Top 18 things to do and attractions in Habarana

Had a jolly good boat ride experience in Habarana lake whilst our stay at a nearby hotel. There are all sorts of flowers: lotuses and lilies.

Pleasant Experience Since we arrived in Habarana early, around 0930 on 8th August 2018, well before the checking-in time at the hotel, we decided to while away the time by visiting Habarana Lake, situated about 4 km from Habarana Junction. It was an unexpectedly pleasant and an enjoyable experience. This is a public place and requires no permission nor tickets. We went along the gravel path on top of the lake bund. On one side is the lake and on the other side is a lush green forest and trees with chirping and twittering birds. We saw some people from the village enjoying a bath in the lake. There were some boats with fishermen too at the centre of the lake. At the end of the lake bund is the spillway that carries spill water when the tank spills over. There is a sluice gate too that provides irrigation water to the fields downstream. Although this walk along the bund would not take more than 30 minutes one way we spent about two hours enjoying the scenery and soaking its quiet beauty. Although you can drive along the path you have to turn back at the end of the bund. Situated close to the entrance is a safari company that carries people atop elephants. These colourfully dressed elephants with its human cargo too are taken along the bund accompanied by the mahouts. Though I found this sight rather distressing, many tourists did ascend the seats placed on the elephants for a ride lasting perhaps about 30 minutes.

Habarana lake, one of the most captivating places and prime attractions of the city. Habarana Lake is perfect for taking elephant-back rides or walking amid serene surroundings of the lake area. The lake is also suitable for bird-watching.

Small lake with a motorable bund, about a 1km long if you walk along the granite hill then gravel road. Flocks of waterbirds can be seen through out the day, better in the early mornings. Use to be the center for elephant back rides, hopefully that will be stopped. There is a small bar close to where the rock and gravel road meet looks nice for sundown drinks.

Ideal place for bird watching. I made this place a hotspot for birding as well. Also certain Photographs on reviews here are not relevant to Habarana reservoir. Those are taken elsewhere.

Very nice place with nature

This reservoir is constructed across the upper reach of Yan Oya. The reservoir is mostly full during the year which has helped to promote tourism in this area.

The Minneriya National Park was an unforgettable experience. Watching over 200 elephants in the wild, interacting and moving together, is something I will carry as a core memory forever. We also spotted water buffalo and peacocks along the way, which added to the adventure. I highly recommend starting your safari before 3 pm, as the tour lasts around 3 hours and drivers must return by 6 pm—otherwise, they risk being banned from the park for a month.

Minneriya National Park is a magical place—it truly feels like you've been plucked from reality and dropped right into a nature documentary! When we visited, there were hundreds of elephants dispersed near the water source and in different spots across the park. The surrounding nature, combined with the sight of the elephants and the vast landscape, was absolutely breathtaking. The guides and drivers have immense respect for the elephants. You are not allowed to exit the jeeps, and the drivers strictly stay on the designated paths. To ensure the animals are not disturbed, they switch off the engine while observing the herds. The park is wonderfully clean and well-maintained. The entry fee is a little pricey, but this is typical for tourist sites in Sri Lanka, where foreigners pay a higher price than locals. For me, the cost was completely justified by the experience. It was an unforgettable and highly recommended adventure!

This is the best spot to see wild elephants, peacocks, jackals and special birds. But one has to wonder if animal welfare has the highest priority for the tour providers. If you miss big city traffic jams, you’re definitely at the right place — especially if you don’t mind sitting in an open air jeep stuck between hundreds of other jeeps, right next to the elephants. Truly, meeting the elephants was a humbling experience, but the hundred jeeps around you really make you question your decision.

An unforgettable experience at Minneriya National Park! Watching elephant families walking together across the river during sunset was truly magical — a moment I’ll never forget. Big thanks to Hey Lanka Travels for arranging everything so smoothly, and special mention to Rumesh, who was incredibly supportive, caring, and funny throughout the journey. He made our trip so comfortable and enjoyable. Absolutely love Sri Lankan people for their kindness and hospitality! 🇱🇰🐘❤️

Great national park where you will see many elephants. Some peacocks and monkeys can be spotted here as well. The main attraction is elephants which is well worth it, and if your driver depending the tour you book with can get really close to the elephants. I highly recommend visiting this national park.

I have been reading the reviews of this national park and I'm glad I went with the safari tour guide who was not only sensible but was sensitive. He never took the animals for granted and did not force his way towards any animal. It is hot right now in Sri Lanka and he told us very nicely that we may only see elephants and we were ok with that. It was the experience that was important for us. We started our safari by seeing an elephant outside on the road first. A male elephant has an inclined back and the hind legs are apparently shorter while the females have a straight back with equal lengths of her arms. This was a nice info by our guide. After this we saw a wild lizard too on a tree and how my guide managed to drive and catch this site that was opposite to his side of car is beyond my understanding. We then ended up catching glimpses of a lot of birds, Eegret, pelicans, eagle, crane and a few others. We saw more elephants, monkeys, langurs, spotted deer, mongoose, water buffalos and a montior lizard. So from being told that it's hot season and animals would be hidden or near water bodies only, we saw a lot of animals. Our hearts were filled. The tour guide was so genuine and helpful. His knowledge too seemed great.

