Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park due to the presence of many leopards. Sri Lanka is one of the few countries in the world where the population lives side-by-side with free-roaming animals

It isn’t uncommon to see elephants crossing roads or sneaking into a hotel lobby – a unique and beautiful way of living. Unfortunately, there can be negative encounters, and parks like Yala provide a safe space for the animals. Here’s everything you need to need about Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

1. About Yala National Park

An enormous part of the Sri Lankan southeast corner is Yala National Park. The park is divided into five blocks. They stretch from the jungles inland to the beaches on the Indian Ocean. Only blocks one and five are open to the public, to preserve the natural habitat as much as possible.
img1

The elephant

Yala with all its flora and fauna is a unique experience and one of the must-sees of Sri Lanka. The park is worth visiting at all times of the year, however, planning your visit during peak season (December to April) is recommended. While 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.

2. The kind of animals in Yala National Park

Herds of elephants, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, buffaloes, birds, sloth bears, leopards , and many more. Sri Lanka has 20+ national parks but the large variety of animals is what draws many visitors to Yala National Park specifically.
img1

The elephant

The elephant herd of Yala contains 300–350 individuals. The Sri Lankan sloth bear, leopard, elephant, and wild water buffalo are all threatened mammals that Yala harbours. Although water buffaloes are indigenous to Sri Lanka, most populations contain genes of the domestic stock or have descended from feral populations.

3. 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 is 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.
img1

Cinnamon Wild

Stay inside the national park at the eco-friendly Cinnamon Wild. Spend a night in their jungle chalet with the sounds of the jungle and powerful waves in the background. During your morning stroll to the fantastic buffet breakfast hall, you will most likely encounter wild pigs or lizards. Cinnamon Wild offers its own private jeep safari to give you an even more exclusive experience.

Thank you for reading!

Content

  1. About Yala National Park
  2. The kind of animals in Yala National Park
  3. Best time to visit Yala