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Yala National Park

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Yala National Park Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-3 days

Best Time: February - July Read More

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Yala National Park Travel Packages

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7 Days / 6 Nights

Experience the Best Of Sri Lanka with Yala Nati...

Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Bentota(1N) → Yala National Park(2N) → Colombo(1N)

$456/person

10 Days / 9 Nights

A Complete Tour Of Ethereal Sri Lanka - Super S...

Colombo(1N) → Dambulla(2N) → Kandy(2N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Yala National Park(2N) → Galle(1N)

$764/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Amazing Sri Lankan Wildlife Adventure in 6 Nights

Colombo(0N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Yala National Park(1N) → Bentota(1N) → Colombo(1N)

$ 632

8% off

$576/person

6 Days / 5 Nights

Sri Lanka Wildlife & Heritage Tour Package

Colombo(0N) → Yala National Park(1N) → Udawalawe National Park(1N) → Horton Plains National Park(1N) → Kandy(2N)

$ 410

9% off

$370/person

8 Days / 7 Nights

Pleasing Sri Lanka Honeymoon Package with Yala

Colombo(0N) → Kandy(2N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Yala National Park(1N) → Galle(1N) → Bentota(2N)

$ 521

16% off

$436/person

7 Days / 6 Nights

Amazing Sri Lanka Family Package Including Snor...

Colombo(0N) → Kandy(1N) → Nuwara Eliya(1N) → Yala National Park(1N) → Hikkaduwa(2N) → Colombo(1N)

$ 474

13% off

$410/person

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"Highest population of leopards in the world!"

Yala National Park Tourism

Sprawled over 979 square kilometres, Yala National Park in southeast Sri Lanka is the nation’s largest and most-visited wildlife conservation zone. As Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, Yala shelters a vast area of unspoiled jungles, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean. It is home to the highest population of leopards on the planet, alongside Sri Lankan elephants, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.

Yala National Park is sectioned into five blocks, and there are eco-friendly campsites everywhere. The fascinating thing about hiking here is discovering the park’s diverse terrain, which includes marine wetlands, deciduous and thorn forests, and freshwater lakes and ponds, mainly composed of Precambrian-era metamorphic rocks.

A large section of the park is covered by marshes and sandy beaches, where families enjoy picnics and swimming. Further inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery where caves display centuries-old rock paintings. Magul Vihara is another pilgrimage site within the park displaying ancient ruins. The best way to enjoy a Yala National Park tour is to take Jeep safaris with a driver, but you can blaze your own trails with bicycles. Yala National Park remains closed for rejuvenation for six weeks from 1 September to 15 October every year.

1. Jeep Safari

The park is is split into five sectors and out of these only two are open to visitors. The safari rides last nearly 5 hours and will take you on a wildlife experience of a lifetime! The thrill exists (Read More)in unexpectedly coming across animals in the wild, in their habitat. You never know what you could find here! A typical jeep safari can accommodate up to 6 people in one jeep, excluding the driver and guide.

Patanangala Beach is a scenic coastal area where the Indian Ocean meets Yala National Park. It is a restricted zone, meaning visitors can only admire it from a safe distance due to strong currents and (Read More) the presence of wildlife. The beach is a key habitat for migratory birds and nesting turtles, adding to Yala’s biodiversity. Large rock formations and golden sands create a picturesque landscape, making it a great spot for photography. In 2004, Patanangala Beach was heavily impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami, and a memorial was later built to honor the lives lost.

3. Bird Watching

Yala is home to over 200 species of birds, including painted storks, egrets, pelicans, and hornbills. Wetland areas and lagoons attract flamingos, spoonbills, and herons, especially during the migrato (Read More)ry season (November–April). Raptors like the crested serpent eagle and white-bellied sea eagle can be seen soaring above the park. Birdwatching is best done in early mornings, when birds are most active. The diversity of habitats, from grasslands to coastal marshes, makes Yala a birdwatcher’s paradise.

4. Camping

Yala offers unique accommodation experiences, from basic tented camps to luxury glamping resorts. Staying overnight in the wilderness provides a chance to hear nocturnal wildlife, including owls, cive (Read More)ts, and even leopards. Many camps offer night safaris, allowing visitors to spot rarely-seen animals. Eco-friendly lodges ensure minimal environmental impact while providing a comfortable stay. The best camping spots are along the Menik Ganga River, surrounded by pristine nature. A campfire under the stars, combined with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, makes for a memorable experience.

5. Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery located within Yala National Park, dating back over 2,000 years. It is believed to have housed thousands of monks, making it an important center for medita (Read More)tion and learning. The temple is built atop a rocky hill, offering panoramic views of Yala’s wilderness and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can see ancient cave inscriptions, Buddha statues, and stupa ruins scattered around the area. The temple is still active, with monks residing there and performing daily rituals.

