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

01.00 pm: Main Entrance of Kaudulla National Park or Habarana Junction. 
02.00 pm: Begin your game drive at Kaudulla National Park. 
05.00 – 05.30 pm: Finishing time of your Safari

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View the famous elephants as they graze on the grasses growing on the tank bed. Perhaps you’ll spot any of the park’s diverse wildlife, including deer, wild buffalo, wild pigs, grey langers, purple-faced leaf monkeys, porcupines and assorted birds.

Hotel - Kaudulla National Park - Hotel

In the evening  safari, experience these huge creatures in a "Gathering" mostly larger than the morning tour. Also other birds and animals like Deer, water Buffalo, Crocodile, Iguana, Monkeys as well as birds like peacock, pelican, Eagles & etc.

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Wildlife Safaris

Take an evening jeep safari in Kaudulla to catch larger elephant gatherings than the morning tour, plus deer, buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys and birds.

Kaudulla | Evening Jeep Safari

In the evening  safari, experience these huge creatures in a "Gathering" mostly larger than the morning tour. Also other birds and animals like Deer, water Buffalo, Crocodile, Iguana, Monkeys as well as birds like peacock, pelican, Eagles &amp; etc.

We booked Mathisha for 3 days, starting with a Safari in Kaudulla and following days included a trip to Polunaruva and the transfer to Kandy. The Safari was an amazing experience: he recommended the best time to visit the Park and we saw 164 Elefants (counted by our daughter) some of them really close up! We totally recommend to anyone booking the safari tour with Mathisha! His service was great: he stopped to buy typical Sri Lanka treats for us such as Ginger cookies or corn on the hub, he pointed out sight seeing spots on the way and had great knowledge of wildlife. One day, he provided free WiFi! Travelling longer distances such as from Sigiriya to Pollunaruva with a Jeep during rain season is for sure great fun, if you however wish more comfort or space for luggage, than you might choose a different vehicle (seat belts provided for 3 seats).

We booked Mathisha for 3 days, starting with a Safari in Kaudulla and following days included a trip to Polunaruva and the transfer to Kandy. The Safari was an amazing experience: he recommended the best time to visit the Park and we saw 164 Elefants (counted by our daughter) some of them really close up! We totally recommend to anyone booking the safari tour with Mathisha! His service was great: he stopped to buy typical Sri Lanka treats for us such as Ginger cookies or corn on the hub, he pointed out sight seeing spots on the way and had great knowledge of wildlife. One day, he provided free WiFi! Travelling longer distances such as from Sigiriya to Pollunaruva with a Jeep during rain season is for sure great fun, if you however wish more comfort or space for luggage, than you might choose a different vehicle (seat belts provided for 3 seats).

Mr. V. Kumara has made a great job!

You can ask him whatever you want, he has an answer. The safari-tour was sensational and our host/ guide has explained so many things so that everyone can understand. He made some jokes and it was real fun, he speaks english fluently. If the plan for the day changes a little bit, he can react flexible, so he finds a solution.

So thank you for this great experience, V. Kumara!!

:)

Greetings from Germany
 Bernd (Frankfurt a.M.)

Mr. V. Kumara has made a great job!

You can ask him whatever you want, he has an answer. The safari-tour was sensational and our host/ guide has explained so many things so that everyone can understand. He made some jokes and it was real fun, he speaks english fluently. If the plan for the day changes a little bit, he can react flexible, so he finds a solution.

So thank you for this great experience, V. Kumara!!

:)

Greetings from Germany
Bernd (Frankfurt a.M.)

We chose Vijith based on his excellent reviews and were were not disappointed. He took us on safari at a time where it was very quiet and not many other jeeps which allowed us to get to the best places without competition. He is also able to spot animals we were not able to spot and allowed sufficient time to capture them.
 We would fully recommend him to anyone looking for a guide who doesn't hassle you and is very easy to talk to. He will try and please your every needs.
 Vijith thank you for everything.

We chose Vijith based on his excellent reviews and were were not disappointed. He took us on safari at a time where it was very quiet and not many other jeeps which allowed us to get to the best places without competition. He is also able to spot animals we were not able to spot and allowed sufficient time to capture them.
We would fully recommend him to anyone looking for a guide who doesn't hassle you and is very easy to talk to. He will try and please your every needs.
Vijith thank you for everything.

