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Elephant watching, Kaudulla national park
- Kaudulla national park is located 39 km north of Sigiriya. During the dry season, large herds of Sri Lankan elephants numbering around 150-350 are gathered to grass fields on the edges of the Kaudulla reservoir. You will be allowed to approach closer to animals at Kaudulla national park.
- Kaudulla national park is located 39 km north of Sigiriya. During the dry season, large herds of Sri Lankan elephants numbering around 150-350 are gathered to grass fields on the edges of the Kaudulla reservoir. You will be allowed to approach closer to animals at Kaudulla national park.
Most Striking Feature
- Kaudulla National Park is functioning as an Elephant Corridor for Somawathiya national park and Minneriya national park. Transmigration of elephants occurs from Kaudulla national park to Minneriya national park and Wasgamuwa national park. Therefore herd of elephants can always be seen in the park. During the dry season starting from April, elephants move to Minneriya national park for drink and feed. In the driest period of September and October, large herds of elephants move to Kaudulla national park because it has enough water and things to feed.
Landscape & Views
- The giant Kaudulla reservoir and several other reservoirs with their catchment areas are around the park. Therefore during several months of the year, two-thirds of the park is underwater which attracts herbivorous animals to the park. In the evening large herds of these animals can be seen.
History & Archaeology
- Kaudulla national park is surrounding by the Kaudulla reservoir which was built by princess Bisobandara sister of King Mahasen (277 to 304 AD) who built 16 reservoirs was considered as the master of building reservoirs.
Biodiversity & Rare Species
- Semi-mixed evergreen grassland and riverine forest can be seen in the park. There are about 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, and 160 species of bird that can be seen in the park. Elephants are the most commons. Other common mammals are sambar deer, fishing cats, sloth bears, and rusty-spotted cats. Very rare albino axis deer was found in the park. With Minneriya and Giritale, Kaudulla national park has been identified as an important bird area by Birdlife International.
Access
The entrance to Kaudulla National Park is at:
From Ambepussa – Trincomalee road; Habarana, Hatharaskotuwa, and Galoya Junction
From Habarana - Polonnaruwa road; Rotawewa
Visiting hours for the Park - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mode of safaris - Only Jeep Safaris
Best time of the day to visit the Park - 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Best months to visit the Park - Throughout the year. The sight of large herds of elephants is from August to December.
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