Yala National Park
Located in Southeast Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park is where excitement and surprises await you at every corner.
Known as the ultimate wildlife destination in the country, Yala is world-renowned for having the highest density of leopards on earth — with up to one leopard per square kilometre. It attracts visitors from all over the world, vying for a chance of spotting these elusive leopards. While spotting one of them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you have the greatest chance of doing so at Yala. And if you do, you can consider yourself one of the luckiest humans alive.
But Yala isn’t just about leopards. Spanning over 130,000 hectares of wild, untamed beauty, this park is a haven for all things wild. With a combination of dry woodlands, open grasslands, and shimmering waterholes, where elephants trumpet, monkeys swing, and crocodiles lurk, it’s like stepping straight into a real-life Jungle Book adventure!
Why Visit Yala?
To get a glimpse of the leopard subspecies found only in Sri Lanka, because where else can you find a better chance of doing so?
While leopards steal the spotlight, there’s so much more to Yala, waiting to be discovered. Beyond leopards, Yala’s residents include elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, spotted deer, and over 200 bird species. Bird lovers, you might be able to spot hornbills, black-necked storks, herons, peacocks, and even the occasional flamingo.
Wildlife is not all there is to Yala. You can also explore ancient relics like the Sithulpawwa monastery, a famous Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd Century BC along with other ruins and temples from the past.
While Yala is one of the most visited parks with the highest density of leopards, there’s no guarantee about wildlife sightings, especially the leopard. However, don’t worry! A keen eye and patience will result in some amazing and unforgettable moments. To get lucky, make sure to go on a safari during prime wildlife activity times — early morning and late afternoon. (Heads up – you’ll be sharing the view with plenty of other safari jeeps during peak times.)
While most visitors tend to Yala stick to Block I, the area closest to Tissamaharama, for its buzzing wildlife activity, you can make your way over to the quieter northern section of Block I or Block III if you want a deeper connection with nature.
Whether you’re chasing leopards, marvelling at ancient ruins, or simply soaking in the raw beauty of nature, Yala National Park offers an experience like no other.