Kaudulla National Park
Kaudulla National Park is situated in the Polonnaruwa district, 197 kilometres away from Colombo. It is one of the identified Important Bird Areas (IBA) and provides opportunities to observe numerous species of wildlife. The park encompasses an area of 6,900 hectares of dry evergreen forest and lies in the dry zone of the country. Kaudulla not only boasts rich biodiversity but also has a significant historical background dating back to the time of King Mahasen (277 to 304 AD).
The Minneriya Tank in Kaudulla National Park was one of the 16 irrigation tanks built by King Mahasen, which was eventually abandoned due to the shifting of the capital from Polonnaruwa to Dambadeniya. The tank was reconstructed in 1959, attracting a variety of wildlife to the surrounding area, especially during the dry season (April to October).
The vegetation of the park is primarily of the dry evergreen forest type, with traditional shifting crop (chena) cultivations irrigated from the tank and grasslands surrounding the tank area. This environment provides good visibility for both wildlife observation and photography. The park is home to 24 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 26 species of fish, and 160 species of birds. Wildlife tends to move closer to the tank during the drought season, making it ideal for spotting elephants, birds, and other wildlife. Among the mammals found in the park are the Sri Lankan sambar deer, axis deer, chevrotain, wild boar, Sri Lankan leopard, and sloth bear. As an IBA site, Kaudulla National Park is notable for large water birds such as the spot-billed pelican and lesser adjutant, as well as dry zone birds like the Sri Lankan green pigeon. The tank is home to an endemic species of frog named Fejervarya pulla, along with the Indian flap-shelled turtle and Indian black turtle.
The best time to visit Yala National Park is between February and July, when the water levels are low, bringing animals into the open. Yala is home to 44 species of mammals and 215 bird species, including seven endemic bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s largest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambar deer, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, crocodiles, and wild buffalo. Yala is one of the 70 important bird areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka, with 90 water bird species (half of which are migrants), 47 reptile species (including six endemic species), 18 amphibian species (two of which are endemic), and 21 freshwater fish species recorded in the park. All five globally endangered sea turtles have also been recorded visiting the coastline of Yala.
