Kaudulla National Park
The 16,494-acre (6,675-hectare) Kaudulla National Park was created in 2002 to provide more space for Sri Lanka’s growing numbers of wild elephants, and a migration route between Minneriya and Wasgomuwa national parks to the south.
As well as elephants, Kaudulla is also home to 23 mammal species, including leopard, sambar deer, sri lankan axis deer, chevrotain, wild boar and sloth bear, and 160 species of birds, including hundreds of pelicans that gather at the lake.
Known as Kaudulla Reservoir, the lake, surrounded by grassland and scrubby forest, forms the centerpiece of the park, providing the elephants and other wildlife with the water and lush vegetation they need.