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A Complete Guide to Yala National Park

 

Yala National Park, located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, is the country’s most famous and second-largest national park, covering nearly 979 square kilometers across the Hambantota and Monaragala Districts. Established in 1938, it is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, especially its high density of leopards, making it one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive Sri Lankan Leopard in their natural habitat.

📍 Specifications of Yala National Park

General Information 🏞️
  • Name: Yala National Park (also known as Ruhuna National Park)
  • Location: Southeastern Sri Lanka, spanning Hambantota and Monaragala Districts
  • Coordinates: Approximately 6.3° N, 81.5° E
  • Established: 1938 (originally designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900)
  • Area: Around 979 square kilometers (378 sq mi)
  • The Block I (the most visited area) covers 141 km²
Geography & Landscape 🌍
  • Terrain: A mix of dry monsoon forest, grasslands, scrub jungle, lagoons, and coastal dunes.
  • Climate:
    • Type: Semi-arid to tropical dry zone
    • Average temperature: ~27°C – 30°C
    • Rainfall: Mainly during Northeast monsoon (Nov–Jan)
  • Elevation: 0 to about 100 meters above sea level
Biodiversity 🐾
  • Mammals Recorded: ~44 species
  • Bird Species: ~215 species (resident & migratory)
  • Endemic Birds: 6 species (e.g., Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Grey Hornbill)
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: ~45 species of reptiles (Crocodiles, Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Cobras) & ~20 species of amphibians (several endemics)
  • Fish Species: ~20 freshwater/brackish species
  • Key Wildlife Highlights: Sri Lankan Leopard 🐆, Elephant 🐘, Sloth Bear 🐻, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar
  • Leopard Density: Among the highest in the world (~1 per 4–5 km²)
      Conservation Status
      • IUCN Key Biodiversity Area (KBA): critical habitat for leopards & elephants
      • Human Impact:Tourism, poaching, and droughts occasionally affect biodiversity
      • Conservation Authority: Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC), Sri Lanka

      Wildlife You Can Expect in Yala National Park

      🐆 Mammals

      You can spot around 44 species of mammals, including:

      • Sri Lankan Leopard 🐆 (Panthera pardus kotiya) – Yala is known for recording the highest leopard density in the world.
      • Sri Lankan Elephant 🐘 (Elephas maximus maximus)
      • Sloth Bear 🐻 (Melursus ursinus inornatus)
      • Spotted Deer 🦌 (Axis axis)
      • Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor)
      • Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
      • Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
      • Golden Jackal (Canis aureus naria)
      • Toque Macaque 🐒 (Macaca sinica)
      • Gray Langur (Semnopithecus priam thersites)
      • Fishing Cat, Mongoose, and Civet Cats

      🐦 Birds

      Yala is a paradise for bird lovers, with over 215 species of birds, including migratory and endemic ones.
      Common sightings include:

      • Sri Lanka Junglefowl 🐔 (National Bird of Sri Lankan)
      • Peacocks 🦚
      • Painted Stork, Open-billed Stork, Black-necked Stork
      • Lesser Flamingo, Pelicans, Egrets, Herons
      • Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Brown-capped Babbler, Crimson-fronted Barbet
      • Eagles, Kites, and Owls

      🐊 Reptiles

      Around 45 species of reptiles are found here:

      • Mugger Crocodile and Saltwater Crocodile 🐊
      • Monitor Lizard, Python, Russell’s Viper, Cobra, Star Tortoise

      🐸 Amphibians

      Several species of frogs and toads, including endemic tree frogs, thrive in Yala’s wetlands and ponds.

      🐟 Fish

      • About 20 species of freshwater and brackish fish, including Tilapia and Snakehead fish.

      🦋 Insects

      • Colorful butterflies like the Blue Mormon, Lime Butterfly, and Common Jezebel.
      • Many other insects that play vital roles in pollination and food chains.

