Our top picks for wildlife day trips from Anuradhapura to nearby national parks for elephant sightings, leopard safaris, and birdwatching.

Wildlife Safaris in Anuradhapura: The Best Day Trips for Elephants, Leopards & Birds

Wildlife Safaris in Anuradhapura

One of the best national parks to spot elephants

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Kaudulla National Park

A handpicked shortlist of Kaudulla National Park experiences, chosen for one thing: some of the best elephant spotting in Sri Lanka.

Kaudulla National Park Experiences: The Best for Elephant Spotting

Kaudulla National Park Experiences

05.30 am: Main Entrance of Kaudulla National Park or Habarana Junction. 
06.00 am: Begin your game drive at Kaudulla National Park. 
09.00 am: Finishing time of your Safari. 


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Hotel - Kaudulla National Park - Hotel

In this 2.5 to 3 hours tour, spot the elephants that assemble on the banks of the Kaudulla Reservoir during the dry season. During the mornings you are more likely to see other animals rather than elephants. Expect to see endemic and migratory birds and other animals. The entrance fee of the National Park is not included in this option

Private safari with knowledgeable driver, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Witness elephant migration at Kaudulla National Park during sunrise.

Responsible, eco-friendly experience with pick-up from nearby towns.

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Wildlife Safaris

Private morning safari in Kaudulla from Sigiriya or Habarana — best for birds and other wildlife, with dry-season elephant sightings by the reservoir.

Kaudulla Private Morning Safari (Pick up from Sigiriya or Habarana)

Discover diverse wildlife at Kaudulla Reservoir.

Our guide Mr Madhushankar was exceptional. He was punctual and made sure we saw a whole bunch of elephants. He was mindful of the the elephants and gave them their space. He even had some fun facts to share with us. We'd definitely recommend him to anyone looking to have a great experience in the park

Our guide Mr Madhushankar was exceptional. He was punctual and made sure we saw a whole bunch of elephants. He was mindful of the the elephants and gave them their space. He even had some fun facts to share with us. We'd definitely recommend him to anyone looking to have a great experience in the park

This was an amazing experience, we got very lucky with the weather and in the middle of a monsoon got a few hours of sunshine. You get so close to the elephants it's unbelievable and they don't seem bothered at all, they continue grazing at their own pace even with the little ones around mum. Most of my photos are on my camera so excuse the selfie! The guides are really knowledgeable about the wildlife and stop, wait until you have your photo and then drive on again. Be careful when you go up the watch tower as there are some snakes chilling up there but their only small and didn't even move when we went up

This was an amazing experience, we got very lucky with the weather and in the middle of a monsoon got a few hours of sunshine. You get so close to the elephants it's unbelievable and they don't seem bothered at all, they continue grazing at their own pace even with the little ones around mum. Most of my photos are on my camera so excuse the selfie! The guides are really knowledgeable about the wildlife and stop, wait until you have your photo and then drive on again. Be careful when you go up the watch tower as there are some snakes chilling up there but their only small and didn't even move when we went up


Although it rained while we were on this excursion it was still a fabulous experience. We saw heaps of elephants and were given plenty of time to watch and photograph them. Open keeps were great...until the rain came, our drive put the cover over quickly - although we got wet we still thoroughly enjoyed it.

Although it rained while we were on this excursion it was still a fabulous experience. We saw heaps of elephants and were given plenty of time to watch and photograph them. Open keeps were great...until the rain came, our drive put the cover over quickly - although we got wet we still thoroughly enjoyed it.


Roshan is an excellent driver and safari guide. He ensured that we saw as many animals as possible on our safari. He was ethical and respectful when seeing the animals, stopping at a distance. We had a great time. We also had him take us to Ritigala and Polonnaruwa. Highly recommended.

Roshan is an excellent driver and safari guide. He ensured that we saw as many animals as possible on our safari. He was ethical and respectful when seeing the animals, stopping at a distance. We had a great time. We also had him take us to Ritigala and Polonnaruwa. Highly recommended.