We went on this safari on an afternoon in September. The jeep was really comfortable and was great to take the roof off and look out through the top when we got there. We saw loads of wildlife, over 50 elephants, water buffalo, monkeys and birds. Our driver was really friendly and knowledgable and got us really close to some of the animals, but was very conscious of being respectful of the wildlife and respecting the animals privacy. Our 3 year old had a great time!

We went on this safari on an afternoon in September. The jeep was really comfortable and was great to take the roof off and look out through the top when we got there. We saw loads of wildlife, over 50 elephants, water buffalo, monkeys and birds. Our driver was really friendly and knowledgable and got us really close to some of the animals, but was very conscious of being respectful of the wildlife and respecting the animals privacy. Our 3 year old had a great time!

we were very lucky to have Vijith as our driver and guide for our safari. He is extremely knowledgeable about the animals and the area. He took us to places where we were the only ones around surrounded by more elephants than you could count. This was made possible by Vijith and his extensive knowledge of the park. He speaks excellent English and his enthusiasm for the animals really shines and makes for a brilliant trip. We strongly recommend him as a driver and a tour guide. I doubt you would be able to find anyone better in the area.

we were very lucky to have Vijith as our driver and guide for our safari. He is extremely knowledgeable about the animals and the area. He took us to places where we were the only ones around surrounded by more elephants than you could count. This was made possible by Vijith and his extensive knowledge of the park. He speaks excellent English and his enthusiasm for the animals really shines and makes for a brilliant trip. We strongly recommend him as a driver and a tour guide. I doubt you would be able to find anyone better in the area.

Mathisa picked us up while we wanted, took us to the safari and already there on the way showed us interesting things. In the safari he tried to find the interesting animals and stopped patiently with us next to each one. It was important to make us feel comfortable and he cared about us all the time. On the way back he stopped with us at local shops along the way and it was a really nice atmosphere. In the end, he took us back to our Guest House and ended a great day. Mathisa also drive very carefully. We highly recommend traveling with him on a safari trip!

Mathisa picked us up while we wanted, took us to the safari and already there on the way showed us interesting things. In the safari he tried to find the interesting animals and stopped patiently with us next to each one. It was important to make us feel comfortable and he cared about us all the time. On the way back he stopped with us at local shops along the way and it was a really nice atmosphere. In the end, he took us back to our Guest House and ended a great day. Mathisa also drive very carefully. We highly recommend traveling with him on a safari trip!

We travelled together a few days to get from Negombo to Kandy with stops in Anudharapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla. On the ways to our destinations Vijith showed us many interesting spots. We went to Ritigale, Mihintale, to the Kaudulla National Park for a Safari and so on. So Vijith pretty much planned our days with a good feeling for times to rest;) We saw old ruins, elephants, temples, fruit markets and so on. We got coconut and mango from the street and could ask for everything we needed. Even if it's a more expensive way to travel it's worth to get advices from an expert and also pretty convenient. We've had a very fun time and recommend to do tours with Matisha! Thank you very much for so many adventures.

We travelled together a few days to get from Negombo to Kandy with stops in Anudharapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla. On the ways to our destinations Vijith showed us many interesting spots. We went to Ritigale, Mihintale, to the Kaudulla National Park for a Safari and so on. So Vijith pretty much planned our days with a good feeling for times to rest;) We saw old ruins, elephants, temples, fruit markets and so on. We got coconut and mango from the street and could ask for everything we needed. Even if it's a more expensive way to travel it's worth to get advices from an expert and also pretty convenient. We've had a very fun time and recommend to do tours with Matisha! Thank you very much for so many adventures.

We really enjoyed our trips with Vijith. He was a lovely friendly, honest guy who went out of his way to do extra things for us. We enjoyed riding in his safari jeep with the breeze in our faces watching out for wildlife and seeing everyday village life. We travelled with him to Sigiriya, the wonderful monastery ruins of Ritigala and had a great safari at Kaudulla where we must have seen about 200 elephants. I would definitely recommend him!

We really enjoyed our trips with Vijith. He was a lovely friendly, honest guy who went out of his way to do extra things for us. We enjoyed riding in his safari jeep with the breeze in our faces watching out for wildlife and seeing everyday village life. We travelled with him to Sigiriya, the wonderful monastery ruins of Ritigala and had a great safari at Kaudulla where we must have seen about 200 elephants. I would definitely recommend him!

