If you're looking for a place to experience a thrilling wildlife safari, Yala National Park is the perfect destination. Located in Sri Lanka, Yala is renowned for its savanna-like terrain and occasional forested areas, which provide the ideal habitat for a diverse range of animals.
Yala is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and birds. With a high animal density, relative to other national parks, Yala Safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to spot animals with minimal effort and time. So, whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, Yala is guaranteed to provide you with a memorable experience.
One of the main attractions of Yala is the Sri Lankan leopard, the only big cat found in the country. With no other predators to challenge them, the leopard population in Yala has escalated to the world's highest density. Here, leopards are not elusive cats, but are seen proudly sauntering along all over the park, playing and hunting.
In addition to leopards, Yala is also home to a herd of majestic Sri Lankan elephants, which contains 300-350 individuals. Visitors have the chance to spot 44 species of mammals in the park, including sloth bears, water buffalos, fishing cats, toque macaques, red slender lorises, and golden palm civets. Moreover, Yala is home to 47 species of reptiles, six of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. These include Boulenger's callback, Sri Lankan flying snake, Wiegmann's agama, Sri Lankan Krait, Bahir's fan-throated lizard, and painted-lip lizard.
If you're a bird enthusiast, Yala will not disappoint you. The park is an Important Bird Area, with 215 recorded bird species, seven of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. You can spot the Sri Lanka junglefowl, grey hornbill, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, black-capped bulbul, crimson-fronted barbet, and brown-capped lagoons during your visit. Moreover, the lagoons of Yala attract thousands of migrant waterfowl during the northeast monsoon.
However, be aware that during peak season, Yala Safari park can get crowded with tourist jeeps. If you're not a fan of the crowd, you can visit other safari parks in Sri Lanka, of which there are 25, or you can visit Yala during the off-season. Despite the crowd, Yala National Park is a must-visit place for any wildlife enthusiast.
So, pack your bags and head to Yala Safari for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of nature.
Safari Game Drive starts at 6 AM and will end's at 10.00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel in National park area at 5.15 am.
Yala Safari Park, also known as Ruhuna National Park (Block 1), is a popular and sprawling wildlife sanctuary situated on the outskirts of the Indian Ocean. It encompasses five major blocks, six adjoining national parks, and three wildlife sanctuaries. Within the vicinity of Yala, you'll find notable attractions such as Lunugamvehera National Park and Kumana National Park, also known as 'Yala East.' This region has a rich historical heritage, hosting ancient Buddhist civilizations and important pilgrimage sites like Magul Vihara and Sithulpahuwa. Yala National Park is characterized by its dry, semi-arid climate, relying on the northeast monsoon for rainfall. It encompasses diverse ecosystems, ranging from freshwater lakes to marine wetlands and moist monsoon forests.
The terrain of Yala National Park is composed of metamorphic rock from the Precambrian era, classified into two series: the Highland series and the Vijayan series. Among the six soil types found in the park, low humic grey soil and reddish-brown soil predominate. Over time, Yala's distinctive landscape has been shaped by erosion and undisturbed crustal movement, resulting in a mostly level land surface with smooth, wavelike formations stretching from Trincomalee to Hambantota. The interior of Yala rises to an elevation of 100–125 meters (328–410 feet), while the coastal area remains at around 30 meters (98 feet) to 15 meters (49 feet). Being located in a dry, semi-arid climate, Yala National Park relies heavily on the northeast monsoon for rainfall. The mean temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C, and the annual rainfall fluctuates between 500–775 millimeters. During the southwest monsoon, Yala experiences strong winds, reaching speeds of up to 23 kilometers per hour (14 mph).
In the dry season, water becomes scarce within the park. Natural waterholes and rock pools become crucial sources of water for the park's inhabitants. Waterholes naturally form during the rainy season in low-lying areas, while rock pools provide water year-round. Elephants, numerous water bird species, and water buffaloes greatly benefit from these water sources. These reservoirs are predominantly found in Block I and Block II. There are a few barely surviving reservoirs, such as Buthawa, Maha Seelawa, Pilinnawa, and Uraniya, which usually dry up before the arrival of the northeast monsoon.
However, during the rainy season, particularly the northeast monsoon, water becomes abundant, transforming the park into a lush paradise resembling a rainforest. The park receives water from the southeasterly direction, originating from the highlands of Sri Lanka, with the Menik River and its tributaries in the west and Kumbukkan Oya in the east flowing across the park, rejuvenating its flora and fauna.
Yala National Park has a deep-rooted cultural history that predates the 1st century BC. During this era, Sri Lanka was ruled by the great King Ravana, son of Vishrava and Kaikesi, and grandson of Pulastya. Yala served as a hub of civilizations, and Ravana established his kingdom at Ravana Kotte, now submerged in the sea. The region's ancient sea trading routes contributed to its richness and cultural diversity over time. Situlpahuwa, a Buddhist temple dating back more than 2500 years, provided shelter for 12,000 arahants (enlightened monks). Magul Vihara, built in 87 BC
Jeep fee for Half Day Safari is USD 45 - Jeep fee for Full Day Safari is USD 118 - Child age 6-12