Amazing tour, excellent driver and tour guide who had amazing sight into picking out the birds, lizards, golden jackal, crocodile, deer, monkeys giant squirrel and of course the wonderful elephants who walked between the cars. Very informative re the flora, highly recommend this tour, once in a life time exoerience.

Amazing tour, excellent driver and tour guide who had amazing sight into picking out the birds, lizards, golden jackal, crocodile, deer, monkeys giant squirrel and of course the wonderful elephants who walked between the cars. Very informative re the flora, highly recommend this tour, once in a life time exoerience.


As we entered we saw single elephant...went further another single elephant our child was getting more curious our guide said wait will show you more in hundreds...and as we entered main Jungle we could see Hundreds of Elephants with Baby elephants and we were Happy but we need to be careful as they can aggressive..we also saw some birds...

As we entered we saw single elephant...went further another single elephant our child was getting more curious our guide said wait will show you more in hundreds...and as we entered main Jungle we could see Hundreds of Elephants with Baby elephants and we were Happy but we need to be careful as they can aggressive..we also saw some birds...

Wowee!
 We joined an elephant jeep safari on the very first day our holiday and it was truly the best experience I could have had.
 Having loved elephants all my life this trip was heaven. Of course, there were lots jeeps, tracking the roaming elephants and it did seem intense at first, as we were so excited at trying to spot them in the vast reserve. But we finally came across a group of 50+ elephants grazing with their young and we did not disturb their peace.
 It was wonderful to watch them so close up.
 I will never forget this experience.

Wowee!
We joined an elephant jeep safari on the very first day our holiday and it was truly the best experience I could have had.
Having loved elephants all my life this trip was heaven. Of course, there were lots jeeps, tracking the roaming elephants and it did seem intense at first, as we were so excited at trying to spot them in the vast reserve. But we finally came across a group of 50+ elephants grazing with their young and we did not disturb their peace.
It was wonderful to watch them so close up.
I will never forget this experience.

We had a fantastic experience on our 2.5 hour safari - we saw several herds of elephants, a bull elephant, a pregnant elephant and a baby elephant. We even saw an elephant with a tusk which isn’t very common in Sr Lanka. The driver was great and the vehicle comfortable. This had been pre arranged by our tour guide so I’m not sure which company we went with but we started at a hotel called Cinnamon Lodge. Obviously there is always a risk you might not see the elephants... but certainly one worth taking.

We had a fantastic experience on our 2.5 hour safari - we saw several herds of elephants, a bull elephant, a pregnant elephant and a baby elephant. We even saw an elephant with a tusk which isn’t very common in Sr Lanka. The driver was great and the vehicle comfortable. This had been pre arranged by our tour guide so I’m not sure which company we went with but we started at a hotel called Cinnamon Lodge. Obviously there is always a risk you might not see the elephants... but certainly one worth taking.

We had a fantastic experience on our 2.5 hour safari - we saw several herds of elephants, a bull elephant, a pregnant elephant and a baby elephant. We even saw an elephant with a tusk which isn’t very common in Sr Lanka. The driver was great and the vehicle comfortable. This had been pre arranged by our tour guide so I’m not sure which company we went with but we started at a hotel called Cinnamon Lodge. Obviously there is always a risk you might not see the elephants... but certainly one worth taking.

We had a fantastic experience on our 2.5 hour safari - we saw several herds of elephants, a bull elephant, a pregnant elephant and a baby elephant. We even saw an elephant with a tusk which isn’t very common in Sr Lanka. The driver was great and the vehicle comfortable. This had been pre arranged by our tour guide so I’m not sure which company we went with but we started at a hotel called Cinnamon Lodge. Obviously there is always a risk you might not see the elephants... but certainly one worth taking.


