Kaudulla National Park, making it a must-visit destination.

KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK

Kaudulla National Park, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning approximately 6,900 hectares, this enchanting park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The park is best known for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, often seen grazing near the Kaudulla Reservoir. This spectacular gathering offers visitors unforgettable opportunities to witness these majestic creatures up close. In addition to elephants, Kaudulla is home to a variety of other wildlife, including sambar deer, axis deer, and wild boar. The park’s lush forests and wetlands provide ideal habitats for a diverse array of bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable sightings include the vibrant Sri Lankan junglefowl and the colorful painted stork. Kaudulla National Park offers thrilling safari tours, allowing visitors to explore its captivating landscapes and encounter its magnificent wildlife. The park’s commitment to conservation ensures that its natural beauty and diverse fauna are preserved for future generations, making Kaudulla a must-visit destination for an extraordinary wildlife experience.

Elephants

Kaudulla National Park is renowned for its large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, especially seen near the Kaudulla Reservoir. Visitors can witness these majestic creatures up close, offering an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Other Mammals

Kaudulla National Park is home to a variety of mammals, including sloth bears, sambar deer, axis deer, wild boars, and water buffaloes. These species thrive in the park’s diverse and rich habitats.

Birdlife

Kaudulla National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, featuring vibrant species like the Sri Lankan junglefowl, painted stork, and numerous migratory birds, creating a dynamic and colorful avian sanctuary amidst its lush landscapes.

Leopards

Kaudulla National Park is home to elusive leopards, which are occasionally spotted amidst its lush forests. These magnificent predators add an element of thrill and excitement to the park’s diverse wildlife experience.

This National Park is a prime wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, renowned for its elephant population and other wildlife species. Situated in the North Central Province, Kaudulla covers over 6,900 hectares, and is part of the Elephant Corridor, which connects Minneriya and Wasgamuwa national parks. It’s famous for offering an up-close view of large elephant herds, especially during the dry season when elephants migrate in search of water and food. The Kaudulla Reservoir acts as a watering hole for the wildlife, attracting a variety of species beyond elephants, including deer, leopards, sloth bears, and an impressive array of birds.A jeep safari through the park is the best way to experience its beauty. These safaris, typically lasting two to three hours, take visitors deep into the park’s heart, where they can witness animals in their natural habitat. The park’s flat terrain, dense forest cover, and grasslands make it an ideal destination for wildlife lovers and photographers alike. One of the highlights of Kaudulla is the Great Elephant Gathering, an annual event between August and September, where hundreds of elephants come together at the reservoir. It’s considered one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world and is a breathtaking sight for visitors lucky enough to be there during this time. The sheer number of elephants congregating near the water, often seen bathing, playing, or grazing, offers a rare opportunity for visitors to see these majestic creatures in such large numbers. Kaudulla is also home to many migratory birds, with over 160 species recorded, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Some commonly sighted species include painted storks, peacocks, and pelicans. The park’s ecosystem is rich, with wetlands, open grasslands, and forests providing a haven for a diverse range of species.While Kaudulla is primarily known for its wildlife, it also holds historical significance. The reservoir was built by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, and the ancient irrigation system still benefits the park and the surrounding areas. For visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the more famous parks like Yala or Udawalawe, Kaudulla offers an unforgettable wildlife experience with fewer crowds.

this is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those interested in seeing elephants in their natural habitat. Located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, the park is part of the region’s elephant corridor, attracting large herds during the dry season when water sources are scarce elsewhere. Kaudulla is particularly famous for its elephant gatherings, which occur between August and December. During this period, hundreds of elephants migrate from nearby forests to the Kaudulla tank, making for a spectacular sight. Apart from elephants, the park is home to various species, including deer, sloth bears, and leopards. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the diverse avian population, with migratory birds visiting the park in large numbers. The park’s mix of dry evergreen forest, grasslands, and wetlands creates the perfect environment for these animals to thrive.

Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris, which offer a close-up view of the wildlife while minimizing the human footprint. The safaris are led by experienced guides who are familiar with the park’s terrain and wildlife patterns. While elephants are the star attraction, Kaudulla’s landscape is equally captivating, with its wide-open plains, forests, and serene water bodies, providing a peaceful backdrop for the wildlife encounters. Kaudulla is not just about large mammals. Its wetlands and water bodies are ideal for spotting aquatic birds, including pelicans, cormorants, and painted storks. The park’s location along the elephant corridor means that it’s part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem, where wildlife can move freely between different habitats.For visitors interested in conservation, Kaudulla also highlights the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. The park’s role in preserving the elephant population, along with other endangered species, showcases the delicate balance between wildlife and their environment.Overall, Kaudulla National Park offers a fulfilling wildlife experience that blends adventure, serenity, and an appreciation for nature’s wonders. Its proximity to other key attractions, such as Minneriya National Park and Sigiriya, makes it an ideal stop for those exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural beauty. Whether you’re an animal lover, a birdwatcher, or someone who enjoys scenic landscapes, Kaudulla has something special to offer.