Kaudulla National Park

This national park is evidently highly famous with birdwatchers who rush to its limits to look in astonishment at the multicolored spectacle before their eyes. It is one of the most significant sites in Sri Lanka for birds. Although most tourists come to see the birds that whirl over their heads in the beautiful blue sky, Kaudulla is also home to a variety of huge creatures. Elephants, sloth bears, Sri Lankan leopards, deer, and wild boar may be spotted wandering the woodlands, while lovely lorises dangle from the trees on each side.

The variety of wildlife and vegetation that draws birds to the region is owing to King Mahasen, who set aside the park's territory as a water supply for his people back in the 3rd Century AD! When the irrigation tanks were ultimately removed sixty years ago, wildlife soon sprang up around the water source, and the area was gratefully designated as a national park in 2002. As you can see, history abounds across this lovely nation.

Location: North Central province, Sri Lanka