What an exhilarating experience, riding in jeeps where you can stand up and take your photographs or enjoy the ride. Spotted so many elephants, up close and a bit too personal at times. Saw baby calves playing chasing after birds. Loved this experience but the highlight was seeing an eagle take off, swoop diwn only meters away and snatch up a rabbit.

What an exhilarating experience, riding in jeeps where you can stand up and take your photographs or enjoy the ride. Spotted so many elephants, up close and a bit too personal at times. Saw baby calves playing chasing after birds. Loved this experience but the highlight was seeing an eagle take off, swoop diwn only meters away and snatch up a rabbit.

We took a private jeep, (we were very lucky and were one of the few people to get a Land Rover!). At first we struggled to see much, and so did all of the other drivers, to the extend that our driver took us deep into the jungle for best endeavours to see something.

Eventually as if our of no where we saw the most amazing site of several elephant groups. In the end we saw 7 instances of either individual elephants or groups of elephants.

We went at about 1 and stayed in the park until about 4.30, this was plenty of time. Our driver also took us to the viewing tower where you can walk and get some amazing views.

Highly recommended.

We took a private jeep, (we were very lucky and were one of the few people to get a Land Rover!). At first we struggled to see much, and so did all of the other drivers, to the extend that our driver took us deep into the jungle for best endeavours to see something.

Eventually as if our of no where we saw the most amazing site of several elephant groups. In the end we saw 7 instances of either individual elephants or groups of elephants.

We went at about 1 and stayed in the park until about 4.30, this was plenty of time. Our driver also took us to the viewing tower where you can walk and get some amazing views.

Highly recommended.

Was picked up from my guest house exactly on time and taken to this beautiful park. We managed to get really quite close and saw lots of elephants at various spots. My guide was really friendly and made me feel at ease being a woman alone. He was able to answer all my questions and never rushed. He was also so good stopping on the way home to help me get a new SIM card because mine had broken, it was quite late at this point and I really appreciate his time and help. I would definitely recommend booking a trip with them, professional, good drivers not like some of the touts you get that drive bad and scare the elephants... Saw some of that and it was upsetting. These guys very good and respectful.
 Thank you for a wonderful day.

Was picked up from my guest house exactly on time and taken to this beautiful park. We managed to get really quite close and saw lots of elephants at various spots. My guide was really friendly and made me feel at ease being a woman alone. He was able to answer all my questions and never rushed. He was also so good stopping on the way home to help me get a new SIM card because mine had broken, it was quite late at this point and I really appreciate his time and help. I would definitely recommend booking a trip with them, professional, good drivers not like some of the touts you get that drive bad and scare the elephants... Saw some of that and it was upsetting. These guys very good and respectful.
Thank you for a wonderful day.

Our "safari" was booked for us by the driver we had contracted for our week in Sri Lanka. Although we have no way of knowing what options might have been available, it is hard to imagine that we could have done much better. A number of species are represented in the Kauoulla National Park, but elephants are the obvious draw. We had heard that sightings earlier in the day were plentiful, but that doesn't really prepare you for the experience of encountering large (at least 50+ animals?) herds. Knowing that you are seeing them in what is their natural habitat is an incredible experience. We rode in a "jeep" with a raised passenger compartment, so at times it felt like we were almost "face-to-face" with the elephants.

Our "safari" was booked for us by the driver we had contracted for our week in Sri Lanka. Although we have no way of knowing what options might have been available, it is hard to imagine that we could have done much better. A number of species are represented in the Kauoulla National Park, but elephants are the obvious draw. We had heard that sightings earlier in the day were plentiful, but that doesn't really prepare you for the experience of encountering large (at least 50+ animals?) herds. Knowing that you are seeing them in what is their natural habitat is an incredible experience. We rode in a "jeep" with a raised passenger compartment, so at times it felt like we were almost "face-to-face" with the elephants.


