Explore the Untamed Beauty of Yala National Park
Discover the wild heart of Sri Lanka at Yala National Park, where extraordinary wildlife encounters await in a breathtaking natural landscape.
A brief summary to Yala National Park Sri Lanka
- No81, sella road, කතරගම, 91400, LK
- +94712619387
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Yala National Park is a breathtaking expanse of wilderness located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Spanning over 979 square kilometers, this national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, which attracts many wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. As you traverse the park's rugged terrain, you will encounter herds of elephants, playful monkeys, and a variety of exotic birds, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The park's unique combination of dry zones, wetlands, and coastal areas creates a vibrant ecosystem that supports countless species. The best way to explore Yala is through a guided safari, where experienced rangers lead you through the park's trails to spot wildlife in their natural habitats. The golden hour of dawn and dusk is particularly magical, as animals are most active during these times. With several designated zones within the park, each offering distinct experiences, visitors can choose from half-day or full-day safaris to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty that Yala has to offer. In addition to its wildlife, Yala is also steeped in cultural significance, with ancient temples and archaeological sites scattered throughout the area. After a day of adventure, unwind at nearby accommodations that range from eco-lodges to luxurious resorts, all designed to enhance your experience of this stunning location. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Yala National Park is a must-visit destination that showcases the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka.
Local tips
- Book your safari in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens for optimal viewing and photography.
- Wear light, neutral-colored clothing to blend in with the natural surroundings.
- Respect the wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and following park guidelines.
Getting There
-
Car
If you are traveling by car, the most common route to Yala National Park is to start from the nearest major city, Hambantota. From Hambantota, take the A2 road towards Kataragama. After approximately 40 kilometers, you will reach the junction for the park entrance. Follow the signs for Yala National Park. Make sure you have cash on hand for the entrance fee, which is approximately LKR 5,000 for foreign nationals.
-
Public Transportation (Bus)
To reach Yala National Park by public transport, take a bus from Colombo to Tissamaharama (Tissa). Buses leave regularly from the Colombo Central Bus Stand and the journey takes about 6-7 hours. Once in Tissamaharama, you can find local buses or tuk-tuks that can take you to the entrance of Yala National Park, which is about 20 kilometers away. The cost for the bus from Colombo to Tissa is around LKR 700-1,000. Ensure you check the schedule for the return journey.
-
Tuk-Tuk
Once you arrive in Tissamaharama, hiring a tuk-tuk is a convenient way to reach Yala National Park. You can negotiate a fare with the driver, which typically ranges from LKR 1,500 to LKR 2,500, depending on your negotiation skills and the distance to the park entrance. The ride will take about 30 minutes.
-
Guided Safari Vehicle
Many visitors opt to book a guided safari tour, which often includes transportation directly from their hotel in Tissamaharama to Yala National Park. Prices for safari vehicles can vary, but expect to pay around LKR 7,000 to LKR 15,000 per group for a half-day safari. This option typically includes park entry fees and a knowledgeable guide.
Attractions Nearby to Yala National Park Sri Lanka
-
Yala National Park
-
Yala National Park - Katagamuwa Entrance
-
Sambudu Bodhiraja Temple
-
Elephants crossing Yala
-
Stupa of Egoda Sithulpawwa
-
සිතුල්පව්ව රජ මහා විහාරය / Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya
-
Situlpawwa wewa
-
Situlpawwa upōsathagharaya - සිතුල්පවුව උපෝසථාගාරය
-
Situlpawwa galkudaya
-
Onadi Yala Safari
-
Kiri Vehera Temple
-
Kirivehera mawatha
-
Kataragama Holy Sanctuaries
-
Kataragama Temple
-
Katharagama Maha Dewalaya
Landmarks nearby to Yala National Park Sri Lanka
-
Mahoora Tented Safari Camps - Yala
-
Leopard Safaris Yala
-
Big Game Camp Yala
-
Camp Leopard - Yala Safari Glamping
-
Mahoora
-
Leopard Trails Yala
-
Yala Safari Service Kataragama
-
Yala Safari Team / Jeep Safari in Yala National park
-
Yala cozy safari tours
-
Yala safari katagamuwa
-
පුරාණ ගොඩනැගිල්ල | one Pillars Of Ancient Building(Yala NP)
-
මගුල්මහා විහාරය | Magul Maha Viharaya
-
Yala National Park, Main Entrance
-
Yala Beach
-
Yala Wild House