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.