Kaudulla National Park: A Journey into the Wild

Seek out the dwellers within, and see the magic of nature

Although Sri Lanka is best known for its rolling green hills, and beautiful golden beaches, there is another biome full of sights and wonder that many people don’t see – the bountiful wildlife reserves of the National Parks of the country. One of the more prolific examples of this is the Kaudalla National Park.

A Simple Park Overview

Designated as a national park in 2002, Kaudulla is one of Sri Lanka’s most recent examples of wildlife sanctuary. Spanning 6,656 hectares, it lies along an elephant corridor connecting Somawathie Chaitiya and Minneriya National Parks. The park is home to many kinds of wildlife species, but it is particularly renowned for its elephant population. Between August and December, over 200 elephants congregate in what is famously known as the ‘Elephant Gathering’ – a perfectly good reason to look for hotels in Polonnaruwa.

Topography and Physical Features

Kaudulla is located in Sri Lanka’s dry zone and receives an average annual rainfall of 1,500–2,000 millimeters (59–79 inches). Temperatures in the park range from a low of 20.6°C (69.1°F) to a high of 34.5°C (94.1°F). The main water sources for the reservoir come from a diversion of the Amban River and the Elahera Canal. The wet season occurs during the northeast monsoon from October to January, while the dry season lasts from May to September.

Deeper insights into the Wildlife

Similar to Minneriya, Kaudulla provides excellent opportunities to observe elephants up close. In October, the park hosts up to 250 elephants, including groups of young males. It is also home to leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, endangered rusty-spotted cats, and sloth bears. The ideal time to visit is between January and March, with a less predictable window from May to June.

The Best Times to Go

The ideal time to visit the park is between August and December, with September and October offering the best chance to witness the largest elephant gathering. Visitors can also enjoy a memorable paddle boat ride across the reservoir, providing a great opportunity to observe birds up close. If accommodation is your barrier, you could always consider places like the Hotel Sudu Araliya as an excellent choice offering cosy living spaces with modern facilities.