Beautiful natural reserve in the middle of Sri Langka. We were promised to see around 150-200 elephants and boy, did it deliver! You will get to experience them up close from your jeep. This safari adventure is highly recommended when you visit the country.

The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple is a fascinating historic and religious site worth visiting. Be prepared for a climb — there are over 300 steps to reach the top, and it can get busy with tourists, so an early visit is ideal. As this is a sacred Buddhist site, a modest dress code is enforced: legs must be covered below the knee, and no bare shoulders are allowed. Once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. Inside the caves, the statues and wall paintings are remarkably well preserved, showcasing centuries of artistry and devotion. While the majority of the site is dedicated to Buddhist figures, you will also spot a few statues of Hindu gods, adding a unique cultural touch. The Golden Temple at the base is equally striking, with its massive seated Buddha statue welcoming visitors. Overall, it’s a place of spiritual significance, rich history, and stunning craftsmanship — a must-see when in the region.

This is an active place of worship for Buddhist, so be considerate. The temple is under the UNESCO protection. The parking area for accessing the temple is not very obvious to visitors who are coming without a group. You have to buy a ticket at the parking lot and then climb about 200 to 300 stairs to access the cave on top of the mountain. You have to remove your shoes to access the temple. There are monkeys in the area. I have not seen a toilet near the temple, but there is one on the parking lot.

Dambulla Cave Temple — also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla — is one of Sri Lanka’s most magnificent and best-preserved cave temple complexes. Located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, about 70 km north of Kandy, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1st century BCE. The temple complex consists of five main caves, each filled with ancient statues and vibrant murals depicting the life of the Buddha and various historical events. Over 150 Buddha statues, along with statues of Sri Lankan kings and Hindu deities like Vishnu and Ganesh. Beautiful murals covering over 2,000 square meters of cave walls and ceilings. The Golden Temple with its massive golden Buddha statue at the base of the rock. Stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the hill.

This is a quite spectacular set of caves containing stunning images of buddhas, kings and bodhisattvas dating from 500 CE. There is a large modern temple at ground level with a huge golden buddha followed by a fairly steep stair up to the cave entrance. Justifiably the site is on the main tourist trails in Sri Lanka and visitors shouldn't be put off by crowds.

Dambulla Cave Temple To reach the Dambulla Cave Temple, one must climb the majestic Dambulla rock. Within the temple complex lie numerous caves, each adorned with magnificent statues of Lord Buddha. The ceilings are covered in intricate ancient paintings, while the statues themselves date back centuries. This sacred site was created under the patronage of King Walagamba, making it one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured historical monuments.

Visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple was one of the highlights of my trip through Sri Lanka. The site is absolutely breathtaking — a peaceful blend of history, spirituality, and art. The caves are filled with stunning Buddha statues and colorful frescoes that have been preserved for centuries, and it’s incredible to see how well they’ve lasted. The short climb up the hill is totally worth it — not only for the caves themselves but also for the amazing panoramic view from the top. The atmosphere feels calm and sacred, and even with other visitors around, there’s a real sense of tranquility. Make sure to bring some water, remove your shoes before entering the temple, and take your time exploring each cave — every one tells a different story. Highly recommend this place to anyone interested in culture, history, or simply a peaceful moment surrounded by beauty.

Review: Five caves filled with golden Buddhas, calm air, and echoes of ancient faith. Every inch of wall and ceiling tells stories painted centuries ago. It’s like walking through living art. Tips & Tricks: ✅ • 🕒 Go around 8–9 AM before it gets hot. • 👟 Wear easy-to-remove shoes (no footwear inside). • 💧 Bring water — you’ll climb a small hill to reach the top. • 📸 No flash photography — respect the ancient paintings. —————————————————————————— Specialties:🤩my • Five caves filled with golden Buddhas and murals. • Religious and historical treasure trove. • Panoramic view of surrounding farmland. Mind-blowing Facts: 🤯 • Murals cover more than 2,100 square meters of wall space. • The caves have been a place of Buddhist worship for over 2,000 years. • 157 Buddha statues inside, ranging from 1 meter to 15 meters tall.

I love this little restaurant because it’s super charming. The people are incredibly kind, gentle, and always so welcoming. The food is absolutely delicious. During my stay in this little town, I’ve already eaten here three times, and honestly, it’s been wonderful every single time. I highly recommend it to everyone — the food is truly amazing. I especially love the fried rice with egg, it’s just perfect! Thank you for the lovely experience. 🙏🧡☺️

Amazing rice and curry! Very friendly and attentive staff, Asanka read my mind and brought me second servings - I feel full and satisfied! Super delicious special home made gravy with many herbs on top! The second floor is nice, a bit street noise though.

