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National Parks

Yala

Wilpattu

Udawalawe

Horton Plains

Kumana

Minneriya

Kawudulla

Gal Oya

Wasgamuwa

Bundala

Chundikulam

Kawudulla National Park

Situated in the North Central Province in the Polonnaruwa District, the Kawudulla National Park is a relatively new park, formed on 1st April 2002 covering 6,900 hectares. It is approximately 215km from Colombo and could be accessed via Gal Oya north of Habarana. Formed from the surrounding catchment area of the massive Kawudulla tank which was built in the 3rd century AD by King Mahasen, Kawudulla shares similar flora and fauna as that of Minneriya National Park.

Kawudulla is famous for its Elephants as well as birds but include other species as well such as Sambhur, Spotted Deer, and Wild Boar etc. when the water of the Kawudulla tank recede in October an Elephant migration from Minneriya could be observed and has resulted in 0.524 hectares been reserved as a Jungle Corridor between Minneriya and Kawudulla in 2006.

Main attractions:

  • The Sri Lankan Elephant (Elephas maximus maximus) – the ‘Elephant Gathering’

Best Season: Between August to October for the Elephant Gathering.

Routes:There are two main routes to the Park.

  • Route 01 – Colombo -> Kurunagala -> Dambulla -> Habarana -> Hatharaskotuwa  -> Galoya junction – 197 km.
  • Route 02 – Colombo -> Kurunagala -> Dambulla -> Habarana -> -> Habarana turning right -> 45th km post Habarana-Polonnaruwa road -> Rotawewa – 200km.