Yala Safari Sri Lanka
Yala safari sri lanka
Yala Safari Park is the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka, featuring numerous types of wildlife. It combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. The national park is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, lying across both Southern and Uva provinces, hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean.
The park encompasses nearly 130,000 hectares of protected land, which is divided into five blocks. Among these five blocks, two are currently open to the public. Yala National Park consists of light forests, scrub, grasslands, tanks, and lagoons. It was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been declared as such in 1938. National Park is known for its variety of ecosystems and rich biodiversity.
It is situated in a dry, semi-arid climatic region that hosts various ecosystems, from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands, ideal for a diverse safari experience.
Yala Park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule.
Being situated in an area that hosts ancient civilizations, Yala consists of pilgrimage sites such as Sithulpawwa and Magul Viharaya and several ancient man-made tanks, such as Maha Seelawawa and Buthawa Tank.
These large, thriving tanks now provide a lifeline to the animal kingdom, especially during the dry season.
Yala’s inclusion in the legends of King Rawana makes it a famous pilgrimage destination.
The monastic settlement of Sithulpawwa is said to have housed 12,000 inhabitants seeking solace 2,000 years ago.
The restored rock temple, among a series of ancient temples, offers a glimpse into a glittering past.
Best Time to Visit Yala National Park Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Yala National Park is between February and July when the water levels of the park are quite low, bringing the animals into the open.
Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species, with seven endemic bird species in the country, making it a prime location for safari tours. Among its more famous residents is the world’s largest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted deer, peacocks, crocodiles, and wild buffalo, all thriving in their natural habitat.
Yala is one of the 70 important bird areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Ninety waterbird species (with half being migrants), 47 reptile species (including six endemic species), 18 amphibian species (with two being endemic), and 21 freshwater fish species have also been recorded in Yala National Park.
All five globally endangered sea turtles have been recorded visiting the coastline of Yala.
Due to the availability of suitable environmental conditions within the reserve, a high proportion of endemism can be attributed to the survival of many wet-zone species, even though it is situated in the midst of the dry zone.
It boasts 417 species of flora, among which 337 are flowering plants, five are endemic, and three are only found in Ritigala. Over 30 species of mammals, including the endemic golden palm civet and toque macaque, call Ritigala home.
Other noteworthy mammals include the sloth bear, threatened leopard, endangered elephant, grey slender loris, grey langur, jackal, rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, striped-necked mongoose, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, porcupine, pangolin, and several species of bats.
FAQ – Yala National Park / Travel Information
(Frequently Asked Question)
Yes. Yala is one of the most visited National Parks in Sri Lanka where you can witness the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera Pardus Kotiya) and many other flora & fauna species
here are only 2 National Parks to see Sri Lankan leopards namely Wilpattu & Yala.
There are only 2 National Parks to see Sri Lankan leopards namely Wilpattu & Yala National Parks
JK Travel's exclusive vehicles are fully loaded with cool water.
Not at all. You are not allowed to get down the Jeep and must be inside the vehicle unless otherwise instructed by the wildlife tracker.
JK Travels generally checks meal plans well in advance and arranges accordingly. If you are an individual traveller, better you check with your own Travel Company.
Only you will need a valid passport or National Identity Card to enter Yala Sri Lanka
JK Travels will book it for you.
Yala National Park is generally closed in September each year for animal simulation & to complete regular maintenance activities within the National Park. Better you consult JK Travel Executive for exact dates before you plan your trip. our wildlife Helpline Yala National Park (Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94766915112 or info@jktravelssrilanka.com
From Sri Lanka 0473489297
When outside Sri Lanka +94473489297
(Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94766915112 or info@jktravelssrilanka.com
DWC Department of Wildlife Sri Lanka Colombo contact number 0112 888 585
Two access routes to Yala can be reached by
Tissamaharama – Yodakandiya – Kirinda – Nimalawa – Palatupana
Tissamaharama – Yodakandiya – Situlpawwa – Bambuwa – Palatupana
For the best animal sightings, we recommend visiting Yala National Park during the dry season from February to June.
There are plenty of 3 Star & 4 Star hotels near Yala National Park Sri Lanka. Few star Class & Boutique hotels close to the Yala National Park are as below
Jetwing Yala (4 Star)
Cinnamon Wild Yala (4 Star)
Laya Safari Yala (4 Star)
Kathala Resort (3 Star)
Tented Lodge Yala (Luxury Boutique)
Chena Huts Hotel Yala Sri Lanka (Luxury Boutique)
Elephant Reach Yala
Chaarya hotel Yala Sri Lanka
Tamarind Tree Hotel Yala Sri Lanka
Ekho Safari Hotel Yala Sri Lanka
Is the Yala National Park pet friendly?
No, Sri Lanka National Parks are not pet friendly
No, it’s banned to do night safaris / Infrared drives in Yala National Park Sri Lanka
There are 23 National parks in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park / Wilpattu National Park / Minneriya National Park / Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco Park / Bundala National park / Horton Plains National park / Wasgamuwa National park / Uda Walawe National Park
Foreign adult 15 $ Per Person inclusive Taxes
Foreign Children 6 – 12 Year 7.5 $
Foreign Kids 0 – 6 Years Free of Charge
No online purchase of Yala National Park entrance fees and you must get it from the entrance gate
No, you must pay in Sri Lanka Rupees and any international currencies are not accepted for National Parks of Sri Lanka for entrance fees
Cost of Jeep at Yala National Park
All are private jeeps by different owners but all are duly registered under DWC Department of Wildlife Conservations
Approximately cost of a Safari Jeep at Yala National Park is 30 $ – 40 $ (As of 2019 and this is can be slightly different from supplier) (Half day safari of 3 – 4 Hrs)
Fully day safari jeep cost at Yala National Park – 60 $ – 70 $
6 people can accommodate in 1 jeep but it’s comfortable for 3 – 4 people in 1 jeep
Yes. Most of the Yala Safari jeeps are Indian-made TATA or Mahindra but there are Japanese-made Toyota / Mitsubishi as well. Price will be slightly higher than the Indian-made jeeps like TATA.
Do I get a tracker for my safari? Does Yala National Park provide a tracker for safari?
If you are satisfied with the service you received from them, recommend paying a reasonable tip for the tracker & jeep driver.
I. Light costumes / recommended colours are Green, Beige, khaki, tan etc
II. Sunblock / Sunglasses / Lip balm / hat
III.Insect repellent
IV. Binoculars are recommended to improve sightings
V. Camera and accessories such as spare batteries, memory cards
VI. Cool bottled water / soft drinks/snacks will be provided by Us.
Generally, travellers bring a packed breakfast & lunch both but JK Travels delivers a fresh hot meal (Lunch) to inside the park.
Early morning and the hours preceding sunset are ideal times to view wildlife
No mobile signals are available in Yala National Park. Signals are jammed purposely by the government to enhance the experience of wildlife enthusiasts.
Wildlife Tour Consultant of JK Travels
Wildlife Helpline of JK Travels (Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94766915112 or info@jktravelssrilanka.com