Kaudulla National Park
All Kaudulla National Park Experiences
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Visiting Kaudulla National Park
Best Time to Go
You can come here all year round, but the famous gathering of elephants takes place in the dry season from July to October. During this time, the park's reservoir and other water sources dry up, making it easier to spot wildlife at the remaining water sources. You can witness large herds of elephants gathering at the Kaudulla reservoir for water.
Why go
Kaudulla National Park is one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka to see elephants! The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife species, including sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, and sloth bears, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
What to do or see here
You can explore Kaudulla National Park through organized jeep safaris, which can be arranged with local tour operators. Jeep safaris are the best way to see the park's diverse wildlife and landscapes. The safaris usually last for three to four hours, and experienced guides will accompany visitors.
Who is it for?
Kaudulla is quieter than its neighbouring, more famous national park Minneriya National Park (where you can also see elephants). So travellers who prefer a quieter safari experience may like it here. Generally safaris are suitable for all ages, so it's great for solo travellers as well as families.
Top Tips
- If you don't have time for a full-day safari, go in the evenings as that's the best time to spot elephants.
- Your guide makes a huge difference in spotting wildlife and making the safari interesting for you. So try not to go with a park appointed guide, and instead go with a naturalist guide who is good.
Top things to see & do
Helpful Questions
What wildlife can be spotted at Kaudulla National Park?
Kaudulla National Park is most famous for its herds of Asian elephants. But it is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boars, and Sri Lankan axis deer. Visitors can also spot leopards, sloth bears, and different species of monkeys, such as the endemic toque macaque and purple-faced langur. The park is also known for its diverse birdlife, including the endemic Sri Lankan junglefowl and Sri Lanka grey hornbill.
What is the best time to visit Kaudulla National Park?
The best time to visit Kaudulla National Park is during the dry season, from July to November, when the park's reservoir and other water sources dry up, making it easier to spot wildlife at the remaining water sources. During this time, visitors can witness large herds of elephants gathering at the Kaudulla reservoir for water. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.
How can I explore Kaudulla National Park?
Visitors can explore Kaudulla National Park through organized jeep safaris, which can be arranged with local tour operators. Jeep safaris are the best way to see the park's diverse wildlife and landscapes. The safaris usually last for three to four hours, and experienced guides will accompany visitors. The guides tend to have a good eye for spotting wildlife so you'll be able to see wildlife that you won't otherwise spot yourself!
Is Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park better?
In terms of visitor numbers, Kaudulla is quieter compared to Minneriya. There are fewer jeeps in Kaudulla National Park so you can take a lot of photos without getting bombed by other tourists. Minneriya is definitely more scenic compared to Kaudulla but there are more visitors to Minneriya as a result!
As for seeing elephants, travellers have reported seeing more elephants at Minneriya National Park. However, the elephants move between Kaudulla and Minneriya National Park as the parks are just 40 minutes apart, so it really depends on when you go. If your safari guide isn't able to find elephants at one of the parks, they may take you to the other national park.
