Kaudulla National Park lies north of Minneriya, off the Habarana–Trincomalee road, and was declared a national park on 1 April 2002. Like Minneriya, it is built around an ancient irrigation tank — the Kaudulla wewa, attributed to King Mahasena in the 3rd century and restored in modern times. The park protects the elephant corridor that links Minneriya with the forests further north, and it covers roughly 6,900 hectares of grassland, scrub and dry evergreen forest.
Kaudulla is the natural partner to Minneriya. Early in the dry season the herds concentrate at Minneriya; as that tank dries out, many of them move north, and from about September to December Kaudulla often has the bigger gatherings. It usually has fewer jeeps than Minneriya, and the combination of open grassland and water makes it one of the better places to watch elephants bathing and swimming.
Top things to do at Kaudulla National Park
Take an afternoon jeep safari
As at Minneriya, the late afternoon is usually best, when herds come down to the tank and the grassland. A private jeep lets you stay with a family group for as long as it is comfortable.
Watch elephants in the water
When the tank is at the right level, Kaudulla is excellent for seeing elephants bathe, wallow and occasionally swim across channels — some of the most memorable sightings of the region.
Birdwatching
Storks, pelicans, cormorants and waders gather on the water, and the park is a good place for raptors such as grey-headed fish eagles.
How to get to Kaudulla National Park
- From Habarana: about 30 minutes north along the A6 towards Trincomalee; the entrance is near Gal Oya junction.
- From Sigiriya: roughly an hour; most safaris from Sigiriya and Habarana can go to Kaudulla instead of Minneriya.
- From Trincomalee: around 1.5–2 hours, which makes Kaudulla a good stop between the Cultural Triangle and the east coast.
Insider tips
- If you are visiting from September onward, ask your operator whether Kaudulla is currently the better park.
- Fees for foreigners are similar to Minneriya — roughly US$25–35 per adult including taxes; check current rates.
- Kaudulla is quieter, so it is a good choice for a second safari even in peak season.
- Bring binoculars: sightings can be at longer range across the tank.
Best tours & safaris for Kaudulla National Park
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Kaudulla National Park:
Private safari from US$32 Kaudulla National Park Half-Day Private Jeep Safari
The highest-rated safari on our list. Kaudulla lies just north of Minneriya around its own ancient tank, and as Minneriya dries out late in the season many herds move here. A private jeep lets you stay with the elephants as long as you like.
- Kaudulla — quieter than Minneriya
- Often the best park from September
- Private jeep, hotel pickup
Private day trip from US$23 From Kandy: Dambulla & Sigiriya Day Trip by Car
A private car and driver for the classic day out of Kandy — the Dambulla caves and Sigiriya — at a price that undercuts most group tours, with near-perfect reviews. The listing offers a safari add-on; confirm the details with the operator.
- Private car and driver from your Kandy hotel
- Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya
- Ask about adding a Kaudulla safari
