The newest national park and wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka, Kaudulla National Park, was established in 2002 and is the country’s newest eco-tourism destination. On the Habarana-Trincomalee route, Kaudulla is about 6 kilometers from the Gal Oya Junction and is conveniently close to the Cultural Triangle. The park gets its name from being close to the famous Kaudalla Tank, built by the legendary King Mahasena. Jeep safaris are the most popular method of visiting the park, and the ideal months to do so are August to December, since during those months the park is home to over 250 elephants. The park has also built a 6656-hectare elephant corridor between Minneriya National Park and the Somawathie Chaitya. In total, 24 animal species, 25 reptile species, and 160 species of birds live in the park’s dry evergreen woods. Visitors to Kaudulla love to see the endangered rusty spotted cat, fishing cats, sloth bears, and leopards.