      🐢 Marine & Coastal Wildlife

      In Yala’s coastal belt and beaches, you might also see:

      • Sea Turtles (Green, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, Loggerhead)
      • Coastal Birds like Terns, Gulls, and Plovers

      Safari Times & Durations in Yala National Park

      • Morning Safaris (Half-Day): The best time to go is at dawn when the animals are most active. Morning safaris typically do from 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Nearly it’s 4+ hours safari session.
      • Afternoon Safaris (Half-Day): The afternoon safari begins around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and the wildlife tends to be more visible as the sun sets and animals come to the waterholes. It also around 4 hours safari.
      • Full day Safari: Full day safari period is from 6:00 AM to  6:00 PM. You can spend about 12 hours inside the park on a full day safari allowing to explore all important parts of the park as well as most of the animals. Yala Block I is closed between 12.00 PM – 2.00 P.M, you have to stop at rest area for lunch during this time.

      🗓️ Best Season to Visit

      • February to July is considered the best period for safaris.
      • This is the dry season, when animals gather around waterholes and are easier to spot.
      • Vegetation is thinner, offering clearer visibility of leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.
      • Roads inside the park are also in better condition.

      Avoid:

        • September to December, when parts of the park may close due to rain and flooding (the northeast monsoon).

        Yala National Park Entrances

        Yala National Park is divided into six administrative blocks (I–VI), but not all are open to the public or have extra difficult to arrange a general safari. Each block has designated entry gates, managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC).

        🚪 Palatupana Entrance (Main Entrance)

        The Palatupana Entrance is the main and most popular entry point to Yala National Park, giving access to Block I, the park’s most famous and wildlife-rich area. Nearly 90% of visitors enter through this gate, as it offers the best chances to see leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.

        • Situated: Near Kirinda village, about 20 km southeast of Tissamaharama
        • Province: Southern Province, Sri Lanka
        • From Tissamaharama: 30–40 minutes drive via Kirinda–Palatupana Road
        • From Colombo: ~300 km (approx. 5–6 hours) via Southern Expressway (E01) → Mattala → Tissamaharama
        • Nearest landmarks: Kirinda Temple & Beach

        🚪 Katagamuwa Entrance

        The Katagamuwa Entrance is the secondary gateway to Yala National Park. It provides access mainly to the western part of Block I, which connects with the area accessed through Palatupana Gate. This entrance is less crowded and offers a quieter, more natural safari experience, ideal for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers who prefer fewer jeeps.

        • Situated: Northwest side of Yala National Park
        • Nearest Town: Kataragama (approx. 12 km away)
        • Distance from Tissamaharama: Around 25–30 km
        • From Tissamaharama: Route – Tissamaharama → Kataragama → Katagamuwa – Yala Road → Park Entrance (about 45–60 min by vehicle)
        • From Kataragama: Direct route via Katagamuwa–Yala Road (~20–25 min drive).
        • From Colombo: ~310 km (about 6 hours) via Southern Expressway (E01) → Mattala → Tissamaharama → Kataragama

        🚪 Galge Entrance

        The Galge Entrance provides access to the northern sector of Yala National Park, mainly Blocks III, V and VI. It is managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and is known for being less crowded, more remote, and very scenic. If you want a peaceful safari experience or to explore less-visited parts of Yala, Galge is the perfect choice.

        • Situated: Along the Buttala–Kataragama (A4) Road
        • Nearest Towns: Buttala (23 km) and Kataragama (18 km)
        • Elevation: Slightly higher terrain, with dry forests and rocky outcrops
        • Kataragama A4 Road → Galge ~18 km / 25 min
        • Buttala A4 Road → Galge ~23 km / 30 min
        • Tissamaharama Via Kataragama → Galge ~45 km / 1 hr 15 min
        • Colombo E01 Expressway → Mattala → Kataragama → Galge ~310 km / 6 hrs

