Kaudulla National Park
Tucked away in the North Central Province, Kaudulla National Park offers a peaceful and intimate wildlife experience. Spanning 6,900 hectares of lush greenery, open plains and wetlands, the park is centred around the ancient Kaudulla Wewa, an irrigation tank that serves as a lifeline for the park’s wildlife.
Designated as a national park in 2002, Kaudulla has slowly become a top spot for nature and wildlife enthusiasts to experience Sri Lanka’s wildlife away from the crowds.
Why Visit Kaudulla?
While Kaudulla might be lesser-known in comparison to its counterparts, it does have a lot to offer. It’s most famous for its large elephant population, which makes the park a hotspot for elephant sightings, especially during the dry season (from August to December). During this time, herds of up to 250 elephants gather around the Kaudulla tank in search of food and water.
With a diverse biodiversity, the park is also home to mammals like leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer and wild boar. In addition, over 160 species of birds have been recorded here including spot-billed pelicans, painted storks, and black-headed ibis. Crocodiles, lizards and frogs are among the other wildlife that call Kaudulla home.
One of the best parts about this national park is the fact that it’s less crowded in comparison to parks like Yala or Minneriya. With fewer jeeps and smaller crowds, you have the peace to experience the park more intimately. So, if you are looking for a quieter and tranquil wildlife experience, Kaudulla National Park is perfect for you. You can even plan a combined trip to Kaudulla and Minneriya, as it is part of the same elephant corridor as Minneriya and Somawathiya National Parks.