Sri Lanka has been named numerous times as one of the best locations to go on a safari outside of Africa. Now, it might seem perplexing at first that the wilds of Sri Lanka can be put near the same league as the iconic African wilderness. However, if you take a look around the amazing national parks Sri Lanka has to offer it doesn’t seem all that improbable. One of the parks – the Kaudulla National Park – is found in close proximity to the iconic Lion Rock of Sigiriya, and can make for a quite the memorable excursion if you make time for it.
Kaudulla was declared a national park somewhat recently in 2002. This would make it the 15th stretch of wilderness to be granted this status in Sri Lanka. Thousands of travellers and tourists visit the park every year to catch sight of the wonderful wildlife it contains within.
Most of the park is covered in dry evergreen forests that provide the perfect refuge for the star denizens of the park. Sri Lankan elephants are the main attraction of the park and large herds of these gentle pachyderms can be found roaming the wilds in search of food and water here. A number of grazers also frequent these forest – these include the spotted deer, wild boar and the majestic sambar deer. All these species provide an excellent source of food for the park’s top predator – the sleek and elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Keep your eyes trained on the underbrush and on the lookout for a splash of spots in order to capture a glimpse of this graceful hunter.
For all the birdwatchers out there, the variety of avifauna found in Kaudulla is simply staggering. In fact, the park along with the adjoining Minneriaya National Park and Girithale Bird Sanctuary has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. So, be sure to witness all the thrills and spills Sri Lanka’s wilderness has to offer by visiting the Kaudulla National Park.
