Kaudulla National Park surrounds the Kaudulla reservoir (tank) near Polonnaruwa, in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. Declared a national park in 2002 and covering about 69 square kilometres, it is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and is best known for the elephants that come to the tank in the dry season.
Is it worth visiting?
Go if you want to see Sri Lankan elephants in numbers on the grassy shores of a large reservoir, along with water birds, and you are staying in the Polonnaruwa area.
Think twice if you can only visit in the rainy months, when the elephants disperse into the surrounding forests, or if a jeep safari doesn’t appeal.
When to see the elephants
In the dry season, elephants from the surrounding forests gather at Minneriya, in the neighbouring national park, to feed on the grass exposed as its reservoir shrinks; Sri Lanka Tourism names May to October as the popular time to see this Gathering. Later in the year, around September, many move on to the Kaudulla tank in search of more water and food. Once the rains set in, the herds disperse into the forest. A protected jungle corridor links Kaudulla with Minneriya National Park, so the animals can move between the two.
Sources give slightly different months for the best season, and the herds move from week to week, so ask locally which of the two parks is better at the time of your visit. When neither is good, for example after heavy rain, safari drivers often switch to Hurulu Eco Park near Habarana.
Other wildlife and birds
Besides elephants, the mammals recorded in the park include sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis (spotted) deer, chevrotain (mouse deer), wild boar, the Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear. More than 160 bird species have been recorded, and the tank draws large water birds such as the spot-billed pelican and the lesser adjutant.
Visiting the park
- Permits: visitors may enter Sri Lanka’s national parks only with a permit issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation on payment of the prescribed fee. The Department’s website does not list current fees for Kaudulla, so check the price at the park entrance or with your safari operator. See the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s protected areas page for the rules on national parks.
- Safaris: recent visitor reports describe afternoon jeep safaris, when elephants come to the tank, often arranged from Habarana.
- Around the animals: keep your distance from elephants, stay quiet and follow the instructions of park staff and your driver.
- Getting there: Polonnaruwa is the nearest town. Kaudulla is an easy add-on to a visit to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa or to Minneriya National Park.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When is the best time to see elephants at Kaudulla?
In the dry season. Elephants gather first at Minneriya and, around September, many move on to the Kaudulla tank; they disperse when the rains set in.
Is Kaudulla the same as Minneriya?
No. They are separate national parks, each around its own reservoir, linked by a protected jungle corridor that the elephants use to move between them.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Entry to a national park requires a Department of Wildlife Conservation permit, issued on payment of the prescribed fee.
What else can I see there?
Deer, wild boar and more than 160 recorded bird species, including spot-billed pelicans and lesser adjutants. Leopards and sloth bears have also been recorded in the park.
Sources: dwc.gov.lk, en.wikipedia.org, lk.chm-cbd.net, srilanka.travel (attraction), srilanka.travel (attraction), sundaytimes.lk and recent visitor reports. Header photo: Josep Renalias / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
