Yala National Park is one of the most famous and prominent national parks in Sri Lanka. The park covers over a hundred square kilometers in the island’s southeastern part. It hosts some wild animals as well as many natural landscapes. The distance from Colombo to Yala National Park is about 300 km. You can travel from Colombo to Yala by taxi, which takes 6 to 7 hours.

Bref History of Yala National Park.

The largest national park of Sri Lanka, having an area of more than 970 Km2, is Yala National Park, also called Ruhuna National Park. It is a national park built by the British colonial administration as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and declared official in 1938.

Attractions in Yala National Park.

This park has five blocks; only the first and fifth blocks are open to tourists. Many tourists come to Yala to see leopards, which are endemic to Sri Lanka. But you don’t get a chance to see leopards every day. Even a safari jeep driver is very interested and tries to show the leopards to the tourists.

June and July can be pointed out as the best time to watch leopards. Due to the hot weather in those months, many animals, including leopards, visited the first and fifth blocks as the water level in Yala Park decreased.

Apart from this, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles are seen more often. Yala is a birdwatcher’s paradise as more than two hundred species have been recorded in Yala Park. Painted storks are often seen along with black ibis, gray herons, and greater flamingos.

Although many tourists come to see the animals, Yala National Forest has beautiful beaches.

How can you find a Safari Jeep?

One can find safari jeeps at the entrance of Yala National Park. It seems that several private companies rent safari jeeps. The jeep comes with a safari guide. Prices are also determined based on the safari’s duration and the jeep’s size and amenities. They advise that booking in advance is advisable during peak periods.

How long does Safari last?

The park is open from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm. Here, safaris are done in two ways. Full-day safari and half-day safari. 6.00 am to 5.00 pm or 6.00 pm for the whole day. Half-day safaris are conducted between 6.00 am and 10.30 am or 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm. You can discuss it with the safari jeep providers and book a most convinius time for you.

You can get the entry tickets from the Yala Park ticket counter.

Pay attention

• Yala National Park closes every year from August to September. Before you place the Yala safari, Please check that.
• The park has banned products containing plastic. Avoid carrying any plastic-related products.
• Tourists are prohibited from feeding wild animals.
• The law prohibits individuals from blowing their horns or making loud noises that disturb the park’s animals or other visitors.
• Visitors should also know the many things to bring to Yala National Park and the many things not to get and leave home. Here are some suggested items for guests to bring:
• The park can be hot during the day, and the sun is powerful, so use sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun.

Other places to see while in Yala, Sri Lanka.

Although Yala National Park is the main reason for coming to this place, many other places of interest can be visited in Yala. Here are several of the most common:

Kataragama.

Near Yala National Park is a place of pilgrimage. The followers of Hinduism and Buddhism visit it.

Bundala National Park. 

Another ecological sanctuary near Yala National Park is called Bundala National Park. Many bird species, such as the giant flamingo, live in it.

Kirinda.

The small town that lies near Yala National Park. Its coastal landscape and ancient Buddhist temple make it popular.

Don’t hesitate to Contact Us for further information about Yala National Park and other areas.