Kaudulla National Park | AmazingLanka.com

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Size	6,900 hectares
Main attraction	Large herds of Elephants, Deer, sambar, Wild boar, leopards, bears, Birds and Fish

Nestled in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Kaudulla National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers, famed for its spectacular elephant gatherings by the ancient Kaudulla Tank. With lush forests, wetlands, and vibrant birdlife, it offers an unforgettable glimpse into the island’s untamed natural beauty.

Situated about 190 km from Colombo, Kaudulla National Park is dominated by the Kaudulla Wewa Reservoir built by King Mahasen (276-303 CE), who was also the builder of the nearby Minneriya Kaudulla Wewa Reservoir. Although the ancient scripts give credit to King Mahasen, according to the popular legends, Kaudulla was built by one of his queens or his sister, Princess Biso Bandara.

Kaudulla National Park, declared a protected area on April 1, 2002, by the Sri Lankan government, is a unique ecological haven where approximately two-thirds of the park is submerged during several months of the year. At its heart lies the historic Kaudulla Reservoir, accompanied by other water bodies including the Relapanawa Reservoir, Olumadu Reservoir, Puliyan Kalla Reservoir, Minneriya-Kanthale Yoda Ela, Aluth Oya, and Hatharas Kotuwa Oya.

Kaudulla sits along a vital elephant migratory route, often referred to as the “elephant corridor,” linking Minneriya and Somawathiya National Parks. This makes Kaudulla one of the best locations in Sri Lanka to witness wild elephants in their natural habitat.

The Star Attraction: The Elephant Gathering

Kaudulla National Park is part of a complex of ancient irrigation tanks and dry-zone forests, including the nearby Minneriya and Eco Parks. During the dry season, particularly from August to December, as water sources in the surrounding areas dwindle, hundreds of elephants congregate around the life-giving waters of the ancient Kaudulla Reservoir. This incredible phenomenon, known as “The Gathering,” sees families and herds of elephants coming together to drink, bathe, and socialize in the receding waters and lush grass of the tank bed. Witnessing such a large number of these magnificent creatures interacting is a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

Beyond the Elephants: Other Wildlife

While the elephants are undoubtedly the main draw, Kaudulla’s diverse habitats also support a variety of other wildlife. During a jeep safari, keep an eye out for:

Mammals: Sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, monkeys, and occasionally, the elusive sloth bear and leopard (though sightings are rare).
Birds: The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous resident and migratory species, including various waterbirds around the tank, eagles, painted storks, and many more.
Reptiles: Monitor lizards, crocodiles in the tank, and various snake species inhabit the park

The best times for wildlife viewing are early morning and late evening, when large herds of elephants gather on the dry lakebed. Safari jeeps are available for hire from Habarana or Polonnaruwa.

There are no accommodation facilities inside the park itself, so visitors must stay in nearby towns such as Habarana, Girithale, Minneriya, or Polonnaruwa, all of which offer a range of comfortable, star-class hotels.

For an added experience, travelers may even spot elephants along the Habarana–Polonnaruwa road after 6:30 PM, as herds often emerge from the forest. While they are generally accustomed to vehicles, bright headlights can sometimes disturb them, so caution is advised.

Kaudulla National Park Ticket Prices

Description / Category	Price
Local – Adults	LKR 150
Local – Children (6-12 years)	LKR 100
Local – Student	LKR 20
Local – Children (below 6 years)	FOC
Local – Group Fee (per vehicle)	LKR 400
Foreign – Adults	USD 25
Foreign – Children (6-12 years)	USD 15
Foreign SAARC Countries – Adults	USD 20
Foreign SAARC Countries – Children (6-12 years)	USD 10
Foreign – Children (below 6 years)	FOC
Foreign – Group Fee (per vehicle)	USD 10
Taxes on total cost	18%
Entrance Fee per vehicle	LKR 300

Ticket Price Schedule for 2025

For example, 2 foreigners with 1 child between 6-12 will have the cost of

Description	Cost
2 adults	USD 50.00
1 child	USD 15.00
Group Fee	USD 10.00
Total	USD 75.00
Tax (18%)	USD 13.50
Total	USD 88.50

The above calculation applies only to individual entry tickets as gazetted in 2022 and remain valid for 2025. The vehicle entry ticket, as listed separately, must be purchased in addition to the personal tickets.

Foreign visitors may make payments in USD or the equivalent amount in LKR. For the most up-to-date ticket prices, the Government Information Centre can be contacted on 1919. If a private safari jeep is hired for a land safari, rates generally range from LKR 7,500 to LKR 10,000 for a half-day excursion of about four hours, depending on the national park. A full-day safari is typically charged at twice the half-day rate.

Visiting Hours

All national parks in Sri Lanka operate daily throughout the year, remaining open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Entry ticket counters open at 6.00 a.m. and close at 4.00 p.m., and all vehicles are required to exit the parks strictly by 6.00 p.m.

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