The Fascinating Yala National Park in Sri Lanka:
Yala National Park is the second largest and the most visited park in Sri Lanka. It consists of five blocks, of which two are open to the public including adjoining parks. The park being 979 square kilometres in area is spread out in the Southern Province and Uva province of Sri Lanka.
The park is vital for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and water birds and many other wild animals. The park is best known for the variety of wild animals of which 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles are resident in it. Of the mammals, Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Leopard, Wild water buffalo are threatened species. Fishing Cat, Golden Palm Civet, Red Slender Loris, Toque Macaque are some of the other mammals that can be seen in the park.
Of the birds, six species are endemic to Sri Lanka. They are Sri Lanka Hornbill, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Wood-pigeon, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Black-capped Bulbul, and Brown-capped Babbler. The park is also resident to about 90 migratory birds.
Of the reptiles, five of them are endemic to Sri Lanka. They are, Sri Lankan Flying Snake, Sri Lankan Krait, Painted-lip Lizard, Boulenger’s Keelback and Wiegmann’s Agama.
Yala National park also has a variety of ecosystems including semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water, sandy beaches, marine wetlands and moist monsoon forests. The park is surrounded by these forests which are generally located around the Menik River while Rangelands are found towards the sea side.
The coastal line of the park is visited by the all five globally endangered sea turtles (Leatherback turtle, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Hawksbill turtle, and Green turtle). The western part of park is also known to have one of the highest densities of Leopards in the world which can usually be sited in Block 1 of the Yala National Park.
The easiest way to get to this park is to take a tour from the city of Tissamaharama.
Yala National Park — The Experience:
When considering the number of animal species living within a smaller land area, Yala National Park is perhaps the world’s number one safari destination.
Your experience in Yala is an overwhelming time with various fascinating animals. The annual temperature in the region hits 27 degrees Celsius, but this tropical climate makes safari tours more convenient and enjoyable. The cool wind that blows over lush greenery and the park’s natural water sources refreshes you from the beginning to the end. Yala’s reputation as a top wildlife destination has resulted in a blooming of a high number of luxury hotels and resorts in the region. Therefore, you can plan your soul-satisfying safari in Yala national park with 100% peace of mind about your comfortable and safe stay in the region.
A golden tip for wildlife fanatics in Asia: Why travel to Africa when beautiful Sri Lanka is much near? The jewel of the Indian Ocean has 22 superclass national parks, including the extraordinary Yala. Every iconic species of the animal kingdom lives here in abundance.
Everything about this superior national park makes it extraordinary for safaris and wildlife tours. It is not a thick forest, but it is not a dry land either. Grasslands, lakes, landscape, the road chain, and other many exclusive features make Yala your dream wildlife safari destination. Yala national park safari tour planners also play a vital role in giving you the best wildlife experience.
Useful Tips About Yala National Park Safari:
While the warm weather in the Yala region is perfect for tropical safaris, but don’t forget to wear sun cream.
Bring enough bottled water to stay hydrated.
Stay in the safari vehicle for your and animals’ safety until the tour guide gives the “OK.” (Overa Tours adheres to safari regulations for the safety of all parties.)
Yala is the home of animals, not ours.
Yala National Park Safari can be a half-day or a full-day package. You can also request a customized Yala tour from your safari planner. At Overa Tours, we are more than happy to fulfill all your wildlife safari desires by offering you tailor-made tours/packages.
Book Your Safari Today: We are local safari experts. We know Yala from A to Z. Don’t worry about the best time to visit Yala for elephant or leopard sightings. Let us know your requirements, including your favorite animal; we arrange everything after carefully considering your distinct requirements. Safari in Yala national park is irreplaceable.
Aviyana Ceylon Tours is here to make every safari a lifetime memory for wildlife lovers. Our affordable Yala national park safari packages also give you peace of mind about the budget. We are a multi-theme tour planner; we cover other national parks as well. Contact us today and make your wildlife safari tours dream come true.
Yala National Park Safari Information
Yala National Park Opening and Closing Times – 6.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m
Yala National Park Entrances
- Palatupana entrance (Yala Block 1) – Busy entrance, Highest leopard density out of all the blocks
- Katagamuwa entrance (Yala Block 2) – Less traffic
- Galge entrance (Yala Block 3 & 5) – Less traffic, Second highest leopard density out of all the blocks
- Kumana entrance (Yala East) – Best for Bird Watchers, Less traffic
- Yala Safari Duration – 3 hours (Extended safaris, full day safaris, birdwatching safaris and night safaris can be arranged.)
Major eco-systems inside Yala National Park
- Moist monsoon forests
- Dry monsoon forests
- Semi deciduous forests
- Thorn forests
- Grasslands
- Marshes
- Marine wetlands
- Sandy beaches
- Freshwater lake birds
Safari
Safari in Yala National Park is undoubtedly the best option for a memorable wildlife experience in Sri Lanka. Yala is…