sri lanka
Mainly there are two types of safari tours in Yala;
1. Full-Day – 8 Hours
Full day Yala safari tour starts at 5.30 am early in the morning. Are you someone who does not mind spending a whole day at Yala? Then, our full day 8-hour long, mind-blowing safari experience in the thick wilderness is the best option for you.
2. Half-Day – 4 Hours
Maybe you are in a hurry, yet don’t want to miss a visit to Yala national park… Then, our half day tours are perfect for you. Half day safari tour operates in the morning (5.30 am) and afternoon (1.30 pm) so you can pick a time to fit your travel plans.
what you need to know
About yala sri lanka
Are you down for a crazy wildlife adventure in Yala National Park during your visit to Sri Lanka? Here’s a quick guide to Yala which we’ve put together to share everything you should know before visiting the area.
Yala national park is the superstar among the national parks in Sri Lanka with ratings as the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It’s a home to a range of animals and plants from small wild geckos to fierce mammals. So, no doubt that your safari in the park is going to be full of ‘aww…’s and ‘OMG!!’s. Situated in the south-east region of the country, covering an area of 979 square kilometres, Yala has several ecosystems ranging from monsoon forests, wetlands to water bodies. Meaning you will have many different insta-perfect backdrops to snap your photos with.
Designed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, Yala national park was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka which was declared in 1938. It consists of five blocks and attracts wildlife enthusiasts in thousands every year.
What to See in the Park
Leopards
Leopard is the king of the jungles in Sri Lanka. They are known for being the star of the show in Yala national park safaris as leopards are highly likely to spot in Yala- Because it’s the national park with the highest concentration of leopards in Sri Lanka.
The special feature of the Sri Lankan leopards being their large body compared to other leopard species in the world, these elusive creatures have filled the front seats of game drives from visitors who are waiting to see the drama of these big cats.
Elephants
Apart from Leopards, Asian elephants are commoners in this part of the world. A herd of giant elephants with a couple of cute little jumbos wandering in open grasslands is a very common sight in Yala national park that will make your jaws drop. Although their scientific name sounds complex – Elephas Maximus, it will be super simple for you to describe them – Stunning. And Yes, Asian elephants are small in size than African elephants but… in terms of magnificence, they don’t second to one another.
Deer
Known for their timidness, deer are cute herbivores that make anyone who see them go ‘Awww…’ Spotted deer and larger Sambur deer are common in Yala national park and can be spotted in as herds and rarely alone in open grasslands. But witnessing a baby deer playing around his mother is the cutest of all.
Peacocks
Who doesn’t love to see a dancing peacock from their naked eye? Well, your wish will be granted during your Yala safari as dancing peacocks are a promising sight in Yala. Because, peacock on tree tops, walking along the road and bushes are a common sight in Yala national park. If you happen to see a peacock dancing amidst the jungle never forget to stop and capture it with your lense to take home.
So, the time you saw the dancing peacocks will remain with your forever.
Wild Water Buffaloes
A large herd of bovines near or in a natural water pool is a sight that will make you want to stop your jeep to capture some photos.
Sri Lankan Sloth Bears
Sri Lankan sloth bear is a subspecies of sloth bears and known as one of the most difficult animals to spot. Because these creatures get disappeared into the forest really fast.
Traveling to Yala
Yala national park is 256 Km away from Colombo,138 Km away from Kandy, 155km away from Galle and 102 km away from Nuwara Eliya. The best way to reach the national park is by a car or a van which you can easily hire from a car rental service in Sri Lanka.
If you are traveling from Colombo best way is to use the Southern Expressway – E01 where you can get to Yala in only 6 Hours with a distance of 301 Km.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations near the Yala National Park and below are our recommendations.
See all Hotels to stay near Yala National Park
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Nearby Attractions
Sithulpawwa
If you are a history buff, Sithulpawwa is a place you can’t miss. It’s an ancient historical site where you can witness well-preserved dagabos, Buddha statues, caves, wall paintings and more.
Kirinda Temple
Located 30 Km away from Yala, Kirinda temple is a Buddhist temple situated in front of the beach. The history of the place is mind-blowing. The temple was built in the place where Vihara Maha Devi, a princess who lived 2000 years ago landed after sacrificing herself to the sea to calm the raging waters threatened Sri Lanka.
Katharagama Temple
Dedicated to Sri Skanda Kumara, a Hindu god, Katharagama temple is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka. The body piercing ritual is one of the main highlights you can enjoy there.
Basses Reef
Basses reef is a place you must visit if you are interested in exploring the marine life during your trip to Yala. Saturated with colourful fishes, corals and other sea creatures the place is known among divers.
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