• 4 Hours
• Max People 7
• Yala National Park

4 Hours Half Day Yala Safari Drive From $ 92

About Yala National Park (යාල)

Yala National Park, located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, is the Country’s most visited and second-largest national park, covering 979 square kilometers (378 square miles). Bordering the Indian Ocean, it is situated across the Southern and Uva Provinces, about 260 kilometers (190 miles) from Colombo.

Yala National Park, renowned for its rich diverse ecosystems, includes moist and dry monsoon forests, thorn forests, grasslands, wetlands, and pristine beaches, creating an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife. The park is home to 44 species of mammals, including a significant population of around 350 Asian elephants, making it one of the most important elephant habitats in Sri Lanka. Other notable residents include the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, the endangered sloth bear, wild water buffalo endemic to Sri Lanka. Additionally, Yala hosts species like the spotted deer, sambars, jackals, and crocodiles, contributing to its rich biodiversity. The park’s varied environments also support variety of bird species, reptiles, amphibians and unique dry-zone landscapes, making it a top destination for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. Yala is a must-visit destination for unforgettable safari experiences.

Yala: The Ultimate Leopard Spotting Destination

Yala National Park is renowned for its incredible leopard population, boasting the highest density of leopards in the world. These majestic big cats are the park’s most iconic attraction, often spotted gracefully roaming the grasslands or perched on rocky outcrops. A Yala safari offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness these elusive predators in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Spot Leopards: The Dry Season
For the best chance to see leopards during your safari at Yala National Park, visiting during the dry season, from June to September, is highly recommended. During this time, the park experiences dry weather, which brings leopards out into the open more frequently, increasing your chances of spotting them. In contrast, the rainy season, from November to January, sees leopards retreating into caves for shelter, making them harder to spot during safaris. To maximize your leopard sighting experience, plan your visit during the dry months.

Yala National Park is accessible through several entry points, including Katagamuwa Gate and Palatupana Gate, with coordinates at 6°22’22N, 81°31’01E. The park experiences a dry climate for most of the year, with an average temperature of 26.4°C (79.5°F). The nearest city is Kataragama, located about 30 km away, roughly a 40-minute drive. From Kataragama, the park entrances are easily reachable: Katagamuwa Entrance is 14 km, Palatupana Entrance is 41 km, and Galge Entrance is 30 km.