Kaudulla National Park

Size 6,900 hectares
Main attraction Large herds of Elephants, Deer, Sambur, Wild boar, Leopard, Bear, Birds and Fish

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 gives credit to King Mahasen, according to the popular legends, Kaudulla was built by one of his queens or his sister Pincess 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.

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 animals. 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.