Location: 197 km (122 mi) away from Colombo, North Central Province Map
Area: 6,900 ha
Entrance Fee: $6, children $3
Kaudulla National Park is one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife sanctuaries, renowned for hosting some of the largest gatherings of wild Asian elephants in the world. Spanning approximately 6,900 hectares, the park centers around an ancient reservoir that serves as a vital water source, attracting diverse wildlife, especially during the dry season. It offers visitors an authentic safari experience in a relatively uncrowded setting compared to nearby parks like Minneriya, emphasizing ethical wildlife viewing amid dry evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The park is part of Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity hotspots and has been a protected area since its designation as the country's 15th national park in 2002.
Situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, Kaudulla National Park lies about 197 kilometers northeast of Colombo, the nation's capital and largest city. It is positioned near the historic city of Polonnaruwa, approximately 18 miles from Habarana, 25 miles from Sigiriya, and 30 miles from Dambulla, making it a convenient stop within the Cultural Triangle—a region famous for ancient ruins and temples. The park's coordinates are roughly 8°09′40″N 80°54′18″E, and it borders other protected areas, including a jungle corridor connecting it to Minneriya National Park. Geographically, it features a mix of dry evergreen forests, open grasslands, chena (slash-and-burn) cultivation areas, and the expansive Kaudulla Reservoir, a 26-kilometer-long ancient dam that dominates the landscape and supports wildlife year-round. The terrain includes floodplains, small trails, and bumpy tracks ideal for jeep safaris.
The origins of Kaudulla trace back to ancient Sri Lankan civilization, where it was one of 16 irrigation tanks constructed by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD to support agriculture and local communities. After centuries of abandonment, the reservoir was reconstructed in 1959, revitalizing the area and fostering a thriving ecosystem for plants, animals, fish, and reptiles. In modern times, the site gained protected status when it was officially declared a national park on April 1, 2002. This move highlighted Sri Lanka's growing commitment to wildlife conservation. By the 2004–2005 season, the park had already attracted over 10,000 visitors, generating significant revenue from entrance fees. It forms part of a broader network of reserves, including an Important Bird Area recognized by BirdLife International alongside Minneriya and Girithale. As of 2025, no major historical events or expansions have been reported beyond ongoing conservation initiatives.
The park's core physical feature is the Kaudulla Reservoir, an ancient man-made tank that provides a reliable water source even during dry periods, drawing herbivores and predators alike. The landscape is characterized by undulating terrain with evergreen forests giving way to open savannas and wetlands, creating diverse habitats. Climatically, Kaudulla experiences a tropical monsoon pattern with annual rainfall ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 millimeters, primarily from the northeast monsoon between November and February. A prolonged dry season lasts from April to October, during which temperatures fluctuate between 20.6°C and 34.5°C. This aridity concentrates wildlife around the reservoir, enhancing visibility for observers, though it can lead to dusty, bumpy safari conditions.
Kaudulla's vegetation is dominated by Sri Lanka's dry-zone evergreen forests, interspersed with grasslands and aquatic plants in the reservoir. Key tree species include Manilkara hexandra (palu), Chloroxylon swietenia (burutha), and Vitex altissima (milla), which provide shade and food for herbivores. Bushes such as Randia dumetorum and Calotropis gigantea dot the understory, while grasses like Imperata cylindrica (illuk) and Panicum maximum thrive in open areas, supporting grazing animals. The reservoir hosts phytoplankton communities, including blue-green algae like Microcystis spp. and diatoms such as Melosira spp., which form the base of the aquatic food chain. Invasive species, notably Lantana camara, pose a growing threat by outcompeting native plants and altering habitats.
