Best known for its variety of wild animals including gorgeous leopards, Yala is Sri Lanka’s most visited national park. Covering around 1,000 square kilometers, Yala is the second-largest national park in the country. Yala is quite famous as the best safari destination in Sri Lanka because it is home to the majestic Panthera pardus kotiya, the endemic leopard species. Most importantly, it boasts the highest density of leopards in the world. As such, Yala National Park attracts visitors from all corners of the world to watch these beautiful big cats.
Yala National Park was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. Not only for leopards, but also it is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, Sloth bears, and many more species. Moreover, Yala harbors 215 bird species including six endemic species, and considers a perfect destination for bird watching. It’s not just only the wildlife you’ll see, the sceneries inside the park are pretty impressive too. You’ll find the natural scenic beauty inside the park is mind-blowing. Thus, a trip to Yala is a must-do activity in Sri Lanka for all wildlife and nature lovers.
How to reach Yala
Yala locates in the southeast region of the country and lies between the Southern and Uva Provinces in Hambantota city. The distance from the capital of Colombo is 260 km. If you use Mattala International Airport, it is quite easy to reach the park. There is only a 40 km distance from Mattala to Yala National Park.
The fastest way to reach Yala National Park from Colombo is by air. You can take a domestic flight to Mattala International Airport, which is a 45-minute flight, and then make the journey to Yala National Park.
If you intend to use public transportation from Colombo to Yala, it is quite disappointing for tourists. There aren’t any direct buses to reach Yala. You need to go to Colombo Fort central bus station and get a bus bound for Kataragama passing Tissamaharama. In the normal route, it will take around 7 to 8 hours to reach Yala. If you take a bus run in the southern expressway, it will take fewer hours than the normal route.
If you plan to take the train from Colombo, the southern coastal railway line runs only up to Beliatta. After that, there is more than 100 km to cover by other means of transport to reach Yala National Park. Thus, traveling to Yala by train isn’t a good option.
Using a private transfer or a taxi is the best way to reach Yala National Park conveniently. You can reach there within 5 hours from Colombo. Usually, the common travel plan of many tourists is to reach Tissamaharama on the first day and stay there overnight. Then you can visit Yala the next day with a fresh feeling.
Entrances of Yala
There are 3 entrances to the Yala National Park. They are located at Palatupana, Katagamuwa, and Galge. The Palatupana gate is the most popular entrance to Yala National Park. Entrance tickets can be purchased at any of these gates.
Remember that no public transport runs to either of these gates. Thus, you need to arrange private transport before visiting Yala National Park. Safari tours can be arranged through Yala official website, your hotel, or many private operators based in Tissamaharama.
The Galge entrance is located on the east side of Buttala – Kataragama Road, on the boundary of Blocks III and IV, 18km north of Kataragama. It services two separate gates on opposite sides of the main road. The eastern gate offers direct access to Block III and Block V. The western gate offers access to Lunugamwehera National Park.
Sections of Yala
Yala National Park consists of five blocks. Among them, only three sections, Block I, III, and Block V are open to the public.
Yala Block I
The main entrance to Block I is from Palatupana gate, which locates 15 km east of Tissamaharama. This entrance is the most popular one among safari-goers because Block I has the highest density of leopards in the world. According to the Yala leopard diary, over 100 leopards live in this area. Hence, there is a higher chance to observe leopards as well as other wildlife including many species of birds.
Moreover, you can enter Block I by the Katagamuwa entrance. This gate locates 30 km east of Tissamaharama. There are some advantages of entering Yala National Park through the Katagamuwa entrance. The Palatupana entrance is heavily crowded and there is a big traffic jam to enter the park.
On the other hand, Katagamuwa gate is less crowded and more convenient to access the park within a short time. Also, this area is outstanding for leopard sightings. You’ll reach the epic leopard-spotting areas without being in a race with other safari vehicles.
Yala Block II
Yala Block II is the zone between the Manik Ganga and the Kumbukkan Oya which is a designated strict nature reserve. It isn’t open for safari tours and access to this area is only through special permission.
Yala Block III
The main gate for Yala Block III locates in Galge, on Buttala-Kataragama road. This entrance isn’t crowded with safari jeeps and is less popular among visitors. But this area is quite beautiful and you can see a wide array of wild animals, including elephants, leopards, and bears, as well as lots of birds.
Yala Block IV
Block IV is in the Northern area and has a rainfall more than any of the other blocks of Yala. With a thick canopy and large trees, it is hard to see animals here. This Block is a strict nature reserve and it isn’t open to the public. Thus, no safari tours are available in this area yet.
Yala Block V
Block V adjoining Block III and Block IV locates in the Northern area of the park. The access to this area is through the Galge entrance. Since the Galge entrance locates just 18 km from Kataragama, it is easy to reach from there. With a lesser number of jeeps, you can always enjoy a private safari here.
According to the Yala leopard diary, there are around 25 leopards living in this area. Compared to Block I, leopard sightings are low due to the dryness in this area. But it has elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, and birds.
Climate of Yala
Yala National Park locates in a dry semi-arid region in Hambantota city. Despite its lush green appearance, the climate inside the park is quite hot. The temperature ranges from 26 to 30 °C. Thus, visitors need to take precautions to face the hot and humid climate. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lots of water are the essential items to pack for your safari trip in Yala National Park.