What an amazing experience. Cannot recommend highly enough. Well priced and most importantly they were so respectful to the wild life by not engaging to closely and knowing when to move on. Thanks for an amazing day and one that we will never forget. Adam

What an amazing experience. Cannot recommend highly enough. Well priced and most importantly they were so respectful to the wild life by not engaging to closely and knowing when to move on. Thanks for an amazing day and one that we will never forget. Adam

We met Vijith in his tuktuk from Dambulla to Habarana and he told us all about his safari business. We went this afternoon and literally saw hundreds of elephants... at least 5 different herds and some lone bulls. We saw so many babies and even a pregnant mum. The elephants were everywhere from the bush to the grasses to the lake. Vijith was brilliant and because there were only two of us he brought his parents with him for their first safari ever which made the experience even more special. It was HOT out - 37° in the mid afternoon sun - but Vijith knew where to go when we needed shade whilst watching, but stayed long enough for us to experience each animal. He also moved on when too many jeeps arrived which was very respectful. We also saw foxes, peacocks displaying, deer, monkeys, all sorts of birds, a huge eagle and a large herd of water buffalo galloping towards the watering hole to join the elephants. What an incredible afternoon I can't recommend Vijith highly enough. Thank you thank you! Marie from the UK.

We met Vijith in his tuktuk from Dambulla to Habarana and he told us all about his safari business. We went this afternoon and literally saw hundreds of elephants... at least 5 different herds and some lone bulls. We saw so many babies and even a pregnant mum. The elephants were everywhere from the bush to the grasses to the lake. Vijith was brilliant and because there were only two of us he brought his parents with him for their first safari ever which made the experience even more special. It was HOT out - 37° in the mid afternoon sun - but Vijith knew where to go when we needed shade whilst watching, but stayed long enough for us to experience each animal. He also moved on when too many jeeps arrived which was very respectful. We also saw foxes, peacocks displaying, deer, monkeys, all sorts of birds, a huge eagle and a large herd of water buffalo galloping towards the watering hole to join the elephants. What an incredible afternoon I can't recommend Vijith highly enough. Thank you thank you! Marie from the UK.

Our family group of 4 adults and 2 children (9 &amp; 11 ) spent a week in the Dambulla area and used SP Vijith Kumara for an afternoon safari. We were very impressed with the amount of elephants and other wild life he was able to get us close to not only in the national park but along the way. Also he did a great job in taking us to animals away from all the other jeeps. He is a very nice friendly guy and enjoyed talking to all of us providing local knowledge, tips and useful information . After this tour we used him for the entire week for various other sightseeing trips and even to take us places for dinner which he was more than happy to do for us. We did a second morning safari with him which was also brilliant. He is very interested in all of the different animals in the park and was very good at spotting them, pointing them out to us and talking to us about them all. We would highly recommend using him for any safari or sightseeing needs in the Dambulla area. He has a facebook page as follows: Jeep Safaris Mathisha Dambulla. Check him out.

Our family group of 4 adults and 2 children (9 &amp; 11 ) spent a week in the Dambulla area and used SP Vijith Kumara for an afternoon safari. We were very impressed with the amount of elephants and other wild life he was able to get us close to not only in the national park but along the way. Also he did a great job in taking us to animals away from all the other jeeps. He is a very nice friendly guy and enjoyed talking to all of us providing local knowledge, tips and useful information . After this tour we used him for the entire week for various other sightseeing trips and even to take us places for dinner which he was more than happy to do for us. We did a second morning safari with him which was also brilliant. He is very interested in all of the different animals in the park and was very good at spotting them, pointing them out to us and talking to us about them all. We would highly recommend using him for any safari or sightseeing needs in the Dambulla area. He has a facebook page as follows: Jeep Safaris Mathisha Dambulla. Check him out.

Vijitha Was our private driver and he made sure we had a good afternoon. Went the afternoon safari and we saw lots of elephants in their natural habitat. Vijitha Checked regularly we had got the photos we wanted before moving on. Would recommend this guide. Price is good and no rip off that you get with the flashy advertised tours. Thanks Vijitha

Vijitha Was our private driver and he made sure we had a good afternoon. Went the afternoon safari and we saw lots of elephants in their natural habitat. Vijitha Checked regularly we had got the photos we wanted before moving on. Would recommend this guide. Price is good and no rip off that you get with the flashy advertised tours. Thanks Vijitha

I chose the safari to see fabulous animals and sumptuous landscapes. But this experience shared with vijith learned me that a safari guide by the right person, it's so much more!! A safari with vijith is respect animals, observe in silence, listen to nature and appreciate to take the time while waiting for a vibration. All the senses are focused on animals research and when the time comes, the thrill of passion in front of these majestic wild elephants. Bouquets of butterflies in tall grass, birds of all kinds, peacocks perched high at the treetops making their long blue feathers fall on the tree. Monkeys, bats, chameleons and snakes coexist. It s perfect harmony, the wild harmony. A magical moment with a serious and friendly guy that will remain etched in my memory. Thanks vijith

