Journey Into Yala National Park: Discover Sri Lanka's Wildlife

Yala National Park, the second-largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka, is located around 100 miles from Galle in the southeast corner of the island. The park is home to a large number of leopards, making it the greatest spot on the planet to witness these incredible creatures. Additionally, huge herds of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species may all be found in this enormous reserve, which is a twitcher's dream. With careful preparation, a safari to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, will be the most memorable experience you will ever have. Here is all you need to know about this renowned national park in Sri Lanka.

Where is Yala National Park?

Yala National Park is situated in the southeast of Sri Lanka, spanning a sizable chunk of the lowland dry zone. Covering an area of approximately 979 square kilometers, Yala is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park is divided into five blocks, with block 1 being the most visited area for safari trips. Animals are free to move around the blocks, yet there is no guarantee that visitors can catch sight of them. This is due to their patterns changing depending on the weather, the time of year when they mate, or even the migratory routes of deer.

Yala National Park was once a hunting area for the British royal family. It became a nature sanctuary in 1900 and a national park in 1938.

Yala National Park is situated in the southeast of Sri Lanka

How to Reach Yala National Park

Travelers may reach Yala National Park in two major ways:

• By Air: Traveling by air is probably the fastest way to get to Yala National Park. The nearest airport to Yala National Park is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), located about 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.
• By Road: Yala is well-connected by road to major cities in Sri Lanka. The most common route is from Colombo, the capital city, which is approximately 300 kilometers away. The journey by car or bus takes around 5-6 hours via the Southern Expressway (E01) and the A2 coastal road. Alternatively, you can travel from the city of Galle, which is about 180 kilometers away and takes around 3-4 hours by road.

The Best Time to Visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala is open all year round, however, the time of year will affect your chances of viewing some species. The best time to visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, is from February to July, during the dry season, when animals gather around waterholes and leopard sightings are most frequent. In August, the Palu trees bear fruit, making it easier to spot sloth bears that love to eat this fruit.

The wet months of November through January and April are not suitable for spotting wildlife. Especially, you are far less likely to spot a leopard during the wet season, because they dislike the rain and will hide in caves. However, visiting in the wet season has its distinctive charm, with lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, offering a more serene and exclusive experience.

November to April are the best months for bird enthusiasts to witness a wide diversity of bird species, as these months are migrating bird season.

The best time to visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park Accommodations

There are a lot of options for accommodations near Yala National Park. If you can afford it, the luxury camps will spoil you and make sure you have an exciting vacation. For travelers with tighter travel budgets, we've rounded up other options that you may be interested in. Rest assured that these accommodations, whether expensive or affordable, will bring you a comfortable stay during your journey.

Here are our recommendations for accommodations for your upcoming journey to Yala National Park:

• Uga Chena Huts
• Wild Coast Lodge
• Cinnamon Wild Yala
• Wild Trails Yala by Suri
• Jetwing Yala
• Camp Leopard
• Moon Light Guest House
• Village Mango Resort Yala
• Lavender Home Yala

The Best Beaches Near Yala National Park

After exploring the wilderness of Yala Sri Lanka, you might want to unwind on some of Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches nearby:

Kataragama Beach

Located just south of Yala, this beach offers a tranquil environment with golden sands and calm waters, perfect for relaxation after a day of safari.

Arugam Bay

Approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Yala, Arugam Bay is a world-renowned surfing destination. Arugam Bay boasts golden sands, the best surfing in Sri Lanka, mesmerizing sunsets, beachfront accommodations, and an overall sense of well-being. All the gorgeous features of the bay ignite a strong desire to extend your stay. This charming little place easily draws you into its relaxed way of life.

Kirinda Beach

Kirinda Beach is located in Kirinda, a quaint little village on Sri Lanka's southeast coast, about 30 kilometers from Yala. This peaceful beach is a great spot for visitors to enjoy the choppy seas, interesting rock formations, and breathtaking views of the surrounding area. If the sea is calm enough, you can swim or simply stroll along the coast and enjoy the lovely ambiance. Additionally, the beach provides a glimpse into the daily lives of local fishing communities.

The best beaches near Yala National Park

Discover The Yala Wildlife: What Yala National Park Has To Offer

Go On a Safari Tour

Yala National Park safari is the most popular activity for visitors, as this is home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Some of the park's notable residents include:

• Leopards: Yala is famed for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. These elusive predators are a highlight for many visitors.
• Elephants: The park hosts a significant population of Sri Lankan elephants, which can often be seen grazing in herds or bathing in waterholes.
• Birds: With over 215 bird species recorded, Yala is a birdwatcher's paradise. Notable species include the flamboyant peacock, the majestic serpent eagle, and a variety of migratory birds.
• Other Mammals: Sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boars, and water buffalo are also found in the Yala National Park.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Yala's wetlands and water bodies are teeming with crocodiles, while the park's forested areas house various snake species and frogs.

A safari tour in Yala National Park

Visit Sithulpawwa Temple

Visitors can't miss visiting the old Sithulpawwa Temple when they're on a journey in Yala National Park. Tucked away within the park, this is a prominent Buddhist monastery that dates back more than 2,000 years. In addition to being a place of spirituality, the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You should visit the temple at sunrise, and the 5 a.m. start time was worthwhile! You will be in awe of the captivating vistas and the serene atmosphere of the temple at dawn. In addition, the experience includes a trip through the park to reach the temple, so it's like getting another safari! 

Enjoy Beach Walks

Surrounding Yala National Park is an incredibly gorgeous and largely unspoiled shoreline. Although the beaches are not suitable for swimming, they provide a serene escape from the untamed landscape of the park. Visitors should simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the golden sandy beaches by taking a leisurely stroll down, having a picnic, or relaxing and taking in the sunset.

In conclusion, Yala National Park is an unmissable attraction if you're about to travel to Sri Lanka. The journey promises an unforgettable encounter with Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife, in addition to the serenity that the Yala landscapes offer. From the elusive leopards and majestic elephants to the vibrant birdlife, every moment in this natural sanctuary is filled with wonder and discovery.

To begin your adventure, securing a Sri Lanka visa is essential. By visiting the Sri Lanka Immigration Services website, you can swiftly obtain your travel permit, ensuring a seamless and memorable exploration of this renowned national park.