About Yala
Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. The park covers 979 square kilometres and is located in the southeast region of the country. Yala has the highest density of leopards in the world. The park consists of five blocks, two of which are open to the public. The park is a combination of a strict nature reserve and a national park.
Highlights
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
- By road: 6 hours from Colombo
- Nearest town: Tissamaharama (12 km from park entrance)
- Nearest airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (50 km)
Attractions & Activities 4
Leopard Safari
Join a thrilling jeep safari through Yala's Block 1, home to the world's highest density of wild leo...
Elephant Herds Viewing
Witness large herds of Sri Lankan elephants gathering at waterholes and open grasslands, especially...
Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
Explore the ancient 2nd-century BC rock temple complex hidden within the national park, featuring ca...
Bird Watching
Discover over 215 bird species including painted storks, pelicans, flamingos, and the rare black-nec...
