Kaudulla National Park
Where the herds go next, when Minneriya fills up with rain.
Kaudulla is Minneriya's next-door neighbour. The two parks are joined by a forest path the elephants use all the time.
When the rain comes and Minneriya's lake fills up, many of the elephants walk over to Kaudulla, where the water is going down and the grass is fresh. So later in the year, Kaudulla is often the better bet.
When should I go?
Usually October to December. September is a changeover month: some years the herds are still in Minneriya, some years they've already moved. That's why we check before you book.
Why does it cost a bit more?
Kaudulla's gate is further from Habarana than Minneriya's, so the jeep drives further and uses more fuel. That's the only reason. The park ticket is the same price as Minneriya.
What else lives here?
Kaudulla has about 23 kinds of mammals and around 160 kinds of birds. It's a great place for big water birds like spot-billed pelicans and the grey-headed fish eagle. In 2008, park staff counted 211 elephants here at one time.
Quick facts
- Size
- 6,656 hectaresSource: Lakpura
- Became a national park
- 2002Source: Lakpura
- Biggest count
- 211 elephants (2008)Source: Lakpura
- Animals
- 23 mammal and ~160 bird speciesSource: Lakpura
- Where
- Off the Habarana–Trincomalee roadSource: Lakpura
- Run by
- Department of Wildlife ConservationSource: DWC
More: lakpura.com
What it costs
Cozy Jeep: LKR 17,000 for the whole jeep
Luxury Jeep: LKR 20,000 for the whole jeep
Park ticket: US$25 adult · US$12.50 child (5–11), paid at the gate by your driver
Checked 27 September 2026 · Source: Department of Wildlife ConservationOther parks nearby
Minneriya
Best: July to September. Home of the Gathering, where hundreds of elephants meet on the grass.
Hurulu
Best: December to April. The rainy-season backup, a few minutes from Habarana, with the cheapest tickets.
Gal Oya
Best: All year (drier months are easiest). A wild, far-away park around Sri Lanka's biggest lake. Hardly any crowds.
Book your Kaudulla safari
Private jeeps from LKR 14,000 for the whole jeep. Up to 6 people. Park tickets shown upfront and paid in one go.