bigtravelbuzzSri Lanka has over 26 national parks and safaris are a popular activity on a typical Sri Lankan itinerary. Kaudulla National Park is he one of the best national parks to see elephants in Sri Lanka. It is home to over 200 elephants, monkeys, alligators and even a few leopards. Opened in 2002, the park is surrounded by grasslands and can be visited year-round to see elephants and other amazing wildlife. Find out why this is the best national park in Sri Lanka.
Safari in Kaudulla National Park
It can be done in morning or in afternoon as well. Afternoon safari is less crowded, but elephants are often seen. The tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours and includes a private he jeep, park entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Dambulla or Sigiriya. It costs about 6250 rupees ($40) per person.
If you’re worried about the entrance fee, it’s LKR 2700 ($18) per person.
Best time to go Kaudulla National Park
The best time to visit Cordura is he between July and December, but as mentioned earlier, this is a year-round destination. All the photos in this article were taken in March. They congregate around the reservoir during the dry season from July to October.
Most travelers come to Sri Lanka’s national parks to see elephants. You can spot herds of elephants in this park. There is also a small baby elephant.
Kaudula is located near the world-famous Lion Rock of Sigiriya. There are many attractions other than elephants. Peacocks, little black bears, crocodiles, deer, lots of monkeys and beautiful colored birds. We didn’t visit the park to see leopards, but our driver said he saw two babies crossing the road the day before us.
Why Visit Kaudulla National Park?
Kaudula borders its very popular sibling, Minneriya National Park. Compared to all other national parks in Sri Lanka, Kaudulla has very few jeeps.
Not touristy at all. The wildlife here is amazing and you can’t sleep in the park just like glamping in Yala National Park. If you are lucky on the way back to your hotel, you might even see elephants walking by the roadside.
Where to stay in Kaudulla National Park
Kaudullah is located between Dambulla and the coastal town of Trincomalee. It’s best to stay in Dambulla, but if you’re short on time, a day trip from Trincomalee is also possible. Visiting Trincomalee is more fun.