Sri Lanka

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

About Yala National Park

The Yala National Park takes pride in being the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and continues to attract tourists from around the world. This park borders the Indian ocean and is an important conservation area for animals like elephants and leopards. The park is known for having the world's highest leopard density and is a home to more than 200 unique bird species. The Yala National park is also home to two important Buddhist sites, namely the Sithulpawwa and Magul Vihara.

In fact, the area of this park has been a part of several civilizations, as it is believed that Ravan from the Ramayana had established his kingdom here. Even today, the park continues to attract Buddhist devotees to pay their respects in Buddhists place of worship. Apart from animals, the national park is also home to some unique bird species too. Some of them include the lesser whistling duck, greater flamingo, and the crested serpent eagle.

Yala National Park Highlights

• Take a private or a group safari and explore the premises of the national park to spot animals like leopards, bears, and elephants.
• Keep your eyes wide open to spot more than 200 bird species, like grey heron and the black headed ibis.
• Go camping in the middle of the national park and experience what it’s like to camp under thousands of stars.
• Learn more about the different types of bird species by taking help from a local guide.
• Explore the beaches and admire the pristine and unexplored parts of the Yala National Park.
• Pay your respects at the memorial near the beach that commemorates the lives lost in the tsunami.
• Stay in a hotel on the premises of the park and experience the best of being surrounded by nature.

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Point of Interest for Yala National Park

Take a Safari Tour

The most obvious experience of the Yala National Park is to take a safari tour. The park opens up at 6 am and 2 pm everyday and you can choose from a group tour to even a private tour. You will be escorted in a safari vehicle to get a glimpse of the different types of animals in the park. You are most likely to spot animals like elephants and bears. However, if you are lucky enough, you are most likely to spot leopards too. So keep your eyes wide open to spot some of the animals in the Yala National Park.

Go Birdwatching

Apart from animals, the Yala National Park is a home to some diverse bird species. Here, you can find waterfowls, grey heron, black headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill and painted stork. If you travel during the migration season, you are more likely to spot birds like the white winged tern, whimbrel, and the ruddy turnstone. Even if you are not into bird watching, the vibrant colours of the birds are sure to invite you to check them out. If you are going with a guide, you are more likely to identify the birds easily, so keep an eye out.

Go for Beach Walks

Sri Lanka is known for its pristine beaches and continues to attract tourists from around the globe. This beach at the Yala National Park is no exception. Although the beach has some places where you cannot go, there are some designated spots that you can check out. When visiting the beaches, do go for a stroll and admire the views. This beach also had some bungalows that were wiped out during a tsunami and ever since then, a memorial stands in its place. The beach is known to be calm and peaceful, and is a great place to unwind.

Go Camping in the Park

There is nothing like camping in the wilderness and under the numerous stars in the night sky. The Yala National Park has campgrounds for you to pitch your tent and spend the night in the wilderness. Camping is an exciting activity, so whether you are doing this with your friends, family or even alone, it is sure to excite you. This activity comes with a lot of rules, so make sure you follow them for a hassle-free time at the park. Also, when camping, do make it a point to be very mindful of the activities and not cause any harm to nature.

Popular Related Attractions

Yala National Park

Spread across 979 square kilometres, the Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most visited, thanks to the 200 bird species and 44 animal species that live here. This park continues to attract tourists from across the world for its pristine atmosphere and the lush greenery.

Weligama Beach

Just unplug yourself from the regular city life and welcome yourself into the world of Weligama, 144 kms south of Columbo where everything is pretty calm and peaceful. Ideal place for city people who would just like to borrow some time and get themselves absorbed in a good book while dipping their toes in water. Modest Weligama often witnesses less foreign tourists which makes this place traffic free. You may find many local women sitting outside their homes with pieces of laces which is considered to be the local speciality of the place since the Dutch times. You can also spot sites of historical importance and some gingerbread villas beautifully adorned with mal lali wooden work which is hard to find anywhere else.Highlights:Taprobanea, a small island developed in 1920 by a French man named Maunay-Talvande is quite close to Weligama. You can game up your romance by staying or dining in this beautiful island but only with advance booking.

Wasgamuwa National Park

Sri Lanka is one of the finest places in the world where wildlife can be watched at its best. In the dry lowlands of the island lies the Wasgomuwa National Park with its flourishing flora and fauna. It demonstrates a rich biodiversity. Stretching over 36,900 hectare this national park is home to 23 mammal species and a number of birds and vegetation species. It is renowned for large families of elephants. Though it will be difficult to get sight of leopard and sloth bear, the endemic purple-faced langur can be observed easily.

Udawalawa National Park

Udawalawa Dam

Traditional Puppet Art Museum

Puppet shows are closely related to Sri Lankan culture. Hence this museum is largely responsible for upholding the folk values and traditions of the island nation even today. Since the demand for these shows is quite high, it is better to book your seats early. This place is sure to bring great joy and entertainment for tourists of all age groups. One has to visit the museum to see the expertise with which artisans manage their multi-coloured and attractive puppets.

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