From elusive leopards and wild elephants to mischievous monkeys and birds with vibrant plumage, the Yala National Park offers an unforgettable journey into the wilds of Sri Lanka.
Getting There
Yala National Park is approximately 243 km from the commercial capital Colombo and about 36 km from the town of Tissa. Ideally, look to stay at a Yala hotel right near the park which will make it convenient to plan your visit.
Planning Safaris
Apart from September and October, the rest of the year is great for visiting Yala. Early morning and afternoons or early evenings are prime times for catching sight of wildlife. For something unique, you can even try night safaris offered by the likes of Cinnamon Wild Yala which uses special night vision goggles and infrared technology!
Wild Encounters
Boasting the highest leopard density in the world, Yala is a prime place for a leopard safari. On your adventures, you may also see sloth bears, elephants, wild water buffalos, spotted deer and toque macaques. There are around 215 bird species here as well with the endemic Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and black-capped bulbul amongst the avifauna highlights.
A Bit of History
The Yala National Park is also home to the historic Sithulpawwa Rock Temple which dates back to the second century BC. You can explore this sacred site home to chapter houses, dagobas, ancient caves and age-old murals which lend to the charm of a safari at the park.
| A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, Joanna James ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought. Her interests include Politics, law and Philosophy. Google+ |