6. Magul Maha Viharaya

Magul Maha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple within Yala, believed to date back to the 2nd century BC. According to legend, it was built for the wedding ceremony of King Kavantissa and Queen Viha (Read More)ramahadevi, the parents of King Dutugemunu. The site contains ancient ruins, including a stupa, moonstone carvings, and stone pillars. It is surrounded by thick forests, giving it a mystical and secluded atmosphere. The temple is home to monkeys, peacocks, and other wildlife, making it a unique blend of history and nature. Many visitors stop here during a safari to explore Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage.

Must Know Before You Travel to Yala National Park

Yala Jeep Safari Cost (including 1 jeep and a group of up to 6 people and free hotel pickup from within the Tissamaharama area. Entry tickets not included):
Block 1 (Palatupana) - Half-day: LKR 16,900
Block 1 (Palatupana) - Full-day: LKR 28,100
Block 1 (Katagamuwa) - Half-day: LKR 16,900
Block 1 (Katagamuwa) - Full-day: LKR 28,100
Blocks 4&5 (Galge) - Half-day: LKR 19,800
Blocks 4&5 (Galge) - Full-day: LKR 29,700
The Safari can be booked from the official website - https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/yala-safari-ride/
Yala National Park Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Safari Timings:
Morning Safari: 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Afternoon Safari: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Full Day Safari: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
There are five different blocks in 5 different regions of Yala. Only blocks 1, 4 and 5 of Yala National Park are accessible to visitors, which have gates in the Palatupana and Katagamuwa
Read more about Safari at Yala National Park
Entrance: Tissamaharama city is the only entrance to the wildlife park.
Yala National Park remains closed for rejuvenation for six weeks from 1 September to 15 October every year. However, check the official website for updates.
Accommodation inside the park: Yala offers accommodation at 4 different locations inside the park. These can be booked for up to 10 people and for 3 consecutive days. The bungalows can be booked through the official website - https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/bungalow-rates.html

(Read More)

Top Hotels In Yala National Park

More on Yala National Park Travel

Wildlife at Yala National Park

Yala National Park is home to the largest number of leopards in the world. The park is also home to many elephants and deers that freely roam about in the vicinity of tourists. It is easy to spot them amidst your safari or any other tour. You might even witness the Sri Lankan Sloth bear in its natural habitat if you are lucky.

When it comes to birds, the national park has over 215 species. With a mix of migrating birds, endemic birds, and national park-bred birds, this national park is filled with various colourful and different species of birds. For this reason, Yala National Park is considered to be one of the 70 most Important Bird Areas (IBA) in the world.

In the list of reptiles are a wide variety of snakes (including water snakes) and lizards which are endemic. Yala National park is also very important because it aims to preserve freshwater aquatic life. There are more than 20 types of fish bred here. Crabs and prawns are also seen frequently here.

Restaurants and Local food at Yala National Park

Here are a few most sought-after restaurants in the area -

Orchid Restaurant: This restaurant serves some of the best fish curries in the area! You will love the spread during the buffet, which consists of a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.
The Grand Gala Restaurant: If Sri Lankan local cuisine is on your mind, head to this place. Their service is even better than their marvellous food.
Smoky Kitchen: A unique way to spend the evening is by spending time in their live cooking session, where they will cook your favourite dish in front of you. The food is reasonably priced, and the atmosphere here is fantastic!

Flora at Yala National Park

The vast land area of Yala National Park, being home to such a massive number of plants, animals, and birds, also supports several ecosystems on its own. The ecosystems vary over a number of types because the national park is a culmination of different types of lands and water bodies.

Including dry and wet monsoon forests, the national park also has marine wetlands, deciduous forests and thorny forests and even sandy beaches. The trees are, thus, from a variety of species like mangroves and others that support the endemic species of the forests. The Yala National Park has been divided into four blocks - all consisting of different species of plants, trees, and vegetation. Some of these blocks are out of bounds for the common public, while others remain open for safari tours.

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FAQs on Yala National Park

What is the best time to visit Yala national park?

Although it is considered to be a year-round destination, people often say that best sightseeing can be done during the dry season from February to June because during this time the water level is lower and animals come out in open in search for water. Although the park is closed during September month for maintenance. April is known to be Tamil new year and therefore you'll find a lot of families gathering near beaches of Ayala. It's the best time as all around you'll find temples being decorated.
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What are the places near Yala national park?

The top places near to Yala national park are Galle which is 154 km from Yala national park, Colombo which is located 195 km from Yala national park, Kandy which is located 138 km from Yala national park, Nuwara eliya which is located 101 km from Yala national park, Sigiriya which is located 189 km from Yala national park

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Yala National Park

Yala National Park Travel Essentials

Yala National Park Travel Packages

Experience the Best Of Sri Lanka with Yala Nati...

A Complete Tour Of Ethereal Sri Lanka - Super S...

Amazing Sri Lankan Wildlife Adventure in 6 Nights

Sri Lanka Wildlife & Heritage Tour Package

Pleasing Sri Lanka Honeymoon Package with Yala

Amazing Sri Lanka Family Package Including Snor...

"Highest population of leopards in the world!"

Yala National Park Tourism