transportation

By Car/Tuk-Tuk:
- From Colombo (~4.5 hours, 180 km)
- From Sigiriya (~45 minutes, 35 km)
- From Polonnaruwa (~30 minutes, 35 km)
By Bus: No direct buses; take a bus to Habarana or Polonnaruwa and hire a tuk-tuk.

Things to Do

Jeep Safari – See elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and exotic birds.
Elephant Gathering – Spot herds of 100+ elephants near the reservoir (best from August to October).
Birdwatching – Home to pelicans, storks, eagles, and migratory birds.
Photography – Capture stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Nature Walks (with a guide) – Explore wetlands, forests, and scenic viewpoints.

Kaudulla National Park: A top wildlife reserve, best known for its seasonal elephant gatherings and excellent birdwatching

Why People Enjoy Coming Here

One of the best elephant-watching parks in Sri Lanka.
Less crowded than Minneriya National Park, offering a more intimate safari experience.
Diverse wildlife, including deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and leopards.
Scenic landscapes with lush greenery and a beautiful reservoir.

Age of the Area

Declared a national park in 2002, but Kaudulla Reservoir dates back over 1,500 years, built by King Mahasen (3rd century AD).

List of Activities

Elephant safaris
Birdwatching
Wildlife photography
Nature walks
Boating (seasonal)

Additional Nearby Attractions

Minneriya National Park (~30 km) – Another top spot for elephant safaris.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress (~40 km) – A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient frescoes.
Dambulla Cave Temple (~50 km) – A Buddhist temple with stunning cave paintings.
Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site (~35 km) – Ruins of Sri Lanka’s ancient capital.
Hurulu Eco Park (~25 km) – A lesser-known safari park with elephants and leopards.