Yala National Park Safari Sri Lanka
Yala National Park is the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka. The park is best known for its variety of its wild animals. Most notably it’s many elephants and Leopards. The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. The national park hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands.
Watch the glimpses of beloved jumbo elephants, the scurrying of blooming peacocks and daunting sneer of leopards. This is Yala’s main attractions. Other animals to spot for are the sloth bears, wild boar, sambur, buffalos and healthy deer to name a few.
Location – Yala National Park is 309 km south of Colombo on the southeast of the island. 5-6 hours drive from the International Airport.
Climate: The mean annual temperature is around 27 Celsius.
Attractions in Yala
| Bundala National Park | Bundala is famous for birds and its wild animals scattered all over the park in their natural habitat. |
| Udawalawe National Park | The park is home to more than 250 elephants, as well as deer, leopards and numerous species of birds. |
| Kumana National Park | A well-known eco-tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. |
| Lahugala National Park | Although Lahugala National Park is small, its elephant population is large and easily seen. During the dry season, herds can be spotted at dawn and dusk, drinking and bathing in the water holes or grazing in the tall grasses. |
| Tissamaharama | There are four stupas in Tissamaharama which are considerably large in size although not as big as the great Stupas of Anuradhapura. Tissamaharama is one of the 16 sacred places to Buddhists. |
| Kirinda Temple | Kirinda is one of the most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka with stunning beach views from its elevated heights atop a rocky outcrop. |
| Lunugamvehera Park | Lunugamvehera National Park is the immediate catchment of Lunugamvehera reservoir, and is home to 21 species of fish, 12 amphibians, 33 reptiles, 184 birds and 43 mammals. |
| Maha Ravana Lighthouse | 45 minutes boat ride in the Indian Ocean to discover the Maha Ravana Lighthouse. |
| Kataragama | Kataragama (Sri Lankan Hindus believe that their tender Lord Murugan left India long ago to come and settle in Kathir-kamam (the place of light and love-passion) where his vilaiyaatal (divine play) continue even to this day. |
| Other Attractions | Arugam Bay, Buduruwagala and Sithulpawwa ancient sites. Excursion to Maligawila, picturesque shrine dedicated to God Kataragama at Okanda. |