We recently had lunch from this restaurant. Staff was very kind and helpful. Service is great. Food is also awesome. We ordered mixed rice, chicken devilled and passion fruit juice. All of them were delicious and enough portions to share with two people. Prices were reasonable. Great value for the money.

Great place, friendly waiters. They have is a warm welcome, seated us on the rooftop and introduced all the food. We ate ceylon red chicken curry and vegetable kothu. Out kids where happy with fries and egg. So a good meal for a nice price and good food in a good ambiance.

Amazing food! We ate dinner at Inspire Habarana and we enjoyed it a lot :) The food (Kottu) was delicious and the owners were really friendly. We can absolutely recommend it!

We stopped off here for lunch and it was delicious. The staff were very friendly and keen to make our time pleasurable. Would highly recommend the chicken curry and the Sri Lankan omelette.

Fantastic service, wait staff friendly and so accomodating. Excelent food, it's well cooked and delicious. Walking distance from Cinnamon Resort. Had a beautiful upstairs restaurant well lit. Nice touch, cards on the table for entertainment!

I had a truly memorable experience on the safari in Habarana. Seeing the elephants up close in their natural habitat was unforgettable. The atmosphere, the scenery, and the peaceful environment made it a wonderful experience that I will always remember. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Sri Lanka!

Had a wonderful experience here at Habarala Elephant Safari. Have seen many elephants here with very closely. The safari drivers even know the elephants by their names. Also they explain many thing about the Sri Lankan Elephants.

The Habarana Elephant Safari is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to witness wild elephants in their natural habitat. Located near the lush forests and grasslands of Habarana, this safari offers a thrilling opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close as they roam, bathe, and graze. While the primary highlight is the chance to see wild elephants, sightings of other wildlife are rare, making this experience particularly special for elephant enthusiasts. The safari is conducted in open jeeps, allowing for an immersive and exciting adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or a photographer, the Habarana Elephant Safari promises an unforgettable experience. Remember to respect the animals’ space and follow the guidelines provided by your guide to ensure a safe and responsible safari.

One of the best place to see wild elephants. I highly recommend this place all. Only thing you should not disturb animals because its their place..🫶🏻

We had a great time! It’s important to visit Habarana at the correct time during the day. We started our journey after 1 pm and witnessed number of elephants even though we caught with rain.

The best experience we ever had. It was sooo good to see the animals roaming around on their own. Wonderful natural views and jeep drive with an amazing adventurous driver. We highly recommend and appreciate. Thank u for the great service 💯👌🏽

Habarana is a popular destination in Sri Lanka for elephant safaris. Many tour operators and hotels in Habarana offer elephant safaris that take visitors through the nearby wildlife reserves and national parks to see elephants in their natural habitat. One of the most popular places for an elephant safari in Habarana is the Minneriya National Park, which is home to a large population of wild elephants. During the dry season, from June to September, the park hosts what is known as "The Gathering," where hundreds of elephants come together around the Minneriya tank to drink water and graze on the surrounding vegetation. This is a spectacular sight to witness, and many visitors come specifically during this time to experience it. Other popular wildlife reserves near Habarana where elephant safaris are offered include Kaudulla National Park and Hurulu Eco Park. These reserves are also home to various other species of animals and birds, making them ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. It's important to choose a reputable tour operator or hotel that offers responsible and ethical elephant safaris, ensuring that the elephants are treated with respect and care.

We had a truly wonderful experience with Walknow Tours on our recent village tour. From start to finish, everything was beautifully organized and thoughtfully curated. The hospitality and warmth of everyone we met made the journey even more special. The bullock cart ride was a unique and nostalgic experience — a first for many of us — and offered a charming glimpse into traditional village life. The serene boat ride across Hiriwadunna Lake was simply magical, with breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere that allowed us to truly connect with nature. One of the highlights was the delicious village lunch — freshly prepared, full of flavor, and served with so much care. We’re already looking forward to returning for their bird-watching boat tour next time. Highly recommend Walknow Tours for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable village adventure!

We had a wonderful experience on this tour, and I’m so glad we decided to join! My wife and I arrived around 4:50 pm. The starting point is conveniently located near the main road, making it easy to find. You can drive directly to the location and park there without any hassle. Since it was evening and we hadn’t pre-booked dinner, we only participated in the cart ride and boat ride. Roaming through the village in cart was refreshing, and we thoroughly enjoyed the scenic views. The boat ride on Hiriwadunna Lake was the highlight of the tour. The lake and its surroundings were absolutely stunning, especially during the sunset. We also loved seeing the beautiful birds and flowers. The boat rider was really friendly and made the experience extra special by crafting a lovely necklace from a nelum flower and a hat from a nelum leaf. We even got the chance to sail the boat ourselves! It was an amazing tour overall. A big thanks to Madushanka, the coordinator, who was very helpful and genuinely enthusiastic about providing excellent customer service for very reasonable price. Highly recommended!

