Kaudulla National Park
North Central Province
About Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park, twenty minutes north of Habarana, is the other stage for Sri Lanka's famous elephant Gathering. Centred on the ancient Kaudulla tank - part of the same 3rd-century irrigation network as Minneriya - the park inherits the great herds as the season progresses: when Minneriya's lakebed grass is exhausted or its tank refloods, hundreds of elephants file through forest corridors to Kaudulla's shores, typically making September to December its peak months. Safaris here often feel wilder and less trafficked than Minneriya's, with jeeps spread thinly around the tank's grassy margins as herds graze, spar, and shepherd wobbly calves to the water. Beyond elephants, look for sambar deer, crocodiles, and huge flocks of waterbirds. Local jeep drivers track the herds daily between Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Hurulu - trust their judgement on where the elephants are.
Top Activities
- ✓Elephant Gathering safaris at the tank
- ✓Waterbird flocks and raptor watching
- ✓Photography of herds at golden hour
- ✓Combine with Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
- ✓Alternative drives to Minneriya/Hurulu as herds move
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Afternoon (3–6pm) safaris catch the herds coming to water.
Let your driver choose between Kaudulla and Minneriya on the day - the herds move.
September–October often beats Minneriya for sheer numbers.
Quick Info
Best Time
September to December
Weather
Hot and dry July–December (best); rains January–March.
Estimated Daily Budget
8.1656°N, 80.8934°E
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