In addition to the ancient palaces and temple ruins, Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle is rich in biodiversity, with a stunning collection of nature reserves. In addition to the Minneriya Reserve, Kaudulla National Park is a hotspot for wildlife in the North Central Plains, particularly during the elephant season. The park serves as a migratory stop for animal gatherings, with elephants gathering around the Kaudulla rainwater tank. The tank itself is a historic centrepiece, commissioned by King Mahasen as a part of a 3rd-century irrigation network.
Primarily a dry evergreen forest, the park is home to flora and fauna unique to the island, from rusty-spotted cats to sambar deer. A range of birds and aquatic creatures can also be found at the park, including Asian spoonbills and Indian black turtles.