Highly recommended! Wow what a wonderful village tour ,and tasty meals Wel thank you mr madusanka for best organized tour... We are very happy and fully satisfied Good job and good luck 👍💯

Quick decent and peaceful experience of a village away from busy city. All properly arranged by the cordinator making it so easy to do.

A Peaceful Boat Ride 🚣🌿 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A wonderful boat ride at Hiriwadunna Lake! We sailed quietly in a small wooden boat and saw many beautiful birds. The guide showed us interesting water plants and explained how the lake’s nature works. The calm water, green trees, and fresh air made it feel like a special, peaceful adventure. Great for anyone who loves nature! 😊

We had a wonderful experience! First, we enjoyed a peaceful cow cart ride, then a relaxing boat trip, and finally some delicious village-style food. The service throughout was friendly and welcoming, and the staff made sure we felt comfortable. Everything was well-organized, and we truly appreciated the effort put into making our visit memorable.

Amazing experience for a boat tour at sunset! Would definitely recommend ! Team was super nice !

Delicious food! We spotted local police eating here and figured that it must be good. What a find... by far the best restaurant we went to in Habarana. Generous portions of food and lovely staff. The egg hoppers were awesome. Also had string hoppers, chicken curry, veg curry, dhal, and sambal - all great.

Just ate at a garbage "beach hotel" as they call themselves in trincomalee yesterday. It cost so much and was disgusting, due to stomach problems I didn't eat for a week and any food I had I spat out. Then on our way back to colombo we came here and I was like, oh another bad food store, not going to be digestible, but the rice and curry taste like god sent, the chicken was so soft and made my mouth feel good again my stomach problems seem to have been relieved, thank you so much prassanna, defiantly come here again when I vist from canada

Foos here is amazing, authentic Sri Lanka food at reasonable prices. They will go above and beyond to accommodate to your needs. The stuff is so friendly. We went twice!

We went to this place for breakfast. We just ate rice with dhal curry, lasia root curry, pol sambol, and fried fish. The food was not tasty at all, but the prices were too expensive (LKR 600.00 per person), and they charged us the tourist price even though we are locals. The tablecloths were also very dirty. The staff was very arrogant and rude. The cashier girl did not even know how to speak to a customer. This place is not recommended.

Prasanna Hotel & Restaurant is a great place to stop for a meal. The food was delicious, service was friendly, and the atmosphere was comfortable. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!

Best basket hoppers in Sri Lanka. Friendly staff and great price. Popular with the locals.

THE MANAGEMENT ARE A BUNCH OF THEIFS. We are living in Habarana now for 1 year and every time we come to Prasanna they seem to charge more and more. Their food quality has gone down and the management is VERY RUDE AND ARROGANT. DO NOT GO HERE!!!! WASTE OF MONEY!!!!!

We very much enjoyed our safari with an experienced driver who pointed out the different types of birds and managed to find a big heard of elephants which was very special to see. We got ahead of other jeeps to get a closer look on tracks. The rain was bad and there was some flooding so not easy to navigate the tracks but he was very good at steering through it all and overall it was a highlight of our trip.

Kuma is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, and I’m glad I met him on my second day in Habarana. Beyond arranging the safari, he organized several other memorable trips and was always punctual and reliable. Most importantly, he is a genuinely pleasant and thoughtful person, which made every experience more enjoyable. He drives both a tuck tuck and a car.

We had a great experience today on our safari. As others have noted our driver was very experienced and knowledgable with the rough terrain of the jungle and managed to find us the best places for taking photos of the elephants, despite the large number of jeeps in the area. He drove confidently through the area and avoided getting stuck in the mud, unlike some other drivers. Would highly recommend.

Brilliant communication throughout via Whatsapp, pick up & drop off went smoothly, the driver knew where to go to see the Elephants and was always on communication with other drivers to seek them out. We went in the morning so the traffic was minimum in the park, some friends went in the afternoon and there were a horrendous amount of jeeps trying to all get a look in.

“An unforgettable experience! The team at Kuma Safari and Tours was incredibly professional and friendly. We saw so many elephants and other wildlife, and the guide made sure we had the best views for photos. Highly recommend this safari company for anyone visiting Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Best Jeep Safari

The best safari, the driver is great, very kind and the place is wonderful

Booking of the service was easy. The driver came on time and drove us safely. We could see decent amount of elephants and driver was patient enough to let us enjoy the moments and take pictures. Overall a great experience, I would highly recommend them.

Describe your experience2004

(Translated by Google) Safari much appreciated, we saw many elephants moving even in groups. The park is not very crowded (at least in the morning) and this avoided Yala's jeep traffic jams. (Original) Safari molto apprezzato, abbiamo visto tantissimi elefanti muoversi anche in gruppo. Il parco è poco affollato (almeno al mattino) e questo ha evitato gli ingorghi di jeep di Yala.

