North Central Province · Sri Lanka
Kaudulla National Park
Safari
Quiet tracks, an ancient tank and big elephant herds, especially late in the dry season. Choose your safari session, then book locally, from Kandy or from Colombo.
About Kaudulla National Park
A restored tank
on the elephant trail
Kaudulla National Park, Sri Lanka, is built around the Kaudulla tank, one of the reservoirs of the ancient kings, restored in the 1950s and protected as a national park since 2002. It lies on the elephant corridor that links Minneriya with the forests to the north and east.
As the water at Minneriya runs low, many herds walk on to Kaudulla, so the park often has its biggest numbers later in the dry season. A Kaudulla National Park safari usually feels quieter than its neighbour, with fewer jeeps and wide views across the water to the hills beyond.
Compare it with Minneriya National Park, see all national parks in Sri Lanka, or browse our Sri Lanka safari packages.
Inside the park
How Kaudulla
is laid out
Kaudulla covers about 69 square kilometres. Jeeps enter from the gate near Gal Oya junction on the Habarana–Trincomalee road and drive through scrub forest to the open grassland around the tank.
The tank
A wide sheet of water that draws herds to drink and bathe, with fishermen’s canoes on the far shore.
Grassy shoreline
When the water drops, fresh grass appears along the edge, and that is where the herds feed.
Scrub and forest
Thorny scrub and dry forest along the tracks, home to deer, monkeys and many birds.
Animals to look for
Elephants, birds
and quiet trails
Elephant herds
Large family groups with young calves, often in the open near the water.
Lake birds
Spot-billed pelicans, painted storks, herons and white-bellied sea eagles.
Smaller wildlife
Spotted deer, water buffalo, mongooses, macaques and the odd crocodile.
Safari times
Kaudulla National Park safari times
The park is usually open from about 6 am to 6 pm. Every Kaudulla National Park safari we run is a half-day safari in your own private jeep with an experienced safari driver.
6:00 – 11:30 amMorning
Morning safari
Cool air and active birdlife, with herds moving between the forest and the water.
2:00 – 6:00 pmAfternoon · our pick
Afternoon safari
Herds come out onto the shore in the late afternoon, with warm light over the tank.
Times are approximate, and we confirm everything when you book.
Book a Kaudulla National Park safari
Four ways to
book your Kaudulla safari
Every safari is private, with hotel pickup and an itemised quote. Pick the option that fits where you are staying, then message us on WhatsApp.
01
US$60 per jeep
Half day · 1–6 people · park tickets extra
Local Kaudulla safari
Staying in Habarana, Sigiriya or Dambulla? We arrange your private 4×4 jeep and driver, with pickup from your hotel.
- Pickup from hotels in Habarana, Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Choose a morning or afternoon session
- Free stops at Sigiriya or Dambulla after the safari
02
From US$100
Car 1–3 people US$100 · van 4–7 people US$135 · jeep and tickets extra
Kaudulla safari from Kandy
A day trip from Kandy, about 3 hours each way. We go to Kaudulla or Minneriya, whichever park has the herds that day.
- Pickup from your hotel in Kandy at 7:30 or 8:00 am
- About 4 hours on safari, then lunch
- Free stops at Sigiriya or Dambulla on the way back
03
From US$130
Car 1–3 people US$130 · van 4–7 people US$200 · jeep and tickets extra
Kaudulla safari from Colombo
A long day out from Colombo or Negombo, or the same trip as our Minneriya safari tours from Colombo when the herds are there.
- Day tour – 8:00 am pickup, safari and back in the evening
- 1 night near the park – add Sigiriya Rock the next morning
- Free stops at Sigiriya or Dambulla on the way back
04
Price on request
Pickup anywhere in Sri Lanka
Pickup from your hotel
Coming from Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura or anywhere on your route? Tell us your hotel and dates and we will plan the transfer and safari.
- Pickup from your hotel on the way
- Combine with Minneriya or Polonnaruwa
- Add a night near the park if you wish
Park tickets are charged per person, plus vehicle fees and taxes, and are listed separately in your quote. Pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance. Free cancellation until 24 hours before pickup.
Around Kaudulla
Worth adding
to your trip
Kaudulla sits at the north-eastern edge of the Cultural Triangle, close to its sister park, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and the road to Trincomalee.
Minneriya
The neighbouring park and home of The Elephant Gathering, about 30 minutes away. Minneriya National Park
Sigiriya
The 5th-century rock fortress, about 45 minutes away. Climb in the morning, safari in the afternoon. Sigiriya
Where to stay
Bases for
your Kaudulla safari
Habarana
The nearest town, about 25 minutes from the gate, with hotels for every budget.
Sigiriya
Lodges and small hotels near the rock, about 45 minutes away.
Polonnaruwa
Stay near the ancient city and visit both on the same day.
We can book your hotel as part of your trip, or arrange pickup from wherever you are staying.
Travel tips
Tips for a better
Kaudulla safari
Late dry season
Herds are often biggest from about August to December, as they move on from Minneriya.
Go in the afternoon
The herds walk out onto the shore later in the day, with soft light for photos.
Let us choose the park
We check sightings at Kaudulla and Minneriya and take you to the better one on the day.
Wildlife first
Stay in the jeep, keep a respectful distance and never feed animals.
FAQs
Your Kaudulla questions
When is the best time for a Kaudulla National Park safari?
Herds are usually biggest from about August to December, as elephants move on from Minneriya when its water runs low. Elephants can be seen at other times too, in smaller numbers.
Kaudulla or Minneriya: which park is better?
Both are excellent and only about 30 minutes apart. Elephants move between the two with the water levels, so we check sightings before your safari and recommend the better park on the day.
Which safari session is best at Kaudulla?
The afternoon safari, from about 2:00 to 6:00 pm, is usually best, as herds come out onto the shore later in the day. A morning safari is quieter and good for birds.
How far is Kaudulla from Kandy and Colombo?
About 3 hours from Kandy and about 4 hours from Colombo by road. It is about 25 minutes from Habarana and 45 minutes from Sigiriya.
Can I combine Kaudulla with Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa?
Yes. Many travellers climb Sigiriya Rock or visit Polonnaruwa in the morning and go on an afternoon safari at Kaudulla the same day.
Do you offer a full-day Kaudulla safari?
No. At Kaudulla we run morning and afternoon half-day safaris only, which is the best way to see the herds.
Can NH Lanka Holidays arrange a private trip to Kaudulla?
Yes. NH Lanka Holidays is a licensed, Sri Lankan-owned tour operator based in Negombo. We arrange the jeep, park tickets and hotel pickup, or include Kaudulla in a longer private tour. You can pay on the day of the tour or in full in advance, and cancellation is free until 24 hours before pickup.
Nearby: Minneriya National Park · Polonnaruwa · Sigiriya · Trincomalee · All national parks in Sri Lanka
Ready when you are
Plan your Kaudulla safari
with local experts
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Our Negombo-based team will reply within 24 hours.