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A Complete Guide to Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is one of the island’s best places to see large elephant gatherings, especially during the dry season. Centered around the historic Kaudulla Tank built by King Mahasen, the park features open grasslands, wetlands, and dry evergreen forest that attract diverse wildlife. It forms part of the Minneriya–Kaudulla–Hurulu Eco System, allowing animals—especially elephants—to migrate freely among the three parks.

📍 Specifications of Kaudulla National Park

General Information
  • Location: North Central Province, near Habarana
  • Size: ~6,900 hectares
  • Established: 2002
  • Main Habitat Types: Open grasslands, scrubland, dry evergreen forest, wetlands
  • Main Water Source: Kaudulla Tank (ancient reservoir)
  • Climate: Dry Zone (hot climate, seasonal rains)
  • Famous For: Elephant herds (especially “The Gathering” Aug–Oct)
  • Average Temperature: 27–32°C
  • Rainfall: Mainly during the North-East monsoon (Oct–Jan)
Geography & Landscape
  • Main Ecosystems: Dry evergreen forest, scrub jungle, grasslands, marshes
  • Key Feature: Kaudulla Tank, an ancient reservoir built by King Mahasen
  • Elevation: 60–100 meters above sea level
Biodiversity
  • Famous For: Large elephant gatherings (Aug–Oct)
  • Mammals Present: Asian Elephant, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Monkeys, occasional Leopard & Sloth Bear
  • Birdlife: Over 150 species including raptors, storks, pelicans
  • Reptiles: Mugger crocodile, water monitors, land monitors, star tortoise
Conservation Status
  • IUCN Category: II – National Park
  • Purpose: Protect large-scale ecological processes, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity.
  • Part of an Important Ecological Corridor:
    Kaudulla forms a vital section of the Minneriya–Kaudulla–Hurulu Eco System, essential for elephant migration.

Wildlife You Can Expect in Kaudulla National Park

🐘 Mammals

  • Asian Elephant – the star attraction; large herds gather near the Kaudulla Tank, especially Aug–Oct
  • Sambar Deer
  • Spotted Deer
  • Wild Boar
  • Sri Lankan Leopard (rare)
  • Sloth Bear (rare)
  • Grey Langur
  • Purple-faced Leaf Monkey
  • Jackal
  • Fishing Cat (rare)
  • Toque Macaque

🦅 Birds

Kaudulla is excellent for birdwatching, especially waterbirds.

  • Grey-headed Fish Eagle
  • White-bellied Sea Eagle
  • Painted Stork
  • Asian Openbill
  • Pelicans
  • Cormorants
  • Woolly-necked Stork
  • Peacocks
  • Green Bee-eater
  • Black-headed Ibis
  • Herons & Egrets
  • Migratory birds during the season (Oct–Feb)

🐊 Reptiles

  • Mugger Crocodile
  • Water Monitor
  • Land Monitor
  • Indian Python (rare)
  • Star Tortoise
  • Various geckos & skinks

🦋 Other Notable Fauna

  • Freshwater fish in the Kaudulla Tank
  • Butterflies in forest edges and grasslands
  • Amphibians around marshy areas

Safari Times & Durations in Kaudulla National Park

The best season is August to October.

During these months, water levels drop in surrounding parks, and hundreds of elephants migrate to Kaudulla Tank. This creates the famous elephant gathering, where you can sometimes see 150–300 elephants in one place.

Other good months:
    • June–July: Good elephant activity
    • November–January: More rainfall, greener landscapes but sightings are rare
    • February–May: Moderate sightings; elephants often move between Minneriya & Hurulu Eco Park
  • Morning Safaris (Half-Day): The best time to go is at dawn when the animals are most active. Morning safaris typically do from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Nearly it’s 4 hours safari session.
  • Afternoon Safaris (Half-Day): The afternoon safari begins around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the wildlife tends to be more visible as the sun sets and animals come to the waterholes. It also around 5 hours safari.
  • Full day Safari: Full day safari period is from 6:00 AM to  6:00 PM. You can spend about 10 hours inside the park on a full day safari allowing to explore all important parts of the park as well as most of the animals, mainly for wildlife geeks. `3

Kaudulla National Park Entrances

Main Entrance – Galoya (Kaudulla) Entrance

Kaudulla National Park has one primary entrance, known as the Galoya Entrance, located near Galoya Junction on the Galoya–Polonnaruwa (B617) Road.

This is the official and only access point used for all safaris into the park.