        Yala National Park Safari Costs

        Click Here to See Yala Safari Costs

        Travel Tips for Yala National Park​

        • Yala has multiple entrances, each offering a different experience. You need to stay close to one of the entrances to access to park as early as possible.
          • Palatupana Gate: Main entrance to Yala Block I and most popular entrance close to Tissamaharama town.
          • Katagamuwa Gate: Entrance to Noothern area of Yala Block I. You can accommodate near Kataragama town.
          • Galge Gate: Access to northern blocks (III, V, VI), less crowded and more natural. Block V is close to Kataragama town.
        • Book Safaris in Advance: It is highly recommended to book your safari in advance, especially during the high tourist season (December – April) to secure a quality jeep and a guide. You can book through your tour operator or directly a jeep operator.
        • Your Guide Matters: Animal sightings are not completely random, An experience Guide and a Naturalist will track animals like leopards better based on historical statistics about their behaviour and environment conditions. Hence you need to pick a good team for your safari.
        • Naturalist for Better Experience: Extra Naturalist will be a great addition if you are interested in understanding better about animals, their behaviour, animal tracking, conservation, and national park details.
        • About Food during Safari: Yala offers facility within the park to enjoy a meal during the safari in Patanangala and Menik River Rest Areas. Patanangala rest area has access to a beautiful beach. You may need Breakfast during a Morning Safari, and Lunch will also be needed for if you are doing a Full Day Safari. Evening Safaris may only need Water and a Snack.  Your hotel, lodge, or campsite may pack a breakfast for you before the safari (usually around 5:00–5:30 AM) or this can be arranged by the safari operator himself. Typically includes sandwiches, boiled eggs, fruit cuts, juice boxes, String Hoppers, or Sri Lankan Rice & Curry Lunch.
        • Carry Snacks and Water: Eventhough there is a small restaurant in Patanangala rest area with limited food, it’s a good idea to carry snacks, water, and other essentials for your comfort during the safari. These may be provided by the safari jeep operator himself.
        • Wash Room Facilities: You can only get down from the jeep in the Rest Area inside the park. Washrooms are placed only at the entrance & the rest areas. Around 8:00–9:00 AM, your guide will stop at a Rest Area where you can have breakfast & use wash room facilities. Also during the day, you may visit any rest area time to time for a rest. Please communicate in advance with the jeep driver to arrange timing of your resting times.
        • Dress code: It’s better to wear earthy, neutral-colored, lightweight, breathable fabrics clothing to stay comfortable. Bright colors can disturb wildlife and make it harder to blend in with the surroundings. Also wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Using a sun-screen is also recommonded.
        • Respect Nature: Avoid making loud noises or disturbing wildlife. Always follow the guide’s instructions for a safe and responsible safari experience.
        Tour Tips 104 - Guide to Select a Safari Jeep
        Safari Tips 101 - Tracking A Leopard
        Tour Tips 105 - Special Wildlife Tours
        Tour Tips 106 - What NOT to do in Sri Lankan Safaris

        Bungalows inside Yala National Park

        There are government-run bungalows inside National Parks where you can stay and enjoy wildlife much closer Each bungalow usually accommodates up to ~10 people. Yala has the most wildlife bungalows. These bungalows has limited facilities but highly popular among local wildlife communities and researchers due to close access to water ways where illusive leopards roam in the morning. 

        • Facilities: The bungalows provide basic amenities such as beds, kitchen and private bathrooms. These bungalows have no AC or Fans, but usually designed to accommodate natural air circulation.
        • Food: Each bungalow has a bungalow keeper and a cook. Visitors need to bring all the raw materials to prepare food. 
        • Wildlife: These bungalow offers a good opportunity for sightings of leopards, elephants, and sloth bears, also fantastic spots for birdwatching.
        • Location: Bungalows are located near the water ways or open areas where animals can be seen most of the days. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy privacy and a remote wilderness experience.
        BungalowLocation NotesBlock      
        WarahanaQuiet, forest surroundings near waterholes. High demand due to leopard sightings nearby. Block I
        HeenwewaFacing the Heenwewa Tank, this is an extremely quieter area of the park.Block I
        MahaseelawaClose to Palatupana entrance and close to the beach. Block I
        OndaatjeInside Yala NP. Simpler amenities; part of the same DWC circuit of wildlife bungalows.Block I
        New ButhawaClose to the mid park area of block I, has access to beach.Block I
        Old ButhawaClose to the mid park area of block I, has access to beach.Block I
        ThalgasmankadaNothern area of Block I, extremely popular due to high leopard sightings nearby.Block I
        Pahala HenthotaOnly AC supported bungalow in Yala with capacity of 20, close to Katagamuwa entrance. Booking cost is higher.Block I
        ParanatotupolaThis former VIP bungalow has a capacity of 20, and recently modified. Booking cost is higher.Block I
        WeheragalaInside Block V, facing Weheragala reservior, this is a heaven for someone looking for a hidden peaceful stay inside the jungle. Highly demanded bungalow in Block V, extremely close to the Galge entrance & leopard sighting area.Block V
        Kuda Gal AmunaSmaller bungalow which can accommadate only 6 inside Block VBlock V
        DambakoteClose to Buttata – Kataragama main road, this is close to Block V safari area.Block V
        ThalgahadiganaInside Block VI/ Lunugamvehera area of the Park. Easy to book due to less demand.Block VI
        Click Here to Book Any Yala Bungalow