Well worth a visit.... the elephant population is huge and you will see all sizes from small babies to fully grown bulls... the park also hosts many more animals and got to see a lot of eagles, buffalo, crocodiles to name but a few. try and get an early sunset one otherwise there can be a lot of jeeps on the safari.

Well worth a visit.... the elephant population is huge and you will see all sizes from small babies to fully grown bulls... the park also hosts many more animals and got to see a lot of eagles, buffalo, crocodiles to name but a few. try and get an early sunset one otherwise there can be a lot of jeeps on the safari.


This was a great experience. We probably saw about 200 elephants plus a number of other animals including deer. There were babies, heavily pregnant elephants and everything in between. Some of them came up quite close to the open jeeps we were travelling in. Our jeep driver and guide was fantastic and told us lots of interesting details. However others I spoke to said this was not the case with their driver. Nether the less a very rewarding experience.

This was a great experience. We probably saw about 200 elephants plus a number of other animals including deer. There were babies, heavily pregnant elephants and everything in between. Some of them came up quite close to the open jeeps we were travelling in. Our jeep driver and guide was fantastic and told us lots of interesting details. However others I spoke to said this was not the case with their driver. Nether the less a very rewarding experience.


We took the afternoon safari which starts at 1.30 pm from Sigiriya. It took around 40 mins to reach the national park. Tickets are 3000 LKR per person. The jeep took us inside the reserve and slowly you will leave behind the city and enter a jungle. The experience is one of its kinds. Highlights of this safari is ofcourse the elephants which come right at the end. You can see the entire herd walking together. We almost had one elephant moving towards the entire group of jeeps which was a little scary. But thrilling too.

We took the afternoon safari which starts at 1.30 pm from Sigiriya. It took around 40 mins to reach the national park. Tickets are 3000 LKR per person. The jeep took us inside the reserve and slowly you will leave behind the city and enter a jungle. The experience is one of its kinds. Highlights of this safari is ofcourse the elephants which come right at the end. You can see the entire herd walking together. We almost had one elephant moving towards the entire group of jeeps which was a little scary. But thrilling too.


This was one of the most wonderful holiday moments in my life - to see elephants in the wild. Although there were a lot of other vehicles, the drivers are skilled in stopping for photos where you feel you are the only one. The elephants really don't seem to mind and carry on as they have been doing for thousands of years before we showed up!

This was one of the most wonderful holiday moments in my life - to see elephants in the wild. Although there were a lot of other vehicles, the drivers are skilled in stopping for photos where you feel you are the only one. The elephants really don't seem to mind and carry on as they have been doing for thousands of years before we showed up!


Well apart from the traffic jam of jeeps this is an amazing experience. Our guide explained the bird life as well as getting us close to a group of elephants with their young. We just watched as they grazed and played it was fantastic and something with doing. This park is one of the smaller ones with no leopards but evert pythons else. If you want a close experience with elephants in the free this should be added to your wish list. Thank you to our driver and team.

Well apart from the traffic jam of jeeps this is an amazing experience. Our guide explained the bird life as well as getting us close to a group of elephants with their young. We just watched as they grazed and played it was fantastic and something with doing. This park is one of the smaller ones with no leopards but evert pythons else. If you want a close experience with elephants in the free this should be added to your wish list. Thank you to our driver and team.


Roshan is a very friendly, calm, informative and a safe driver. He is well informed about the wildlife endemic to the region and has an eye for detail when he drives through the bushes. He is in no haste, and ensures to show you as many animals and birds as possible on your safari. He has a sense of responsibility towards the environment and respect for wildlife.

Minneriya Tusker Safari

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Roshan is a very friendly, calm, informative and a safe driver. He is well informed about the wildlife endemic to the region and has an eye for detail when he drives through the bushes. He is in no haste, and ensures to show you as many animals and birds as possible on your safari.  He has a sense of responsibility towards the environment and respect for wildlife. 

Kaudulla Private Morning Safari (Pick up from Sigiriya or Habarana)

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