I chose the safari to see fabulous animals and sumptuous landscapes. But this experience shared with vijith learned me that a safari guide by the right person, it's so much more!! A safari with vijith is respect animals, observe in silence, listen to nature and appreciate to take the time while waiting for a vibration. All the senses are focused on animals research and when the time comes, the thrill of passion in front of these majestic wild elephants. Bouquets of butterflies in tall grass, birds of all kinds, peacocks perched high at the treetops making their long blue feathers fall on the tree. Monkeys, bats, chameleons and snakes coexist. It s perfect harmony, the wild harmony. A magical moment with a serious and friendly guy that will remain etched in my memory. Thanks vijith

We had a great day on this tour despite the terrible weather ( it is rainy season so was expected)
 The pick up time was flexible after several communications and luckily it was, because our time in Sigiriya was affected by some serious rain. However we got to climb the amazing rock which incredible.
 Our driver Madushan was lovely although his English was very limited and this prevented any communication about the need to change plans due to the weather etc
 We got to Kaudulla at 1pm and joined up with another Jeep. At first we were worried we were too early as most safaris recommend a later afternoon start but in spite of the rain we got up close to the wonderful elephants seeing more than 100 in the next 3 hours.
 When we left the park at 4pm it was v busy with lots of other jeeps.
 This safari is well worth doing and although we were disappointed with the inability to communicate with our driver we had a great day.
 However to note if you are hoping to see other animals this safari appears to see the elephants only- well worth it though

We had a great day on this tour despite the terrible weather ( it is rainy season so was expected)
The pick up time was flexible after several communications and luckily it was, because our time in Sigiriya was affected by some serious rain. However we got to climb the amazing rock which incredible.
Our driver Madushan was lovely although his English was very limited and this prevented any communication about the need to change plans due to the weather etc
We got to Kaudulla at 1pm and joined up with another Jeep. At first we were worried we were too early as most safaris recommend a later afternoon start but in spite of the rain we got up close to the wonderful elephants seeing more than 100 in the next 3 hours.
When we left the park at 4pm it was v busy with lots of other jeeps.
This safari is well worth doing and although we were disappointed with the inability to communicate with our driver we had a great day.
However to note if you are hoping to see other animals this safari appears to see the elephants only- well worth it though

I had a a safari with vijith in Kaudulla national park he is really professional,friendly,talkative, and first of all he cares about animals especially the elephants he knows what makes them angry and sad he didn’t provoke them as some safari guides did, in our safari we did see like dozens of elephant
 And he helped me to spot kingfish bird and we also saw peacock,monkeys,and some deers but we couldn’t get closer as they ran away after 3or 4 hours of wounding in Kaudulla national park we went back to our homes and in our way back we spotted an elephant passing the road he stopped immediately to take these priceless shoots even he helped me in photographing these unforgettable moments if you are an animal lover especially the elephants I do recommend Mathisha jeep safari Dambulla
 For you

I had a a safari with vijith in Kaudulla national park he is really professional,friendly,talkative, and first of all he cares about animals especially the elephants he knows what makes them angry and sad he didn’t provoke them as some safari guides did, in our safari we did see like dozens of elephant
And he helped me to spot kingfish bird and we also saw peacock,monkeys,and some deers but we couldn’t get closer as they ran away after 3or 4 hours of wounding in Kaudulla national park we went back to our homes and in our way back we spotted an elephant passing the road he stopped immediately to take these priceless shoots even he helped me in photographing these unforgettable moments if you are an animal lover especially the elephants I do recommend Mathisha jeep safari Dambulla
For you

Vijith is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide. A safari specialist holding an experience of 10 years now. He is very conscious of being respectful to the wildlife and respects the animals privacy. A solution provider and flexible driver who can adjust as per the guests requirements.

Mathisha Jeep Safari

Vijith is a very friendly and knowledgeable guide.  A safari specialist holding an experience of 10 years now. He is very conscious of being respectful to the wildlife and respects the animals privacy. A solution provider and flexible driver who can adjust as per the guests requirements.

Kaudulla | Evening Jeep Safari

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Start Point

End Point

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Suitability / Accessibility

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Cancellation

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