        Comparison to other Sri Lankan National Parks

        Yala National Park, in southeastern Sri Lanka, is famous for its high leopard density, elephants, sloth bears, and diverse birdlife, with landscapes ranging from scrub forests to coastal lagoons. In contrast, Wilpattu in the northwest is larger and quieter, known for its natural lakes and wilderness, Udawalawe in the south-central region is ideal for elephant sightings, Minneriya in the north-central area is famous for seasonal elephant gatherings, and Kumana on the southeast coast attracts migratory birds and offers a peaceful safari with high leopard sightings similar to Yala & Wilpattu. While Yala is popular and often crowded, the other parks provide more solitude or specialized wildlife experiences. Yala often offers a well diverse safari experience covering most important animals in Sri Lanka.

        1.Yala block I vs Yala block V

        Block I – Big and has a lot of area to roam and see. But there will be more jeeps in the high season. depending on the month and dates you come. Stay near Thissamaharama if entering via Palatupana entrance. Stay in Kataragama if entering via katagamauwa entrance. Lot of cheap accommodation can be found in Kataragama rather than Thissamaharama. 

        Block V – Small but same animals can be seen. Weheragama reservoir can be seen and get off the vehicle to take some photos on the dam, also lots of birds. You can have a meal near Manik river. Dry season leopard sightings are high even around the main road near man-made ponds. They are filled with water by the wildlife department. Facilities are very limited. Recommended to stay in Kataragama town, where a lot of cheap accommodation can be found.

        2.Wilpattu vs Yala

        Wilpattu is better due to many reasons, and recommends a full day safari to get that slight advantage. If you can only spend a half day safari, go for Yala. If you averse jeep traffic, go through yala katagamuwa entrance or yala block V park. Yala Block I main entrance is palatupana though, which makes it the most demanding. 

        • General animal population is similar in both Wilpatty and Yala parks.
        • Sloth bear sightings are slighting higher in Wilpattu. 
        • Chances of leopard sightings are more or less equal in Yala vs Wilpattu assuming you avoid the rainy season in each park.
        • Wilpattu offers high quality leopard sightings due to less jeeps.
        • Natural beauty of Wilpattu is better due to green tree cover, and many small lakes.
        • Wilpattu park is larger in size than Yala blocks. 

        3.Udawalewa vs Yala NP

        Simple answer is if you are an extreme elephant lover, go to Udawalewa, else Yala NP.

        • Yala NP is more famous for its high leopard population.
        • Don’t expect leopards in Udawalawe Safari. Limited leopard population is not much used to jeeps, and extremely rare near roads.
        • Udawalewa is more famous for its big herds of elephants all year. 
        • Elephants can be seen in Yala too, but in small groups or individual elephants. 
        • Other animals are common in both parks.
        • High tree cover cannot be seen in most parts of Udawalewa. 
        • Yala can be crowded with jeeps in tourist seasons and local holidays and vacations.
        • Yala has more facilities than Udawalawe.

          Other Experiences around Yala National Park

          DT603_Udawalawe_Village_Tour
          DT109_Thissa_Owls_and_Birds_Watching_Tour
          DT202_Ella_to_South_Beach_via_Yala_Block_V
          DT201_Ella_to_South_Beach_via_Udawalawe

          ExperienceImportant Facts
          Beach visits (Kirinda & Palatupana)Quiet, less-crowded beaches near Yala; good for sunsets and relaxation
          Kataragama Sacred CityMajor multi-religious pilgrimage site close to Yala NP
          Bundala National ParkRamsar wetland; famous for migratory birds and birdwatching
          Tissamaharama heritage areaAncient tanks and stupas linked to early Sinhalese civilization
          Kirinda Raja Maha ViharayaHistoric hilltop Buddhist temple with coastal views
          Village & rural experiencesOpportunity to observe traditional rural lifestyles
          Buffer zone wildlife viewingWildlife sightings possible outside the main park
          Photography & nature walksBest during early morning or late evening light

          Click here Book Day Tours near by Yala

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