Yala National Park

Visit Yala National Park for the best safari in Sri Lanka. See leopards, elephants, and exotic birds in their wild home. Drive through jungles, past lakes, and along sandy shores where animals roam free. With thrilling wildlife sightings,About us
Explore Sri Lanka’s Nature beautiful beaches & untouched nature, Yala offers adventures you’ll never forget.

History of Yala National Park

Yala National Park has a long and interesting history. In the past, it was part of an ancient kingdom, and old ruins can still be found inside the park.

In the early 1900s, the British government declared Yala a wildlife sanctuary to protect animals. Later, in 1938, it became one of Sri Lanka’s first national parks.

Before that, the area was used for hunting, but now it is a safe home for elephants, leopards, and many other animals.
Today, Yala is one of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Where is Yala National Park Located?

Yala National Park is located in the southeast part of Sri Lanka. It stretches across two provinces: the Southern Province and the Uva Province. The park is about 300 kilometers from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.

The nearest major town to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama, which is around 20-30 kilometers away. Many visitors stay in Tissa or nearby places before going on safaris in Yala.

Yala is border to the Indian Ocean, so some parts of the park have beautiful coastal areas with beaches and lagoons.

Yala National Park: A Wild Paradise

Yala National Park is the second biggest national park in Sri lanka (The biggest is Wilpattu) covers about 1,000 square kilometers in southeast Sri Lanka. It has five different areas with thick jungles, open scrublands, and even beautiful beaches.

The park is famous for its animals. There are 44 types of mammals here, including:
Sri Lankan leopards (the main attraction)
Wild elephants
Shy sloth bears
Scary crocodiles

Bird lovers will enjoy Yala too – there are over 215 kinds of birds! But the leopards are the real stars. Just in Block 1, there are about 25-30 leopards, making it one of the best places in the world to see them.

Yala National Park Entrance Gates:

Palatupana Entrance (Main Gate)

– Most popular entrance for Block 1 (best for leopards & elephants)
– Near the beach area of Yala
– 20km from Tissamaharama town

Katagamuwa Entrance

– Alternative gate for Block 1
– Less crowded than Palatupana
– Good for afternoon safaris

Galge Entrance

– Entry point for Blocks 2, 3, 4, and 5
– Best for visitors wanting to explore less crowded areas
– Excellent for birdwatching in Blocks 4 & 5

What Makes Yala National Park Special?

Yala National Park is famous for many reasons, making it a must-visit place in Sri Lanka. Here’s why it’s so special:

Best Place to See Leopards

Yala has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, so spotting these beautiful big cats is a thrilling experience.

Amazing Wildlife

Besides leopards, you can see elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, and over 200 species of birds.

Beautiful Landscapes

The park has sandy beaches, rocky hills, forests, and lagoons, making every safari drive exciting.

Rich History

Ancient ruins and old Buddhist temples inside the park show its connection to Sri Lanka’s early civilizations.

Great for Safaris

Yala offers exciting jeep safaris, especially in the early morning or late evening when animals are most active.

For nature lovers, Yala is a dream destination full of wild adventures!