Kaudulla boasts exceptional biodiversity, with 24 mammal species, 160 bird species, 25 reptiles, 26 fish, and various amphibians. The park's star attraction is the Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), with herds migrating here during the dry season—particularly from September onward—for water and forage. Surveys have recorded up to 211 elephants, and visitors often witness gatherings of 50 to 100 individuals, including calves, mothers, and solitary bulls, engaging in behaviors like bathing, feeding, and socializing. Other mammals include the Sri Lankan sambar deer, axis deer (notably an rare albino calf, possibly unique in Sri Lanka's parks), chevrotain (mouse-deer), wild boar, golden jackal, Sri Lankan leopard (though sightings are rare), sloth bear, and gray slender loris. Birdlife is prolific, featuring large water birds such as spot-billed pelicans, lesser adjutants, painted storks, crested serpent eagles, blue-tailed bee-eaters, peacocks, egrets, kingfishers, owls, parrots, cranes, parakeets, and hornbills—making morning visits ideal for birdwatching. Reptiles encompass crocodiles, iguanas, Indian flap-shelled turtles, Indian black turtles, and the endemic amphibian Fejervarya pulla. Aquatic life includes fish like Oreochromis mossambicus (tilapia), while predators like water buffaloes and monkeys add to the dynamic ecosystem. Leopards and sloth bears are present but elusive, with the park not being a primary spot for leopard safaris.
Conservation in Kaudulla focuses on protecting its elephant populations and habitats amid threats like habitat fragmentation and invasive species. The Kaudulla-Minneriya jungle corridor was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 2004 to facilitate safe elephant migration between parks, reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Efforts by the Department of Wildlife Conservation include monitoring invasive plants like Lantana camara, which disrupt native flora and animal foraging. The park's status as an Important Bird Area underscores international recognition for avian protection. Revenue from tourism supports these initiatives, though challenges persist with poaching and agricultural encroachment. As of 2025, ongoing programs emphasize sustainable tourism, with safari operators promoting ethical practices like maintaining distance from animals to minimize stress.
Kaudulla is primarily experienced through jeep safaris, offering
intimate wildlife encounters in a natural, less commercialized
environment. Options include morning safaris (starting at 6:00 AM, ideal
for birds and cooler weather), afternoon/evening safaris (from 1:00 PM
or 2:00 PM, best for elephant gatherings at dusk), half-day tours, and
full-day excursions that may combine with Minneriya. Tours typically
last 2–4 hours, involve private 4x4 jeeps with experienced
driver-guides, and include hotel pickups from nearby areas like
Habarana, Sigiriya, or Dambulla. The park operates from 6:30 AM to 6:00
PM.
Best times to visit are during the dry season (July to October),
known as "The Gathering," when elephants congregate at the
reservoir—shifting from Minneriya to Kaudulla around September.
Afternoon sessions yield higher elephant sightings (up to 100% chance),
while mornings favor birds (with only a 10% elephant probability). Rainy
season (November–February) brings lush scenery but dispersed wildlife,
and March–June sees fewer crowds but limited sightings.
Costs as of
2025 approximate $33 per foreign adult and $17 per child (6–12 years
old), covering entrance and taxes (free for under 6); jeep hire is
additional, varying by provider (often $40–$60 for half-day, including
tips of $5–$10). Book through hotels, online platforms, or local
operators for seamless experiences.
Tips from visitors include
bringing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, binoculars, a zoom camera (set to
silent), insect repellent, and a phone lanyard; stay in the jeep,
respect animal space, and choose ethical operators avoiding
disturbances. Rides can be bumpy, so prepare for dust or rain.
Accommodations in Habarana or Sigiriya serve as bases, with transport
options like taxis, tuk-tuks, buses, or trains to nearby stations (e.g.,
Habarana or Gal Oya). Overall, the park earns a 4.4/5 rating from over
1,000 reviews, praised for its serene beauty, respectful safaris, and
memorable elephant encounters, though some note the need for advance
planning.
One of Kaudulla's unique draws is the potential for close-up, barrier-free views of elephant herds in their natural behaviors, such as grazing or bathing, often described as "intimate and magical" by visitors. The park's reservoir creates stunning vistas of wildlife against water and grasslands, with colorful birds adding vibrancy. Personal accounts highlight surprises like spotting over 100 elephants after rainy starts, or rare glimpses of jackals and crocodiles. Its proximity to cultural sites allows for combined itineraries, and the emphasis on conservation makes it a responsible choice over exploitative elephant attractions. While not as famed for leopards as other parks, Kaudulla excels in elephant-focused, peaceful safaris that leave lasting impressions of Sri Lanka's wild heritage.