Wildlife Park
Yala
National Park
Sri Lanka Tours • Wildlife Parks • Yala National Park
YALA
NATIONAL PARK
Yala – The Leopard’s Lair
With the highest density of leopards on the planet (as much as one leopard per square kilometre), Yala is a wildlife park teeming with life. But Yala is so much more than just leopards (but spotting one is seriously epic and gives you bragging rights for life). This national park is a safari lover’s dream come true, with every corner offering a chance to witness the most incredible creatures in their natural habitat and stunning landscapes.
Located in Southeast Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park is the country's most visited and popular national park. With a whopping 130,000 hectares of land, Yala is huge! Bordering the Indian Ocean and connecting to other wildlife sanctuaries like the Lunugamvehera National Park, it is a prime spot for adventure!
While the leopards often steal the spotlight, Yala is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 200 bird species and 40+ varieties of mammals. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, jackals, spotted dears and a whole host of other incredible animals. For bird lovers, Yala is a paradise with both endemic and migrant birds like the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, black-necked stork, peacocks, herons and even flamingos.
Beyond animals, Yala’s got history too! Witness fragments of a lost civilisation, the monastic settlement of Sithulpawwa (an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the 2nd Century BC) and ancient temples.
Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, Yala has a safari for you. Want the most wildlife sightings you could ever dream of? Aim for early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. Now, wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but with some patience and a keen eye, you’ll be rewarded with some unforgettable moments.
Best time to visit Yala National Park
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National Parks
With over 20 parks, Sri Lanka’s got a national park for every kind of wildlife and nature enthusiast! Whether you are dreaming of spotting an elusive leopard or witnessing a breathtaking elephant gathering, your adventure awaits.
Yala is the OG national park, but don’t overlook others like Bundala where birdwatchers go wild. Minneriya, where the spectacular elephant gathering happens or Wilpattu, the largest national park in Sri Lanka.
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