Why to visit Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most famous wildlife sanctuary of Sri Lanka, well known for its unique wildlife. Spanning over 979 square kilometers, Yala is home to dozens of species such as leopards, elephants, and different types of birds enabling visitors to witness Sri Lankan beauty and its biodiversity at its finest.
What’s Unique With Yala National Park
- Varied Wildlife: One of the most coveted national parks in the world is Yala National Park because it houses exotic animals such as Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, crocodiles and a wide range of birds’
- Remarkable Breathtaking Yala Landscapes: Yala National Park is further divided into three distinct geographical. Yala's dense forests, wetlands, grasslands and coastal regions provide unique panoramic views that elevate the safari experience to another level.
- Elephant Watching: Amongst the other types of wildlife, You can encounter elephants as one of the wildlife creatures of Sri Lanka. Yala is famous for its locals appreciating elephants especially during the dry seasons. Sri Lankan elephants are often seen in herds roaming near water bodies.
- Bird Watching Paradise: The Yala boost in over 200 species of birds, those which are non-native of the region include migratory birds. Such diversity makes it a true paradise to birdwatchers.
Activities at Yala National Park
- Safari Tours: If you want to see leopards, elephants and other forms of wildlife, then the best option is to take a jeep safari tour along with a local guide.
- Visit the Ruins: Yala contains ancient Buddhist sites, including temples and caves that mosaic Sri Lankan history.
- Photography and Birdwatching: Explore your camera for park life and stunning scenery or observe the many bird species.
- Relish Coastal Views: Yala contains a stretch of coast and several places where you can relax and take in the beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Unknown Facts About Yala National Park
- Yala is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, covering over 1,000 square kilometers.
- There are approximately 25-30 leopards in Yala, making it the park with the world's highest concentration of leopards.
- Yala National Park has five blocks, but only Block 1 is open for people.
- The park's history dates back to the early 20th century: in 1900 it was declared a wildlife sanctuary.
Entry Fee
- Foreigners: $15 approximately
- Sri Lankan Citizens: LKR 1,500 approximately
- Jeep Safari Costs: $30 - $60 USD, depending on the duration of the safari.
Timing
Open Daily: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Best time for wildlife sighting: either early morning or late afternoon).
Average Time to Explore
4 - 6 hours: A half-day safari is usually enough to take you to the main attractions in Yala. The safari may also be full-day.
Distances from Major Locations
- Colombo - 290km (5-6 hour drive).
- Hambantota - 40km (1-hour drive).
- Kataragama - 25km (40-minute drive).
Nearby Attractions
- Kataragama Temple - 25km.
- Tissamaharama - 30km.
- Bundala National Park - 50km.
- Wewurukannala Vihara - 35km.
