About this experience
Kaudulla is built around a broad reservoir, and that water is the reason you are here. Your private jeep moves through evergreen forest along narrow trails before breaking into the open grassland at the water's edge, where elephants wade the shallows and graze unhurried along the bank. Your driver doubles as your tracker — cutting the engine when the bush goes quiet, reading prints and broken branches to find what is moving ahead. The park also holds sambar deer, axis deer, chevrotain and wild boar, while the reservoir shore attracts Asian spoonbill, grey-headed fish eagle, painted stork and openbill stork. Leopard and sloth bear are present in the park, though sightings are rare and never guaranteed.
Your booking secures the whole jeep — private to your party — for one to six guests on a three-hour drive covering 15 kilometres inside the park. Pickup and drop-off is included from any location within 5 km of the park gate. At booking you choose your ticket arrangement: jeep only, with park entrance fees paid by you in cash at the gate, or jeep with entrance tickets bundled into your Lakpura booking. On top of either option you can add a guide — a practical choice if you want species identified and animal behaviour explained as you go. Food, beverages and gratuities are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What wildlife can I see in Kaudulla National Park?
Kaudulla is known for its elephant herds, which move between Kaudulla and nearby Minneriya with the seasons and graze on the grasslands around the Kaudulla reservoir. You may also see spotted deer, water buffalo, crocodiles and many water birds.
When is the best time to visit Kaudulla National Park?
Kaudulla is often at its best roughly from August to December, when the elephant herds move across from Minneriya. Ask us when you book and we can advise which of the two parks is better for your dates.
What time does the safari start, and how long is it?
The safari lasts about three hours. It starts at 6.00 am (morning) or 3.00 pm (afternoon).
What is included in the price?
A 4x4 safari jeep (up to six passengers), an experienced driver who is also your tracker, and free pickup and drop-off from anywhere within 5 km of the park gate. Park entrance tickets are included when you choose Tickets: Yes. Not included: park entrance fees on a jeep-only booking, hotel pickup and drop-off beyond 5 km of the park entrance gate, food and beverages, and gratuities.
Are the park entrance tickets included?
You choose when you book. With Tickets: Yes, the park entrance tickets are included in your booking. With Tickets: No, you book the jeep only and buy the entrance tickets yourself at the park gate, paid in cash.
Do children pay the park entrance fee?
Park entrance fees are set by the Department of Wildlife Conservation. Children under 6 years old enter the national park free of charge. Children aged 6 to 12 inclusive pay the child ticket rate, which is lower than the adult rate and is set separately for Sri Lankan, SAARC and other foreign visitors. Visitors aged 13 and over pay the adult rate for their category. The department revises its fees from time to time, and the rate in force on the day of your safari applies.
Can young children join the safari?
The minimum age for this safari is 5 years. There are no infant or child seats in the jeep, and children may not sit on an adult's lap, so every child takes a seat and counts towards the maximum of six passengers. Game drives are long and bumpy, so bring water and snacks for children.
Is the jeep private?
Yes. The jeep is reserved for your group alone, with up to six passengers, and you choose the number of guests (1 to 6) when you book. A group of more than six needs a second jeep.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are free from anywhere within 5 km of the park gate. They are not included if you are staying further away.
Do I get a guide?
Your driver is experienced and also acts as your tracker, spotting animals and finding the best viewing places. You can also add a guide when you book by choosing Guide: Yes.
Is the safari suitable for everyone?
It is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, and it is not recommended for people with heart conditions. Pets are not allowed.
What should I bring?
A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent, a light jacket for an early-morning drive, and a camera and binoculars. Wear comfortable, light clothing in neutral colours. Food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks if you want them.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start of your safari for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.
