Centered around an ancient irrigation tank built by the great King Mahasen, Kaudulla was designated as a national park on the 1st of April in 2002, and is recognised as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. With thriving avifauna and a land that is teeming with wildlife, Kaudulla is a must-visit location, especially for nature enthusiasts and ornithologists.
This is a 101 on Kaudulla National Park that would benefit you, on your visit to Sri Lanka.
Where is Kaudulla Located?
Kaudulla National Park is located 190km away from Colombo in the Polonnaruwa district of the north central province of Sri Lanka. The main entrance to the park is 22km North of Habarana. You can reach the destination if you take the Colombo-Trincomalee main road, or opt for the scenic route and travel by train and get down at the Minneriya railway station.
The Landscape of Kaudulla:
Kaudulla National Park, a dry evergreen forest that spreads over a large area (6656 hectares) and is connected to the Minneriya National Park. Kaudulla Reservoir, the centerpiece of the park is surrounded by the grasslands and scrubby forest. Kaudulla National Park consists of many bodies of water, including the Relapanawa reservoir, Olumadu Wewa reservoir, Puliyan Kalla wewa reservoir, Minneriya-Kanthale Yoda Ela canal, Aluth Oya stream and Hatharas Kotuwa Oya. Because of the proximity of these tanks, the greater part of the national park gets submerged in water for at least several months of the year.
When to Visit Kaudulla:
The optimum time to visit Kaudulla National Park is between August and December, as the elephant population reaches an astounding 200 during this period, since the famous elephant gathering that is often spotted at Minneriya makes their way to Kaudulla. The period of April-October is the dry season, and many animals gather around the multiple bodies of water to quench their thirst and satisfy their aquatic needs.
Wildlife at Kaudulla:
Kaudulla National Park is famous for its grand population of elephants, but it also has an abundance of other animals that reside within the premises such as, Sambar Deer, Axis Deer, Chevrotain, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear and on rare occasions, even the Sri Lankan Leopard. It is also a safe haven to many reptiles, which includes different kinds of Freshwater Turtles.
Birdlife at Kaudulla:
Kaudulla is pretty much synonymous with avifauna, so get your binoculars ready to enjoy the most impressive birdwatching experience of your life. 160 species of birds including large water birds such as Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant visit the Kaudulla tank. Asian Spoonbill, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork and Openbill Stork are common sights at the park. Peacock, Eagle, Giant Eagle that are hereditary to Sri Lanka can also be spotted. The pelicans on the water by the sunset, make for a stunning background for your photos, as you enjoy a boat ride.
