Safari in Yala National Park
Yala National Park, unquestionably the crown jewel of Sri Lanka's protected areas, sits approximately 260 km southeast of Colombo. Established as a national park in 1938, Yala sprawls across an impressive 978.807 km², gracing the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Divided into five distinct 'blocks', Yala National Park grants public access to Blocks 1 and 2, while Blocks 3 and 5 remain relatively untouched. Entry points to these blocks are dispersed across four locations: Galge, Yala West, Palatupana, and Katagamuwa.
Given its vast expanse (ranking as the second largest national park in Sri Lanka), embarking on a safari tour is the ultimate way for wildlife enthusiasts to immerse themselves fully in the Yala experience. En route to the park, leopard sightings along the access trails are not uncommon, kickstarting your safari adventure before you even enter.
Yala serves as a sanctuary for many indigenous and endemic species of wildlife. The park boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including up to 215 bird species, 44 mammal species, 47 reptile species, 21 fish species, and 18 amphibian species. Elephants, leopards, jackals, sloth bears, and crocodiles are among its more famous residents.
Encountering nature up close is an unparalleled experience that safari tours offer as being unique. We highly suggest indulging in morning and evening safaris to witness the landscape and its rich biodiversity under different lighting conditions.
Tip: There’s no shortage of safari operators eager to cater to your needs. Book a private safari jeep with an operator or ask your hotel concierge, and they will gladly oblige. Most Luxury Hotels in Yala offer all-inclusive packages for a minimum two-day stay, including one Safari experience per day. The prime visiting window is from February to July, when lower water levels lure more wildlife into the open.