Yala National Park

The second largest national park found in the southeast side of the island hugging the Indian ocean, is none other than the famous Yala National Park. Visited by many to experience the untamed wildlife. You can be a lover of nature or someone who is exploring wildlife for the first time. Whatever the cause is Yala would teach you the wondrous secrets and purpose of life through nature. It’s a knowledge and experience found in no other place and any adventurer would know they have come to the right place to explore.

Yala was established in 1900 as a wildlife sanctuary and became a national park in 1938. It is located 260 kilometers from Colombo and is rich in wildlife. The park is most famous for Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards and Aquatic Birds. Back in time it  was used as a hunting ground by the British. Yala is home for 44 different kinds of mammals and 215 bird species.  The park consists of five blocks and three of them are open to the public now.

Let us take you on a journey and tell you why a visit to this place would be an experience you wouldn’t want to miss out on.

With its historical ruins, cave paintings, and Buddhist monasteries, Yala also is known for its  rich cultural heritage. Yala National Park has something to offer everyone, whether they are seeking adventure, nature’s  beauty, or historical significance. The park can be explored by going on a jeep safari, taking a walk or camping out beneath the stars. Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise, and if you enjoy viewing animals in the wild, a safari must be included on your trip there.

Yala National Park Safari

Take a ride on those safari Jeeps and explore what Yala has got to offer you. If you’re looking for a unique wildlife experience  you will learn alot with the help of knowledgeable guides on the tour. The jeep is capable of taking up to 6 passengers and the open air jeeps would give you a better view of the grasslands and the animals. You can also decide as to how long you want to explore, it could be customized to a selected number of hours half day or even full day. Jeep safaris can also be booked online.

The educated staff who would accompany you on this journey will give you a clear insight on the animals, birds or any other wildlife factors you would encounter. Normally morning hours are recommended as the best hour to visit. You would also be able to encounter animals such as elephants deers even leopards in the afternoon as well.  Booking a safari in Yala National Park offers the finest opportunity to encounter the famous Sri Lankan leopards.

The safari would turn out to be the best experience you will have and many who visited have said the Sri Lankan Leopard was one of its main attractions of the park. If you are a bird lover this is the place for you as well, since it consists of more than 200 species.  Having a tour Guide to show you around would benefit you in many ways; they can serve as unique keys to unlock the mysteries of the park. You can be assured that the Guides would show you the deep wisdoms of wildlife all that nature has in store which you could take back with you.

What are the animals you will encounter in Yala National Park?

The Sri Lankan Leopard

“Panthera Pardus Kotiya” or the Sri Lankan Leopard are  found in a higher amount at Yala than you can find in any part of the world. Known as the ‘lords of the jungle’ are a majestic sight to behold. They are normally spotted in the morning hours or at dusk. Deer and wild boars are their source of meals. They are also considered to be an endangered species.

Sri Lankan Elephants

There are about 300 to 350 odd Sri Lankan Elephants living here. They are considered to be the largest among asian elephants and live up to 60 years. These giant creatures are actually easy to spot and you will be able to encounter them any time during your journey. Due to various reasons such as poaching and extinction they are also considered an endangered species. 

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

The Sri Lankan Sloth Bear is another popular animal found in Yala National Park. Sloth bears are mainly dependent on nature for their food source; they normally consume insects, nuts or berries. They are normally known to be shy in nature and are mostly spotted in the months of May and June. Spotting one of these black furry creatures would fill any traveler with excitement.

Toque Macaque Monkeys

It is guaranteed that you will spot them while you explore Yala. They are also known by the name “rilawa” and are considered to be world famous.  They are known to be highly social animals and are normally found in groups of 40.

Fishing Cat

These beauties got their names due to their constant habit of wondering around water bodies where they indulge in catching fish as their food source.  Their unique beauty could be seen in their striped and velvety skin. If you are lucky enough you will be able to spot them!

Yala also consists of many other amazing creatures such as wild peacocks, crocodiles, monitor lizards, blue-tailed bee-eaters and many more. Keep an eye out for  endemic bird species, watch and learn as you enjoy observing each one of them.

What is the weather like in Yala?

Despite appearing lush and green, Yala sits in a hot, semi-arid climate, particularly during the monsoon season. Temperature rises from 260 C to 300C. Yala experiences most of its rainfall during the North-east monsoon season which normally occurs from September to December. Make sure you come prepared for the humid climate and bring items such as hats, plenty of water, sunglasses and other items required for the heat.

Entrance fee for Yala National park

There is an entrance ticket charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) for all those visiting. Ticket prices are normally based on the number of foreign adults, local adults, children and per jeep that would be required based on the crowd. The park is normally crowded during the peak seasons.

Foreign Adult (12+)

$25 during Peak season and $20 during off peak season

Foreign Child (6-12)

$15 during Peak season and $10 during off peak season

Local Adults (12+) are charged 100 rs and Local Child (6-12) is charged 50 rs.

Ways to reach Yala

Yala national park is located in the southern region of the country and 260 km from Colombo. You could use the Mattala international Airport to reach the park easily which is about 40 kilometers from the airport. Therefore the fastest way you could reach the national park is by air. Taking a bus might tire you out sometimes since direct buses are not available from Colombo to Yala and it would take you a total of 7 to 8 hours. Direct trains are not available to Yala either. The best option is to take a taxi and it would take you about five hours to travel from Colombo. Most of the tourists stay in an accommodation overnight and visit the park the next day.

Best time to visit Yala National Park

The months of January, February, March, May, June and July are the months considered to have good weather. Most of the time the temperature is high from October to December and are considered to be the rainiest months. During the dry months it is easy to spot the animals since they come in search of water. Fortunately, the park is open all year round, and rates are considerably lower during the off seasons. If you are a lover of nature and lush green scenery  the park is more beautiful during the months of January, March, May and June after rainfalls.

The opening hours of the Yala national park are from 6 am to 6 pm. It is normally suggested to visit the park early in the morning from 6 am to 9 am or late afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm since it’s said most of the animals are spotted during these times. As a tourist or a traveler you could visit at your own convenience. Yala has so much to offer to all those who visit no matter the time or day.

It even facilitates camping using deluxe tents where you can wake up to the beautiful sunrise and the sounds of wildlife. Elegant bungalows and accommodations with a blend of nature would give the comfort you require as you stay. Yala makes sure you experience life in style during your stay.

Yala shows off the tranquility of wildlife, the beautiful sceneries, the lush green forest, natural waterways are an experience to be felt and seen at least once in your lifetime. Close encounters with wild animals and birds would teach you more of these species and at the end of your journey you would be content with the various knowledge and insights obtained. Its unique location in the coastal area is also an added advantage. Make sure to pay a visit to the beautiful coastlines as you visit. If you are planning on a visit to Sri Lanka, come explore this Animal Kingdom!