Roaming with the Wild: Unveiling Yala

Long to explore vast stretches of rugged territory, where exotic wild creatures roam free, at ease in their natural habitat? Then, Sri Lanka is the place for you, one of the top safari destinations in the world.

Not only does this tropical island nation offer everything related to the sun, sand, and surf, but it is also home to 26 national parks, of which Yala National Park is arguably the most well-known. Other major ones on the list include Wilpattu National Park, Horton Plains National Park, and Minneriya National Park.

Keep reading to learn about what makes Yala National Park one of the best safari destinations on the island!

Yala National Park Highlights

• Yala is Sri Lanka’s second biggest national park.
• Yala claims the highest leopard density of any park on the island, and in fact, of any place in the world!
• There are a variety of park ‘blocks’ to safari in (Out of five blocks in total, all are accessible except Block 4; Block 1 claims the highest leopard density as well as, arguably, the least’ vehicle-shy’ leopards).

What to Expect in Yala

Spanning almost 980 square kilometers, the Yala National Park wildlife sanctuary plays host to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects besides.

Encompassing terrain ranging from marine and freshwater wetlands to moist monsoon forests, a plethora of rich ecosystems thrive within its borders. 

Bird lovers will be excited to note that Yala has been designated as one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) on the island thanks to the numerous endemic and migratory bird species that make their homes, be they permanent or temporary, within the park’s confines.

Situated in the southeast of the country, part of the park straddles the coastline, offering visitors who stay at cleverly-positioned resorts such as Uga Chena Huts, a chance to enjoy views of the wildlife-filled inland terrain as well as the Indian Ocean. 

What Wildlife Can You Spot On a Yala Safari?

While sightings of any particular creature are never guaranteed on safari, here are just a few of the creatures for which the park is famed:

– Elephants

– Leopards (the Sri Lankan leopard, Panthera pardus kotiya)

– Sloth bears

– Birds such as the Sri Lankan junglefowl and Sri Lankan grey hornbill

– Peacocks

Tip:  Keep your fingers especially crossed for a prized sighting of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard!