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Yala National Park

Explore the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park. Witness its unique flora and spot wild animals in dense jungles. Yala National Park safari tours will take you deep inside the forests and let you spot leopards, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles, golden palm civets, and other animals.

Yala National Park Sri Lanka is home to various bird species like egrets, painted storks, Asian Hornbill, and little cormorants. Thus, a day trip to Yala National Park will be worth it for bird watchers. Camping options are also available in the national park for a memorable and up-close interaction with nature.

Located 260 km from Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital, Yala National Park has almost 215 species of birds and 44 kinds of mammals. They are rightly conserved, which lets tourists and locals witness the incredible ecological balance between nature and wildlife.

If you wish to visit one of the top national parks in Sri Lanka, book Yala National Park tour packages with Indian Holiday, which can be customizable as per your requirements. For now, read this detailed guide to Yala National Park.

Overview of Yala National Park

Location 260 km South East of Colombo 
Address Hambantota, Sri Lanka
Timings 6 am to 6 pm

Highlights

  • Witness the abundant flora and fauna in the park.
  • Spot the leopards in their natural habitat. 
  • Choose Yala National Park safari through the forest for wildlife sightings.
  • Camp inside the national park for a unique wildlife experience.

Yala National Park Entrance Tickets

Here is the Yala National Park entrance fee -

  •  Cost of entry to Yala National Park: Adults - USD 15 (INR 1,240), Children - USD 7.99 (INR 661)

Note:

  •  This cost does not cover the safari charges.
  •  The price is subject to change at the time of booking.

About Yala National Park

Once an abandoned land, Yala National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. The park was also called Ruhuna National Park in the 1940s and was less famous than it is now. Starting with 14,101 hectares of land, the park expanded. It has a mythological significance as it is believed that Ravana established his kingdom here called the Ravana Kotte, which is under the water today. When the Britishers came, Yala became their hunting ground. Today, settlements of Sithulpawwa, water tanks that Sri Lankan kings made, still can be seen in this national park, even after hundreds of years.

Coming to the wildlife of Yala National, it is diverse. The park aims to strike a balance between man and nature, celebrating all life forms. The most significant animal seen during Yala National Park tours is the leopard. You can also see elephants playing and walking, followed by buffaloes, deer, golden palm civets, fishing cats, sloth beers, and more. The lagoons of Yala are filled with crabs and prawns along with over 20 kinds of fishes like orange chromide, olive bard, and stone sucker. In addition, crocodiles can be found in shabby water areas.

Turtles and endangered species like green, olive ridley, and hawksbill turtles are found here. As far as reptiles go, Yala National Park has Indian Cobra and Russel, two highly venomous snakes. There are about 215 species of avifauna chirping, like the hornbill, wood pigeon, jungle fowl, etc. Many migratory birds are sheltered here, like egrets, painted storks, and Asian hornbills. A day trip to Yala National Park is a chance to spot these animals and get a better insight into diverse biodiversity. 

There are many things to do in this national park to make your visit more enjoyable. Safari rides in Yala National Park are a must to witness wildlife at its best. Pre-booking facility is available. You can choose from half-day tours and full-day tours. Individuals have the option to choose their tour if budget and time allow. Beach walks, birdwatching, camping, and sightseeing at a 2,200 years old Buddhist monastery called Sithulpawwa. These are the popular things to do in Yala National Park that gives you the ultimate experience of jungle life. 

Interesting Facts about Yala National Park

  • Yala East National Park area comprises metamorphic rock from the Precambrian era.
  • Yala has been an important place for past civilizations.
  • The park has a pilgrimage site that about 400,000 pilgrims visit annually.
  • It is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka and has five blocks.

FAQS About Yala National Park

Q: Where is Yala National Park?

Ans: Yala National Park is located in Sri Lanka, about 260 km from the capital city, Colombo.

Q: What is Yala National Park best time to visit?

Ans: February to June is the best time to visit Yala National Park for comfortable wildlife sightings. The weather is dry yet pleasant, and the water levels are lower, thus, making it easy to spot animals that come to lagoons to drink. Remember, the park closes every year in September for maintenance.

Q: Is Yala National Park worth visiting?

Ans: If you wish to see an impressive ecological balance of nature and wildlife, Yala National Park is worth visiting. You can spot leopards and other animals, birds, and reptiles. Camping, birdwatching, and safari rides are popular things to enjoy while visiting Yala National Park.

Q: How many days do you need in Yala National Park?

Ans: 2 days are enough to spend in Yala National Park. You can spot animals, camp, and enjoy the silence of nature.

Q: Is morning or afternoon safari better in Yala?

Ans: If you visit during the dry season, December to March, then afternoon safaris are recommended. However, during the rainy season, from May to August, early morning safaris are best to see leopards and bears.

Q: How much is a Yala safari ticket?

Ans: Here are the rates for Yala Safari.

  • Block 1 (Palatupana) - Half-day USD 45 (INR 3,722)
  • Block 1 (Palatupana) - Full-day USD 75 (INR 6,203)
  • Block 1 (Katagamuwa) - Half-day USD 50 (INR 4,135)
  • Block 1 (Katagamuwa) - Full-day USD 85 (INR 7,030)
  • Blocks 4&5 (Galge) - Half-day USD 50 (INR 4,135)
  • Blocks 4&5 (Galge) - Full-day USD 80 (INR 6,617)

Note: The price is subject to change at the time of booking.

Q: How do I get from Colombo to Yala?

Ans: An 8-hour train runs from Colombo Fort Station to Haputale, from where Yala National Park is about 4 hour's drive away. Flights are available from Colombo Airport to Mattala International Airport, 18 km from Hambantota. It is about a 45-minute flight; drive to the national park after landing. Road trips can also be planned from Colombo Airport as the roads are well-maintained via a private car. An 8 hours bus runs from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Kataragama; from there, the park is 30 minutes away.