(Translated by Google) I can only agree with Niklas Pichler: it was a great experience with Shiran! We were in Uluru, started at 7 when the park opened, and pretty soon things got great! Very beautiful wilderness, adventurous paths. Many encounters with groups of elephants and loners, including 2 quite large ones with babies. Shiran shows you not only the elephants, but also many birds and lizards (which I would have easily overlooked) I can only recommend him, a competent guide who also enjoys animal encounters! These are real off-road tours, it rocks and you have to be careful not to get branches in your face when you look out of the top. Not suitable for acute back problems. Be sure to go in the morning, it will be far too hot afterwards! (Original) Ich kann Niklas Pichler nur beipflichten : das war eine SuperErfahrung mit Shiran ! Wir waren in Uluru, starteten um 7 als der Park öffnete, und es wurde ziemlich bald grandios ! Sehr schöne Wildnis, abenteuerliche Wege. Viele Begegnungen mit Elefantengruppen und Einzelgängern, darunter 2 recht grosse mit Babies. Shiran zeigt Dir nicht nur die Elephanten, sondern auch viele Vögel und Echsen ( die ich glatt übersehen hätte) Ich kann ihn nur empfehlen, ein kompetenter guide, der selber auch Freude an den Tierbegegnugen hat ! Dies sind echte off - roadtouren , es schaukelt, und man muss aufpassen, dass man keine Zweige ins Gesicht bekommt, wenn man oben aus dem Verdeck schaut. Nicht für akute Rückenprobleme geeignet. Unbedingt am Morgen gehen, nachher wird es viel zu heiss !

(Translated by Google) For Arab and Saudi visitors in particular, if you are dealing with a driver, he will often agree with the offices there. The price for three people at the beginning is 180 dollars, and this thing is very exaggerated, and with the refusal and the breakers, they reduced it to 150 dollars, and it is also considered exaggerated, and you can break the bank or go to another company. The experience, in short, is that they take you in a safari car and you go out. It is a very natural safari area with a beautiful lake with a herd of elephants, buffalo and some birds. The trip lasts from two to two and a half hours. (Original) للزوار العرب والسعودين بالخاص اذا كنت تتعامل مع سائق غالبا يكون متفق مع المكاتب الي هناك السعر لثلاث اشخاص بالبداية 180 دولار وهالشي مبالغ فيه جدا ومع الرفض والمكاسر نزلوه الي 150 دولار ويعتبر ايضا مبالغ فيه وتقدرون تكاسرون او تروحون لشركه ثانيه التجربه باختصار ياخذونك في سياره سفاري وتطلع لمنطقة سفاري طبيعيه جداا فيها بحيرة جميلة فيها قطيع فيله وجواميس وبعض الطيور وتستمر الرحله من ساعتين الى ساعتين ونص

(Translated by Google) An incredible safari in the Hurulu ecological park! A remarkable duo, Shiran, THE guide to spot the elephants and a driver who does not back down at any obstacle. I highly recommend this experience which will take you closer to their habitat 🐘 🐘!! Great experience in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 (Original) Un safari incroyable dans le parc écologique Hurulu ! Un duo remarquable, Shiran, THE guide pour repérer les éléphants et un chauffeur qui ne recule à aucun obstacle. Je recommande fortement cette expérience qui vous emmènera au plus près de leur habitat 🐘 🐘 !! Superbe expérience au Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

(Translated by Google) Remarkable experience with Shiran during the Hurulu Safari where we were able to get up close to around thirty elephants! On the way back, we would have missed it if Shiran hadn't spotted an elephant over 300 meters away! Superb show, I highly recommend!! (Original) Remarquable expérience avec Shiran lors du Safari Hurulu où nous avons pu être au plus proche d'une trentaine d'éléphants ! Sur le chemin du retour, nous serions passés à côté si Shiran n'avait pas repéré un éléphant à plus de 300 mètres ! Superbe spectacle, je recommande fortement !!

Anura from the hotel kindly showed this lovely garden to us. This big garden/forest was full of wild life, mainly small birds and big butterflies, but also; monkeys, chipmunks, water monitors? (under the water), and we missed the crocodiles. We saw a peacock too. Lots of lovely plant life too; the trees and the flowers. I'm glad we didn't miss the gem😊

Unaccessible, privatized public spot.

Lovely walking garden with lots of flowers

Best place to see wild elephants. There's a large number of herds and getting up and close with them was an unforgettable experience. Yes, there are other wildlife too here, but main attraction would be these giants. The entire safari could last up to 2 to 3 hours and seems to be less crowded and touristic than other national parks. So it was great. Very much enjoyed it!

Kaudulla National Park is a protected area located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is situated approximately 190 kilometers away from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. The park covers an area of around 6,900 hectares and is known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Kaudulla National Park is primarily recognized for its large population of wild Asian elephants. The park provides a crucial habitat for these majestic creatures and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park is also home to other animal species, including sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, and various species of birds. One of the main attractions of Kaudulla National Park is the Kaudulla Tank, a man-made reservoir that was constructed in the 1950s. The tank plays a vital role in providing water for the wildlife in the dry season and also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy jeep safaris around the park, which allow them to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Kaudulla National Park is during the dry season, from June to September, when the water levels in the reservoir recede, attracting large herds of elephants to gather around the tank. It is recommended to hire a local guide or join a safari tour to make the most of your visit and ensure a safe and informative experience. Please note that the information provided above is based on the knowledge available up until September 2021, and it's always a good idea to check for any updated information or guidelines before planning a visit to Kaudulla National Park.