How to Get to Kaudulla National Park Entrances

From Habarana 📍

  • Take the A11 road toward Polonnaruwa.
  • Drive straight for about 22 km.
  • At Galoya Junction, turn left toward Kaudulla National Park.
  • Follow the signboards for around 4–5 km to reach the entrance.
  • ⏱️ Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes

From Polonnaruwa 📍

  • Take the A11 road toward Habarana.
  • Pass Minneriya town and continue straight.
  • After ~15 km, reach Galoya Junction.
  • Turn right toward Kaudulla National Park and continue straight for 4–5 km.
  • ⏱️ Travel Time: ~30–35 minutes

From Sigiriya 📍

  • Drive to Habarana via the Inamaluwa–Habarana road.
  • From Habarana, take the A11 road toward Polonnaruwa.
  • Continue until Galoya Junction.
  • Turn left toward Kaudulla and follow the signs.
  • ⏱️ Travel Time: ~50–60 minutes

Kaudulla National Park Safari Costs

Click Here to See Kaudulla Safari Costs

Travel Tips for Kaudulla National Park​

  • Book Safaris in Advance: It is highly recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during the high season (March to September) to secure a quality jeep and a guide. You can book through your tour operator or directly a jeep operator.
  • Your Guide Matters: Animal sightings are not completely random, An experience Guide and a Naturalist will track animals like leopards better based on historical statistics about their behaviour and environment conditions. Hence you need to pick a good team for your safari.
  • Naturalist for Better Experience: Extra Naturalist will be a great addition if you are interested in understanding better about animals, their behaviour, animal tracking, conservation, and national park details.
  • About Food during Safari: Kaudulla National Park does NOT have designated rest areas inside the park. Safaris are typically continuous drives without long stops. Jeeps usually stop briefly near the Kaudulla Tank for viewing wildlife, but these are not rest spots—just viewing points. Meals are not needed inside the park except simple snacks that can have inside the jeep during half day safaris. Visitors normally eat before the safari (in Habarana, Sigiriya, Minneriya, Giritale) or eat after the safari, as there are no picnic sites or areas to sit and have meals inside Kaudulla.
  • Carry Snacks and Water: While there are no restaurants inside the park, it’s a good idea to carry snacks, water, and other essentials for your comfort during the safari.
  • Wash Room Facilities: There are no washrooms inside Kaudulla National Park. The only washrooms available are at the main entrance gate (Galoya Entrance). Visitors normally use entrance washrooms before entering or entrance washrooms after finishing the safari. Once inside, there are no toilet stops, so it’s best to prepare beforehand.
  • Dress code: It’s better to wear earthy, neutral-colored, lightweight, breathable fabrics clothing to stay comfortable. Bright colors can disturb wildlife and make it harder to blend in with the surroundings. Also wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using a sun-screen is also recommonded.
  • Respect Nature: Avoid making loud noises or disturbing wildlife. Always follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and responsible safari experience.
Tour Tips 104 - Guide to Select a Safari Jeep
Safari Tips 101 - Tracking A Leopard
Tour Tips 105 - Special Wildlife Tours
Tour Tips 106 - What NOT to do in Sri Lankan Safaris

Comparison to other Sri Lankan National Parks

Kaudulla National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s top destinations for seeing large elephant herds, especially during the August–October gathering around the Kaudulla Tank. The park features open grasslands, scrub forests, and wetland habitats, offering excellent visibility for wildlife. It is quieter than Minneriya and provides more spacious viewing areas, making it ideal for elephant-focused safaris. Seasonal crowds can be be large at times if Minneriya and Hurulu Eco Park do not have many elephants to see.

Kaudulla vs. Minneriya vs. Hurulu Eco Park

🔸 Kaudulla National Park

  • Best months: August–October (massive elephant gatherings)
  • Landscape: Open grasslands + large tank
  • Strength: Highest elephant numbers during peak season
  • Experience: Spacious, less crowded than Minneriya

🔸 Minneriya National Park

  • Best months: Traditionally July–September, but varies with rainfall
  • Landscape: Open plains surrounding the Minneriya Tank
  • Strength: The original “Elephant Gathering” location
  • Experience: Great views but can be busier with jeeps

🔸 Hurulu Eco Park

  • Best months: November–May (when elephants move from Minneriya/Kaudulla)
  • Landscape: Dense forest + fewer open areas
  • Strength: Best alternative when Minneriya/Kaudulla are wet dur to rain
  • Experience: More forest driving, elephants can be seen more closely but visibility is limited

Other Experiences around Kaudulla National Park

DT109_Thissa_Owls_and_Birds_Watching_Tour (2)
DT603_Udawalawe_Village_Tour
DT502_Ella_Zip_Line (2)
DT307_Expolre_Ella_City (2)
ExperienceImportant Facts
Polonnaruwa Ancient CityUNESCO World Heritage Site; ruins of temples, palaces, and statues
Medirigiriya VatadageAncient circular relic house; excellent stone craftsmanship
Somawathiya ChaityaSacred Buddhist pilgrimage site near Mahaweli River
Kaudulla Tank & Village AreasPeaceful surroundings; good for nature walks and photography
Giritale TankScenic reservoir; popular for sunset views
Hurulu Forest ReserveForest landscape; good for birdwatching and nature walks
Minneriya National Park SafariFamous for elephant gatherings; part of the same ecosystem
Hurulu Eco Park SafariBest alternative when elephants move from Kaudulla
Somawathiya National ParkLess crowded; remote wildlife experience
Village Cycling ToursExplore rural life, paddy fields, and local culture
Traditional Farming ExperiencesLearn about chena cultivation and village agriculture
Birdwatching Around TanksExcellent for waterbirds and migratory species
Eco-lodges & Nature StaysIdeal for relaxation in forest surroundings
Click here Book Day Tours near by Kaudulla

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