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Kaudulla National Park

National Park

A Sri Lankan park centered on a reservoir, Kaudulla National Park is known for seasonal elephant gatherings, birdlife and jeep safaris across dry‑zone plains.

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In this guide

Kaudulla National Park essentials

Address: Kaudulla National Park, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
Website: dwc.gov.lk
Admission: Entrance and safari/vehicle fees apply; check the Department of Wildlife Conservation for current rates
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About Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park is a protected area in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province established to conserve wildlife and their habitats, and it is widely recognised for its elephant populations. The park is centred on a large reservoir around which animals gather during the dry season.

The park’s main attractions are seasonal concentrations of Asian elephants and a mix of dry-zone habitats including scrub, woodland and grassland that support deer, water buffalo and a variety of bird species. Game drives and guided safaris are the usual ways to view wildlife from roads and designated viewing points.

Kaudulla was designated as a national park to protect wildlife and the watershed around the reservoir; it forms part of a broader landscape of protected areas in the region that includes Minneriya to the west. Management focuses on habitat protection, visitor access on defined routes and seasonal tourism tied to animal movements.

The park lies in Sri Lanka’s dry zone in North Central Province, northeast of the ancient regional centre of Polonnaruwa. It is reached by road from regional towns and is part of the island’s central dry lowlands.

  • Best time to visit: Dry-season months (roughly August to December) are the best time to see large herds of Asian elephants congregating at the reservoir.

What to See#

  • Kaudulla reservoir: The Kaudulla reservoir (tank) around which elephants and other wildlife concentrate in the dry season, providing the park’s main waterbody and wildlife-viewing focal point.
  • Woodland and grassland areas: Open grassy plains, scrub and patches of dry forest that form seasonal grazing and foraging areas for herds of Asian elephants and other large mammals.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kaudulla National Park

Visit during the park's dry months for the most reliable access and easier wildlife viewing.

Dry season (best for wildlife viewing)
May-Sep · 25-32°C
Drier conditions make roads and viewing points more accessible; wildlife congregate near remaining water sources so sightings are often easier.
Wet/Monsoon season
Oct-Apr · 24-30°C
More frequent heavy rains can make tracks muddy and limit vehicle access; animals disperse more widely and viewing can be harder.

Weather & Climate near Kaudulla National Park

Climate

Kaudulla National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1568 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 66 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 21° - 29° 25° 161 mm overcast 85% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.6h
February Very Good 22° - 30° 26° 81 mm partly cloudy 81% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.7h
March Very Good 23° - 32° 30° 74 mm partly cloudy 75% 1.5 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.0h
April Good 24° - 33° 33° 116 mm partly cloudy 77% 1.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.2h
May Good 25° - 33° 35° 77 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
June Very Good 25° - 33° 35° 9 mm overcast 80% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.5h
July Good 25° - 33° 33° 52 mm overcast 77% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.4h
August Good 24° - 33° 33° 63 mm overcast 76% 2.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.3h
September Good 24° - 33° 32° 98 mm overcast 76% 2.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
October Acceptable 23° - 31° 30° 223 mm overcast 81% 1.4 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.8h
November Good 23° - 30° 26° 276 mm overcast 88% 1.5 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h
December Good 22° - 29° 25° 338 mm overcast 89% 1.4 m/s 1.5 very high 11.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kaudulla National Park

Kaudulla National Park is approached by road from the central Sri Lanka tourist triangle. Most visitors drive or take a tour from Habarana or Dambulla/Polonnaruwa; safari operators run regular trips from Habarana. From Colombo it is typically a multi‑hour drive across the central plains via the main highways toward Dambulla/Polonnaruwa (expect several hours by car or coach) and then by local road to the park entrance.

Tips for Visiting Kaudulla National Park

  • Visit in the dry season (roughly May-September) and especially in the late dry months (around July-September) when elephants commonly concentrate around the reservoir.
  • Book a morning or late-afternoon jeep safari through a licensed operator or your hotel-these time windows give the best light and animal activity and avoid the midday heat.
  • Coordinate your safari with a local guide or operator familiar with park rules and viewing zones; they know where elephants and waterbird concentrations are most likely and can advise on current park access.