Located in the southeast part of the country, the Yala National Park is the most popular and visited wildlife park in Sri Lanka. Bordered by the Indian Ocean and connected to adjoining wildlife sanctuaries like the Lunugamvehera National Park, this wildlife park spans 378 square miles. It is divided into five blocks, each with unique characteristics and attractions.
Yala is one of the best places for big mammal sightings, bringing you up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. However, it is best known for its leopard sightings. It is claimed that Yala has the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world. While these elusive leopards aren’t easy to spot, your chances of spotting these majestic creatures are significantly higher at Yala than in any of the other parks in the country.
Leopard sightings are not all Yala has to offer. This park is also home to big mammals, including elephants, sloth bears, deer, wild boar, jackals, monkeys, and more. With over 200 species of birds recorded in the park, Yala is also a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Both endemic and migrant birds, such as the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, black-necked stork, brown-capped babbler, peacocks and herons, can be spotted in Yala. Even flamingos who are believed to have migrated from Northern Pakistan can sometimes be spotted in Yala. The Kumana National Park, which makes up the eastern area of the Yala National Park, is one of the best bird-watching spots in the country with its vast array of avifauna.