Yala National Park is one of the best places to encounter wildlife in its natural habitat. This beautiful tract of nature offers a memorable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
About Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, spanning over 979 square kilometres. The park features five blocks, but only two of them are open to visitors.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including 44 species of mammals, over 200 species of birds, and many reptiles and amphibians.
When to visit
The best time to visit Yala National Park is between February and July, the dry season. During this time, animals gather around water sources, which makes them easier to spot.
However, keep in mind that the park is closed for one month, from September to October, due to the heavy rains in the monsoon season.
The park also gets packed during the peak season, so make sure to book your safari and accommodation in advance.
In terms of accommodation, you have a great many choices in the region. The ones located close to the park are almost always high in demand, which is reflected in the prices. So, if you are someone who wants well-curated comforts at an affordable price, you should consider one of Tangalle hotels – the likes of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, for example, are excellent alternatives for those who want to participate in nature retreats.
Do you need a guide?
Whether or not you need a guide ultimately comes down to personal preference. While you don’t really need a guide to visit Yala National Park, you should think of hiring a guide if this is your first time.
An experienced and knowledgeable guide can offer valuable insights into the park’s wildlife and help you spot animals that you can easily miss on your own. A guide will also know the best times and locations to spot different species, which will make the safari experience much more enjoyable.
Animals
The park provides a sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the species you can see here include the Sri Lankan elephant, sloth bear, water buffalo, spotted deer, sambar deer, and wild boar. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, the national bird of Sri Lanka.
However, the most famous attraction of Yala National Park is undoubtedly its leopards. The park has the highest density of leopards in the world, which makes it an ideal destination for seeing them.
Leopard sightings
Leopards are notoriously elusive animals, and sighting one in the wild is a rare and exciting experience.
Yala National Park offers one of the best opportunities to spot these elusive big cats. The best time to see leopards is during the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. If you want to see them, you have to be patient and keep your eyes peeled, as leopards are skilled at hiding in the park’s dense foliage. This is where a guide can help you – an experienced guide can help you identify signs of a leopard’s presence, like tracks or scratch marks on trees.
How many days should you spend here?
To fully experience Yala National Park’s wildlife and beauty, you should spend at least two days in the park. This will allow you to go on multiple safaris and increase your chances of seeing different species of animals.
Many tour operators offer multi-day safari packages that include transportation, accommodation, and meals. These packages are a convenient way to experience the park as they allow you to focus solely on enjoying the park’s wildlife.
How to get to Yala National Park
The most common way to get to Yala National Park is by car or taxi. Many tour operators also offer private transfers to and from the park.
If you are travelling on a budget, there are also public buses that run from nearby towns to the park entrance. However, the bus schedule can be unpredictable, and the journey can take several hours.
Another option is to rent a car or scooter but keep in mind that the roads in Sri Lanka can be challenging, and driving may not be the safest option for everyone.
Safari options
Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore Yala National Park. Most tour operators offer half-day or full-day jeep safaris, and some even offer overnight camping safaris.
Walking safaris are also available, but they are only allowed in certain areas of the park and require special permits.
For those who love birds, birdwatching tours are available, and you can tailor these to specific species or areas of the park.
Cultural attractions near Yala National Park
Sri Lanka is also known for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors to Yala National Park have the opportunity to explore nearby cultural attractions, like the ancient city of Tissamaharama and the Kataragama temple complex. Tissamaharama is a historic city that was once the capital of the Kingdom of Ruhuna.
The Kataragama temple complex is a significant religious site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, and it attracts thousands of pilgrims each year.
Both of these cultural attractions are located within a short drive of Yala National Park, meaning you can add them to your safari itinerary.
