Yala National Park

The best-known national park in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park, is best visited between February and July, as the drier vegetation increases the likelihood of seeing leopards. And it is the density of leopards that makes Sri Lanka's most visited park so famous. Find out here which animals visitors can expect, where to stay overnight and how to incorporate tours into a round trip!

Nature and animals in Yala National Park

The kaleidoscope of landscapes includes steppes, waterholes, bushes, open plains, rocks and even sea coasts with dunes, mangrove lagoons and sandy beaches. Inland one is almost reminded of the East African savannah such as the Serengeti or the Etosha Pan. 30 leopards live in the Yala National Park, along with other large mammals such as Asian elephants, macaques, sloth bears, wild boars, deer, jackals, crocodiles, mongooses, water buffalo and 150 species of birds, reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles and snakes.

Historical places and pilgrimage sites and beaches near Yala National Park

• The Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temple complexes Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya in Kataragama
• Kirinda Beach southeast of Yala
• Historical sites of Yudaganawa (Dagoba) near Buttala at the north-eastern tip of the park

Best time to visit Yala National Park

The best time to visit Yala National Park depends on the interests of the visitors. The only thing to note is that the park is closed for a while in September/October (the exact period will be announced shortly beforehand). The recommended travel period is January to March, although the chances of seeing animals are somewhat lower during this time. In the European winter, the vegetation is green and flowering. There are many hiding places for animals, but also beautiful landscape motifs for photographers.

From April to June, the vegetation tends to dry out, making it easier to spot wild animals. In July and August, Yala is particularly dry, but animals use the few water holes to drink, which greatly increases the chances of sighting them. 

Arrival and tours to Yala National Park 

The rather inconspicuous town of Tissamaharama (Tissa for short), 20 km away, is the starting point for a visit to the national park. Most of the park accommodation is also located here.

Safari tours usually start between 4:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. in Tissa, where local guides can be booked for half-day and full-day safaris. You will need one because visiting the national park without a guide is not permitted. In addition, guests are only allowed to enter Block 1 (Palatupana or Katagamuwa) and 2 of the 5 blocks in total.