These are the photos of kaudulla tank please come here enjoy the nature but dont spoil it

One of the best place to see elephants. We saw more nearly 100 or more elephants. However we went on a rainy day so couldn’t see all them. Lot of birds are there. It was said, it is better to visit the park in the morning for bird watching and evening to see elephants. We went on the evening. Better to enter before 2.30 p.m. Has to leave the park before 6.00 p.m. Most the elephants were gathered near the lake. Didn’t seem dangerous to the visitors. There were lot of new borns and baby elephants. These elephants usually stay here at Kaudulla or go to Minneriya park. Has to take safari jeeps to enter the park. Usually they know the locations of elephants and take guests to those locations. Cannot get out of the vehicles. Additionally can have a off road experience on jeeps. Eagles and many more birds are there.

Really it is a lovely visit. We could see some elephants, wolfs and peockocs. Cost for safari depends on the season .

1. advice: go in the morning 2. advice: Minneriya from June to August, after that Kaudulla Full review: A tour in this park might very well be the highlight of your trip to Sri Lanka. We went on a tour on a wednesday morning with Shiran from "Minneriya & Kaudulla Jeep Safari". We originally wanted to go Kaudulla National Park, however since we were there in the midst of June, it was the season of Minneriya National Park (best time for Minneriya is June to August - after that the park is flooded an all the animals move to Kaudulla which is better in the months starting from mid August). Since the animals, parks, tours and prices are more or less the same, this review is applicable for both parks. We went in the morning and we are so glad we did, because in the afternoon there are over 100 jeeps on the same route and everything is really crowded. In the morning we were exactly two jeeps. If you look at other reviews and pictures you can see the crowds everywhere - of course so many vehicles also scare the animals away. We were picked up at 6 am at our hotel and drove there. You will be asked to pay before the tour at the entrance of the park. Our tour was 49500 lkr for 4 persons - which is not cheap compared to other offerings, but it was worth it. However, you might be able to get a better deal. The roads were rough, but out driver did very well and spotted every little bird everywhere. He also explained a lot about the animals, their habits and the surroundings. It was really interesting and you can clearly see, that he is in love with the nature around here. We saw deer, water buffalo, about 30 elephants and lots of different birds and eagle. Our diver was always patient and asked us, if we are ready to move on. He also made sure to not get to close to the animals or disturb them in their natural habitat. By 10 am we were back at the hotel.

Great sights for elephant lovers 🐘. This is the place where you can see many elephants at one time in South Asia. The jeep safari was incredible our driver was so good he knew the places where elephants would come. Worthy for the money 💰 and to see elephant in their natural habitat without chains or people riding them. I would recommend this to anyone who has a passion for wildlife and elephants.

At times, it did feel like the M25 (UK) on a Friday night during rush hour. Loads of individual tours trying to give their customers the opportunity to see an elephant. That said, our guides left the crowd, and we had a fantastic chance to see Sri Lankan Elephants in the wild.

Great sights for elephant lovers 🐘. This is the place where you can see many elephants at one time in South Asia.

We had an amazing time with our guide! We also did see other guides getting very close to the elephants, having a traffic jam etc. But our guide was very mindful and we even saw some elephants just alone in our car. We did see a lot of elephants and also the national park is very nice. We went for afternoon safari 3 hours (enough) and booked through our hotel

Full of nature and wildlife. It's was an amazing Jeep tour . And special thanks for our Eco park tour guide, Aanta. He's very professional,friendly, and caring about his tourists . And I must say that all of the guides are highly trained for driving safely in jungle. In a word's the Hurulu Eco Park is full of enjoyment and beauty overloaded.

We saw many elephants, but I couldn't imagine we will participate to this track. There were more than 35 jeep, around the hard of elephants, leaving no space for them, approaching till 2 or 3 meters, cutting their way. It was really awful and crazy. Totally unrespectuous of the wild animals ...never more we will do that and for those who love and respect animals, we counsel to not go to this Hurulu awful park !

Amazing safari! Got to see many elephants, baby ones and a group of elephants etc. Loved it! ❤️❤️❤️😍😍

Dhilip is a very kind and knowledgeable man. It was exciting to see all the special birds and Dhilip knows all of their details. In general he had a good vibe and I enjoyed his company. The only point of improvement is that I did expect a much longer bird watching walk, to see more birds and also enjoy the natural surroundings more. I think the 40/50 USD is not worth the 2 hour walk we had. This might be different for others, but this is my opinion.

