Yala National Park
Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is world-famous for having one of the highest densities of leopards on Earth, alongside a wealth of other wildlife including elephants and sloth bears.
Get Close to Wildlife
Enjoy a Jeep Safari in one of the best National Park’s in Asia for spotting the elusive leopards. Yala National Park is a great place for spotting and photographing leopards in the wild. The best times to spot these magnificent creatures roaming freely around the park are early mornings or in the evening. Estimates state that there are between 500 – 650 leopards living in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan leopard is a recognized subspecies of the Indian leopard and is the largest leopard living in Asia, making this wildlife safari experience one that is not easily forgotten. Yala is home to 32 recorded species of mammals. You may be able to see sloth bear, leopard, elephant, water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, and golden jackal. You may also be able to spot Mugger crocodiles, Estuarine crocodile and Common monitor. Other reptiles include the cobra and Russell’s viper.
Yala is abundant with migratory and non-migratory birds. There are around 130 recoded species of birds in the National Park. The peacock can be found in every corner of Yala. You may be able to see crested serpent eagle and white bellied sea eagle. Also water birds around the waters are flamingo, Spoonbill, Painted storks, pelican, rare black necked stork, grey heron, purple heron, night heron and Darter.
Yala National Park: In Search of the Leopard
Welcome to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s most celebrated wildlife destination. Situated on the island’s southeast coast, Yala offers one of the most thrilling safari experiences in Asia, boasting an extraordinary concentration of wildlife amidst a rugged, beautiful landscape.
The Crown Jewel: Sri Lankan Leopard
Yala is globally renowned for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world. The Sri Lankan leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), an endemic and magnificent subspecies, is the star attraction. Unlike their more elusive African counterparts, Yala’s leopards are relatively comfortable with safari vehicles, offering visitors an unparalleled chance to witness these stealthy cats basking on rocky outcrops or languidly crossing the tracks.
Sri Lanka’s “Big Three” and Beyond
While the leopard draws the crowds, Yala is a vital habitat for a wide range of iconic species, giving you the chance to spot Sri Lanka’s “Big Three” in a single day:
- Asian Elephant: Herds of elephants are a common sight, often seen bathing in the park’s numerous waterholes, especially during the dry season.
- Sloth Bear: These shaggy, unique bears are shy and nocturnal, making a sighting a true stroke of luck. They are often spotted in the early morning or late afternoon, particularly during the palu fruit season (May and June).
Beyond the Big Three, the park teems with life, including vast numbers of Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Mugger Crocodiles, and Water Buffalo.
Landscape and History
Yala’s environment is a tapestry of varied ecosystems:
- Dry Monsoon Forests and dense scrubland provide excellent cover.
- Open Grasslands offer clear views of grazing animals.
- Brackish Lagoons and a beautiful coastal strip attract a tremendous amount of birdlife.
The park is divided into several blocks, with Block I being the most popular and accessible for wildlife safaris. Yala also holds significant cultural history, with ancient Buddhist sites like the Sithulpawwa Temple nestled within its boundaries.
Planning Your Yala Safari
To maximise your chances of a truly memorable wildlife encounter, consider the following:
| Feature | Travel Insight |
| Best Time to Visit | February to July (Dry Season). Water sources recede, forcing animals to congregate near waterholes, which increases visibility. |
| Optimal Safari Time | Early Morning (6:00 AM) or Late Afternoon (2:00 PM). Animals are most active during the cooler parts of the day. |
| Experience | Safaris are conducted in private open-top 4×4 jeeps with expert guides and trackers who understand animal behaviour and territories. |
| Birding Season | November to April brings migratory birds, making Yala a spectacular destination for bird lovers. |
A Note on September: Please be aware that the most frequently visited area (Block I) is typically closed for a period in September for maintenance, though alternative blocks may be available for safaris during this time. Contact our team to ensure your itinerary aligns with the park’s operational schedule.
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Yala National Park