The park is fed by Kumbukkan Oya from the eastern side and the Manik river and its tributaries from the west side. These streams flow across the park and provide important water sources in the dry season for wild animals. At the height of drought season, groundwater become rather scarce and it leads to close the park for several weeks.
Safari tours in Yala
There are three kinds of safari tours available in Yala National Park. They are morning, afternoon, or full-day safaris. Morning safaris consider great for bird viewings, while late afternoon ones are best for leopard and elephant sightings. To ensure you’ll see many varieties of wildlife, the best thing is to take a full-day safari in Sri Lanka.
Best Time to visit Yala
The park receives most of its rain during the Northeast Monsoon that occurs around mid-October to late December. Moreover, there is inter-monsoons occur in April. The best time for visiting Yala National Park is during the dry months from May to September. But it can be visited all year round due to the mild rainy season. The park becomes most beautiful in January to March and May to June due to the lush greenery after the rains.
The dry season starts in August and animals have to congregate in water holes. They often come to open plains and lagoons in search of water. As well, this is the time Palu trees (Manilkara hexandra) bear fruits. Sloth bears love to eat Palu fruits and often come out for feasting on these delicious fruits. Thus, it leads to an increase in sloth bear sightings and gives a wonderful chance to witness them.
After August, the drought season continues until October. Due to the extreme heat and scarcity of water, Yala Block I is closed from September 1st until October 15th. Other sectors of Yala such as Block V and adjacent Lunugamwehera and Bundala National Parks can be visited year-round.
Camping in Yala
Camping in Yala National Park is one of the best ways to enjoy nature itself. There are 7 government-run wildlife circuit bungalows inside the park. They call as Warahena, Mahasilawa, Ondaadtje, Heenwewa, Thalgasmankada, Old Buthawa, and New Buthawa bungalows. You can reserve them through the Sri Lanka Wildlife website. But you need to remember that the amenities in these bungalows are quite basic.
There are lots of privately-run camping spots around the Yala National Park. You can find fixed safari campsites and mobile tents which give you comfortable facilities with a boutique feel. Since these camping spots have all the modern amenities for tourists, it is better to reserve one of them to enjoy your stay in Yala National Park.
Although they aren’t located inside the park, these camps are quite close to wildlife habitats. Mahoora, Back of Beyond, Big Game, and Yala Leopard Mobile Camp are among the best camping spots with premium facilities.
Glamping in Yala
Luxury glamping in Yala is one of the most popular activities among tourists. This is a wonderful experience where you can stay in comfy tents with all modern facilities. Remember that none of these glamping sites are located inside Yala National Park. They are located in the buffer zone, just beside the park boundary in the lush wilderness.
Among the best glamping spots in Yala, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a world-famous, truly wonderful place. Moreover, there are a number of top glamping sights including Yala Chena Huts, Jetwing Yala, Cinnamon Wild, and Leopard Nest with all the modern facilities. In this way, you can enjoy the amazing wildlife in the Yala jungle whilst living in the luxury of comfort.
Most of these glamping spots in Yala are set in memorable scenic places around the park. They are quite close to wildlife habitats where you can get an amazing experience. Some glamping spots locate near the Palatupana beach in a picturesque setting. Definitely, glamping in Yala is a marvelous adventurous experience you shouldn’t miss in Sri Lanka.
Rules to follow in the park
Kindly be aware that you cannot get out of the jeep and walk in the park. You must be inside the vehicle throughout the trip unless otherwise instructed by the wildlife tracker.
It is advised not to wear brightly colored dresses to avoid the distraction of animals. Light-colored costumes such as green, beige, khaki, or light brown are recommended.
Feeding wild animals inside the park is strictly prohibited. As well, you cannot bring any food or snacks for yourself, because animals may attract to the smell of the food.
Guns, knives, and other potential weapons are banned to bring inside the park. As well as, matches, drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, and anything that can harm nature are strictly prohibited.
The electronic devices must be used with care inside the park. Mobile phones should be used in silent mode. Some animals can clearly hear low frequencies, even at a reduced volume. So, switching off your mobile is the best thing you can do.
The use of cameras and video cameras is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited.
Littering inside the park is unacceptable. Also, plucking plants, and carrying soil, stones, or feathers aren’t allowed. Thus, you can bring back nothing other than sweet memories.
Important tips for you
Personal vehicles aren’t allowed to enter the Yala National Park. Only registered safari vehicles can enter the park. As well, hiring a local guide is quite important to learn many things about the jungle.
The average Yala National Park entrance fee per foreign adult is 35 USD and jeep hire includes in a separate ticket. Depending on the number of people in a jeep (2-6), you can share this jeep cost.
To sum up, visiting Yala National Park is one of the best things you can do in Sri Lanka. This guide shows everything you need to know before visiting the park. As a responsible tourist, remember to follow these guidelines and enjoy your safari trip. It is assured that you’ll meet majestic leopards, who are the kings and queens of the Yala jungle. Welcome guys, visit Yala and enjoy the amazing wildlife in Sri Lanka.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Wikimedia Commons, Facebook, Twitter & booking.com. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
