Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park. Plus, the country is one of the few in the world where the population still harmoniously lives beside free-roaming animals. It isn’t uncommon to see elephants crossing roads or sneaking into a hotel lobby. Although there can be negative encounters, too. But parks like Yala provide a safe space for the animals. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.
About Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
An enormous part of Sri Lanka’s southeast corner is made up of the stunning Yala National Park. Divided into five blocks, it stretches from the jungles inland to the beaches along the Indian Ocean. However, only blocks one and five are open to the public to preserve the natural habitat as much as possible.
The Animals in Yala National Park
One thing we were most excited about was seeing all the animals in their natural habitat. From herds of elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, buffalo, and birds to sloth bears, leopards, and many more. Sri Lanka has 20+ national parks, but the large variety of animals is what draws many visitors specifically to Yala National Park.
It’s safe to say the wildlife is very rich in Sri Lanka! We highly recommend joining a jeep safari through the grassy plains and along the lagoons, allowing you to see them.
Tip: Visiting for photography? Make sure to bring a zoom lens with you. We use the Sony 70-200mm GM2 f2.8 for our detailed shots, perfect for capturing wildlife!
Leopards in Yala National Park
One thing I was especially hoping to see during our safari was a leopard. Yala National Park is one of the best places in the world for spotting these incredible animals, with about 40 to 50 of them in the park.
However, this does not guarantee you’ll actually get to see a leopard; they’re known to be very elusive animals. Plus, factor in the park’s enormous size, and you’re left with only a 50/50 chance of spotting them.
Where is Yala National Park situated?
Yala National Park is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, a good 5 hours’ drive from Colombo. Because of this, we made the national park part of our 3-week Sri Lanka route.
How do I get to Yala National Park?
The one and only entrance to the wildlife park is Tissamaharama City. The easiest way to get here is either by car or by bus. From southern destinations like Arugam Bay or Mirissa, it’s not too far away.
Nevertheless, tourists usually stay overnight in Tissamaharama or inside Yala to have enough time to see the park.
Yala National Park Safari Tour
Most of the hotels in Yala offer either a private or a group tour. It’s an average of 65 USD per person for a guided tour through the park. The price is higher than other national parks in Sri Lanka, but it’s totally worth it, especially if you’re lucky enough to spot a leopard.
Do I Need a Guide?
A park guide is not required; however, drivers generally speak little to no English. Additionally, a guide is very useful for spotting animals, picking the best route, and explaining how the circle of life works within the park. This gives you a better understanding of the animal’s behavior, and you can ask questions throughout the safari.
Is Yala Worth Visiting?
Yala, with all its flora and fauna, is a unique experience and one of the must-sees in Sri Lanka. The park is worth visiting at all times of the year. However, we recommend planning your visit during peak season (December to April).
However, in peak leopard season (Feb + Mar), you should keep in mind that you will not be the only jeep around and that seeing leopards cannot be guaranteed. On the other hand, large herds of elephants with babies are easy to spot in the park.
Note: Always visit the animals in their natural habitat, not at an elephant sanctuary like Pinnawala!
Best Time to Visit Yala
The best time to visit Yala National Park is from February to June during the dry season. With less water in the ponds, it’s easier to spot animals coming out to drink. The peak season for leopards runs through February and March.
Luckily, you can visit the park year-round, and prices will be much better outside of the high season. In September, the park is closed for maintenance.
Where to Stay in Yala National Park
There are plenty of accommodation options near or inside the park. In Tissamaharama, you will find budget-friendly options with prices ranging from 5 to 60 USD.
Within Yala National Park, the options range from a jungle chalet to glamping, which are all incredible experiences. Prices can be as high as 700 USD per night, depending on the type of luxury you choose.
Cinnamon Wild Yala
We stayed inside the national park at the eco-friendly Cinnamon Wild and loved this experience. I remember sleeping in their jungle chalet with the sounds of the jungle and powerful waves in the background — bliss!
Enjoy one of their unique experiences: dining under the stars. This takes place atop a jeep that’ll park right next to a lake, which is generally full of crocodiles.
During your morning stroll to the fantastic buffet breakfast hall, you will most likely encounter wild pigs or lizards. Additionally, Cinnamon Wild offers a private jeep safari through the park to give you an even more exclusive experience.
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Seems you got the wrong info on the leopard count in Yala NP. In block 01 there are about 90-100 leopards that we have identified by the photographic identification. Anyway nicely written!
Thanks, this is all the info we had. (Even out of the government whilst working with them)