Kudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It was designated a national park in 2002 becoming the 15th such area on the island. Along with Minneriya and Girithale, Birdlife International has identified Kaudulla as an important bird area.
Historically Kaudulla was one of the 16 irrigation tanks built by King Mahasen. Following a period of abandonment it was reconstructed in 1959. It now attracts and supports a variety of plant and animal life, including large mammals, fish and reptiles. Many plant and grass species grow well during the rainy season whilst an abundance of food and water, even in the dry period, attracts a large number of herbivorous mammals to the park. The vegetation of the park represents Sri Lanka's dry evergreen forests. Chena cultivation and grasslands surround the tank area.
The faunal species recorded in the park include 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 160 species of birds. In the drought period Sri Lankan Elephants move to the Minneriya tank to drink and feed. Around the month of September the elephants move to the Kaudulla tank in search of more water and food. Despite the escalating humanelephant conflict, the number of elephants increased in the dry zone and 211 individuals have been counted in Kaudulla.
Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Sri Lankan Axis Deer, Chevrotain, Wild Boar, Sri Lankan Leopard, and Sloth Bear are other mammals found in the park. Kaudulla National Park is also one of the sites in which the Gray Slender Loris is reportedly found in Sri Lanka. Following the discovery of a two month old albino Sri Lankan Axis Deer calf abandoned by her mother, it is supposed that Kaudulla is probably the only national park in Sri Lanka to have albino Axis Deer.
Largestyle="text-align: justify;" water birds such as Spot-billed Pelican and Lesser Adjutant visit the Kaudulla tank. Freshwater turtles, Indian Flap-shelled Turtle and Indian Black Turtle are the noteworthy reptiles.
Access Route: Colombo - Warakapola - Kurunegala - Dambulla - Habarana - Minneriya - Kaudulla
Kaudulla National Park:Tel: 027-327 9735
Opening & Closing Time: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM
(Tickets will not be issued after 5.00 PM)
