Yala National Park
★ 4.6🇱🇰 YalaSuggested visit Half a dayBest season February to June, when dry-season animals gather at water
WildlifeNational parkNature
Sri Lanka's best-known national park, famous for one of the densest leopard populations anywhere.
Overview
In south-eastern Sri Lanka and covering about 979 square kilometres, Yala holds dry scrub jungle, grassland, lagoons and coastline. Its Sri Lankan leopard population is said to be the densest in the world, alongside elephants, sloth bears, sambar and more than 200 bird species. Visits are by 4x4 at dawn or dusk, and the park also contains ancient Buddhist ruins and fishing villages.
History
Declared a sanctuary in 1900 and a national park in 1938, it is among the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka.
Highlights
- •Leopard spotting
- •Elephants and sambar deer
- •Lagoons and coastal scenery
- •The ancient Buddhist ruins inside
Practical tips
- •Entry is with a licensed guide and 4x4 only
- •Early morning gives the best odds; bring water and sun protection
Practical information
- Best time
- February-June
- Tickets
- Park and vehicle fees from about LKR 10,000
- Opening hours
- 6:00-18:00 (morning and afternoon blocks)
- Local food
- Sri Lankan curry, rice noodles, coconut roti
- Getting around
- About 30 minutes by road from Tissamaharama to the park gate.
- Visa
- A visa is required; an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is available.
Traveller reviews
…