Situated in the southeast region of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park spans the Hambantota and Monaragala districts, approximately 300 km from Colombo. It borders the Indian Ocean, combining coastal beauty with rich wilderness.

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most famous and second-largest national park, covering nearly 979 square kilometers. Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and scenic landscapes, Yala is the country’s top wildlife destination, offering visitors thrilling safaris and close encounters with exotic animals in their natural habitat.

The park’s terrain varies from open grasslands and dense forests to lagoons, scrublands, and sandy beaches. Its contrasting ecosystems provide shelter for diverse wildlife while offering spectacular photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset safaris.

Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and upgraded to a national park in 1938, Yala has a long history of conservation. Within the park lies the ancient Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, believed to date back over 2,000 years, adding a cultural and historical layer to the park’s natural beauty.

Yala’s vegetation consists mainly of dry monsoon forests, thorny shrubs, grasslands, and coastal lagoons. Trees like Weera, Palu, and Satinwood dominate the forested regions, while waterholes and marshes sustain a wide range of plant and aquatic life.

Famed for having one of the world’s highest leopard densities, Yala is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and numerous bird species. The park hosts more than 200 bird species, including several endemics such as the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and black-capped bulbul.

The main activities include jeep safaris, bird watching, and nature photography. Safaris in Yala are often divided into five blocks, with Block 1 being the most popular for leopard sightings. Visitors can also explore Sithulpawwa Temple and enjoy scenic views of Buttawa Lake and the park’s coastal areas.

The best time to visit Yala is from February to July, when water levels are low and wildlife is easier to spot. Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best chances for sightings.