We met Dhilip during our stay in Haberana and straight away he leapt into action answering our questions and spotting birds! He took us on a great walk in the evening and we spotted around 20 species. During this walk Dhilip told us lots of tips on bird call recognition, bird behaviours and local stories too. The following morning we went for another bird walk and spotted around 40 species. Dhilip was very considerate of the wildlife and made sure we did not disturb anything. We even saw mating eagles. If you are interested in Sri Lankan bird species, meeting Dhilip is a must.

Dhilip is a great guide to the Habarana/Sigiriya area and if you're into birdwatching he is essential! His knowledge of the area and specifically the birds of Sri Lanka, is unrivaled. He is also a very fun and vibrant person to be around. Don't hesitate, and book a trip with Dhilip when you're around.

*Outstanding Ornithologist* Recently i had a bird trail With Dhilip de Alwis in the morning. It was, outstanding with his knowledge on birds and other animals. We spotted more than 50 species of birds within few hours and three were endemics. Explanation was par excellent with his knowledge of English... I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone and wish him good luck as well. Its really worth the money

Dhilip is a excellent guide for birdwatching in the Habarana area, lots of knowledge about local fauna. Also very pleasant and fun guy to be around with. I enjoyed my two birding days with him a lot!

Great Experience I had great experience doing a bird trail with Dhilip de Alwis. Before, i tried different guides for bird guiding from reputed hotels in and around Habarana and it was a real flop as their knowledge of English language especially when comes to explanation really bellow standard than what i expected. Dhilip was recommended to by another friend and this time i chose the right person as his knowledge on Aves and explanation on English was outstanding. Please note that he is an Ornithologist and not a wayside guide. He also conducts, island wide coverage as well...depends on his bookings, but he will recommend you to another knowledgeable Ornithologist if he is in such situation. I will  seek his knowledge again, sooner or later to discover the undiscovered speicies.... No doubt i recommend Dhilip, to any one who loves to spend time with nature and observe Aves...May be other species as well.. Its really worth the money... Roney Ousmand

I took an early morning walk with Dhilip on the far shore of Habarana lake. We spotted 21 bird species in about 1.5 hours. I wouldn't have spotted half of them without Dhilip, or known what they were. The highlights were a white- bellied sea eagle in flight, a grey-headed fish eagle and a stork-billed kingfish searching for prey, and two enormous owls. Dhilip is a real expert and great company too.

Kavudulla National Park is a dry zone forest with elephants for wildlife lovers, especially during the dry season when large elephant gatherings occur. Its serene landscapes, lush grasslands, and scenic reservoir make it ideal for a peaceful safari. Birdlife is abundant too, offering a rewarding experience for nature photographers. A must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, uncrowded Sri Lankan wilderness.

Kaudulla National Park was an incredible experience. We visited around midday and were the only ones there, which made it feel extra special. We saw a herd of about 25 elephants up close – absolutely breathtaking! The park is peaceful and perfect for wildlife spotting. A must-visit for nature lovers.

An unforgettable experience! Kaudulla National Park is absolutely beautiful. We saw dozens of elephants up close in their natural habitat. The safari was well-organized, and our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend visiting if you love wildlife and nature!

Incredible time on the elephant safari in this beautiful national park. It offered an unparalleled close-up view of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about wildlife conservation, making the experience both educational and memorable. I highly recommend this safari to anyone looking to connect with nature and witness the incredible beauty of elephants up close. A truly unforgettable adventure!

We had an amazing Safari today with an excellent guide! We saw almost 100 elephants and a range of different animals. The safari trucks treated the elephants with respect and they did not seem bothered by the visitors.

Highly recommend kawdulla national park.Make sure to travel in a way that does not disturb wildlife.best wildlife officeres service very quickly take the tikets taking more . More birds elephant's gathering you can look. I was my Spain tourist clients

I was very disappointed with this experience. The ticket price is quite high, and they promote it as a place where you can see many elephants — but in reality, we only saw one or two. When we asked the staff where the rest of the elephants were, they simply said they were ‘sleeping’. If they already know that most elephants rest during the early morning, why do they still charge full price and allow visitors during that time without any warning? In my opinion, it’s not worth visiting this place in the morning — you’re likely to pay a large amount and see almost nothing. Very disappointing and not transparent at all

We had an absolutely fantastic Safari experience with SMP Minneriya at Kawdulla National park. Our guide, Mr.Manjual was very passionate about his job and he made sure to show us as much wild animals as possible while respecting their boundaries. Not only that, he is very informative and had a good knowledge about wildlife. We managed to spot a herd of elephants, including a baby elephant with tusks, crossing the river which became the highlight of our safari experience. We were about to leave the national Park when we heard about sighting of a tusker that went into hiding. Mr.Manjual knowing his instinct drove us back right there where it was at and we became one of the luckiest to see that tusker up close. He is truly committed to his job and made sure we experienced that rare sighting before we leave. I highly recommend Mr.Manjula of SMP Minneriya for your Safari Experience!

