WHY

Unmatched Elephant Gatherings

Kaudulla National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to witness "The Gathering" - one of the largest assemblies of Asian elephants in the world. During the dry season, hundreds of elephants congregate around the ancient Kaudulla Tank, providing spectacular viewing opportunities.

Beyond elephants, Kaudulla is home to over 160 bird species, 23 mammal species including leopards, sloth bears, and sambar deer, as well as numerous reptiles. The park's biodiversity is truly remarkable, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Excellent Year-Round Destination

Kaudulla can be visited year-round, with each season offering unique experiences. The dry season (May to September) is ideal for elephant viewing as they gather around water sources, while the wet season (October to January) brings lush landscapes, migratory birds, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Photography Opportunities

Kaudulla National Park is a photographer's dream, offering endless opportunities to capture stunning images of elephants, wildlife, landscapes, and beautiful Sri Lankan sunsets. Whether you're a professional or an amateur, the park provides a rich canvas for photography.

Close Proximity to Cultural Attractions

Kaudulla is perfectly located near Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Combining a safari with these cultural treasures creates an unforgettable Sri Lankan adventure.

WHEN

Dry Season (May to September)

The dry months are the best time for spotting wildlife in Kaudulla. The vegetation is sparse, making it easier to see animals, and water sources are limited, so elephants and other wildlife congregate around the Kaudulla reservoir in large numbers.

Days are warm and pleasant, while early mornings can be cool and refreshing. This makes it comfortable for safari game drives.

August and September are peak months for "The Gathering," when you can witness hundreds of elephants together. This is the ultimate time for elephant enthusiasts and photographers.

Wet Season (October to January)

The wet season brings rain, transforming the park into a lush green paradise with abundant vegetation. This is the time to see the park at its most beautiful and verdant.

The wet season is the best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive from northern regions, and many species display their breeding plumage. Over 160 bird species can be spotted during this period.

The park is less crowded during the wet season, which can make for a more peaceful and intimate experience. Afternoon showers are common but usually brief, and the rain freshens up the landscape beautifully.

Shoulder Seasons (April and October)

These transitional periods between the wet and dry seasons offer a mix of advantages.

In April, the park is still green from the rains, but wildlife is starting to become easier to spot as vegetation begins to thin.

In October, conditions vary but can offer good wildlife viewing with fewer crowds. Shoulder seasons generally see fewer visitors than peak season, allowing for a more relaxed safari experience.

WHERE

Kaudulla National Park is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, approximately 190 kilometers from Colombo. Covering approximately 6,900 hectares, the park is centered around the ancient Kaudulla Tank (reservoir), which was built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen.

Kaudulla National Park is renowned for hosting "The Gathering" - one of the largest assemblies of Asian elephants in the world. The park is also home to a rich variety of wildlife including leopards, fishing cats, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. Visitors can enjoy an exceptional safari experience with comfortable jeep safaris led by experienced local guides.

The park offers activities like morning and evening game drives in 4x4 safari jeeps for optimal wildlife viewing. Additionally, Kaudulla's proximity to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Minneriya National Park makes it an ideal addition to any Cultural Triangle itinerary. Many visitors combine Kaudulla safaris with cultural site visits for a complete Sri Lankan experience.