Kaudulla National Park

Minneriya's quieter neighbor shares the same herds. Around September many elephants move across to the Kaudulla tank, another of the irrigation reservoirs credited to King Mahasen, in search of water and grazing, so a late-season trip here can deliver the gathering experience after Minneriya thins out. It usually draws fewer jeeps, which makes it the better choice if you want to sit with a family group and watch calves play without a ring of engines around you. The herds move between the two parks, so ask your driver which one they are using that week rather than booking one park blind.