I recently experienced an elephant safari tour at Minneriya with Manjula and it was truly unforgettable. From the moment we started, it was clear that he was not only knowledgeable but also deeply respectful of the wildlife. One of the standout moments was when we encountered a herd of elephants. He ensured that we observed them quietly and respectfully. He even stopped the engine to minimize any disturbance, allowing us to watch elephants in their natural habitat without causing them any stress. Highly recommending Manjula for anyone looking to have a memorable and respectful safari experience. Thank you for a memorable adventure!

I booked a half day tour in Hurulu Eco Park with the outstanding Mr Manjula. He provided the best experience i could’ve asked for and I highly recommend his business. He is a Minneriya local and has 12 years of experience as a tour guide. His knowledge of the local wildlife is vast and truly built upon respect and admiration. During my tour, I saw over 20 elephants ranging from 1 yr old to a very pregnant mother, and many species of endemic birds. Each encounter was very respectful as to minimize stress to the animals. He was easily the most thoughtful and patient jeep tour in the park.

We had an amazing experience with SMP Minneriya Safari. Our guide was incredibly helpful and friendly, providing detailed explanations throughout the journey. He was truly committed to making our safari unforgettable, going the extra mile to ensure we saw more elephants. His flexibility and dedication made the entire trip even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this safari to anyone looking for an exceptional wildlife experience in Minneriya.

We had an absolute delightful safari with SMP Minneriya😁 From the moment we started, the energy and enthusiasm of our guide made the trip feel extra special. He was not only super friendly but also incredibly informative, sharing amazing facts and making sure we spotted as many Animals as possible. His dedication and cheerful nature turned a great trip into an unforgettable adventure❤️‍🔥. We laughed, and we loved every moment. Highly recommend this safari for anyone looking to truly enjoy the beauty of Minneriya’s wildlife!🥳

Amazing Safari in Kaudulla National Park by Manjula!! Was advised to go to Kaudulla National Park and definitely great advice as was able to see peacocks, birds, deers, monkeys and over 20 elephants. Was super friendly, and informative letting us know facts about the different animals. Slowing down not to scare animals and help us take pictures. Highly recommend to others and Thank you :)

I had the pleasure to take a wildlife safari to hurulu eco park with smp minneriya jeep safari. The guide did an excellent job guiding us through giving lots of information and making sure we had as many and rare elephant sightings. Highly recommended!

A night safari to Paluguswewa As planned, Pradeep with his friend naturalist Amal picked Murali and me up at 8 p.m. in his Toyota Land cruiser BJ43, a 1978 model beast he purchased from the military auction. As we boarded the vehicle, Amal equipped us with powerful spotlights and night vision goggles. Amal was scanning both sides of the mud path with his red-filtered lights, and the first encounter was with a pair of glowing eyes at a distance. He identified it as a fishing cat. We got down from the jeep and moved slowly in the direction. Sensing our presence, it started driving back; we could see the glowing eyes moving farther. After a few minutes of waiting, we started again. As we ventured deeper into the safari, we encountered nightjars, a jungle cat, packs of jackals, and a crocodile resting on the mud path, which vanished in a few seconds, sensing our presence, roosting grey hornbill and other birds. The most magical moment was when we saw the glowing eyes of a grey slender loris, the first time in my life. We got out of the vehicle slowly and tried to locate it without making noise, but it was moving away and deep. We waited silently, tracking its path with the red filter spotlight. Suddenly, a few alarm calls from spotted deer shivered down our spines, and we started moving. After a while, Amal screamed to stop the vehicle, noticing a pair of sparkling eyes in the dark again. We got down and walked with cat steps to the area; down the mud path in the tall grass, we saw another loris on a small isolated tree and could move near. The shy mammal hid inside the leaves, and we waited silently without moving. Then it came out slowly, and we could click a few pictures. We returned to our hotel by 2 a.m. Thanks to Piyumal Pradeep and Amal for the unforgettable experience of witnessing the mysteries of nature unfold under the cover of darkness.

A very beautiful and calming place. One of the best getaways for an amazing trip

It was a really fascinating experience. I enjoyed it very much

(Translated by Google) A great time discovering the different bird species of central Sri Lanka! He is passionate! If you like to exchange and spend a moment of discovery in nature, don’t hesitate! THANKS! (Original) Un super moment à découvrir les différentes espèces d oiseaux du centre du Sri Lanka ! Il est passionné ! Si vous aimez échanger et passez un moment de découverte dans la nature n’hésitez Pas! Merci!

(Translated by Google) Night safari to do during your stay in the area! We feel small in the face of nature and darkness Amal is a great guide, he is precise, gentle and accommodating I recommend! (Original) Night safari à faire pendant votre séjour dans le coin! On se sent petit face à la nature et l’obscurité Amal est un super guide, il est précis, doux et arrangeant Je recommande!

(Translated by Google) The team was exceptional, whether during the tour or at sunset, they even offered us cold beers, which were really great. (Original) L'équipe à été exceptionnelle que ce soit pendant le tour ou le sunset il nous on même proposé des bières fraîches franchement génial