Yala National Park Sri Lanka

Must Include Yala National Park Sri Lanka for your Holiday Tour Plan. Find Things to do in Yala National Park Sri Lanka – Safari Game Drives, Leopard Spotting, Bird Watching, Camping and Glamping, Wildlife Photography. Get Special Discounts, Best Hotels Offers, Private Car & Driver, Tour Packages & Itineraries.

Page Content:

– Things to Do in Yala National Park
– Itineraries & Tour Packages
– Private Car and Driver
– Hotels & Resorts
– Location Map of Yala National Park
– Tourist Attractions

Yala National Park is situated in the south-east region of Sri Lanka and is the 2nd largest National Park in the island, situated some 300 km away from Colombo. It was at first established in the early 1890s as a game sanctuary .

YALA National Park 305KM (190Miles) From Colombo


Yala National Park Things to Do and See

Yala National Park offers thrilling wildlife safaris where you can spot elephants, leopards, and diverse bird species. Explore scenic landscapes, visit the ancient Sithulpawwa temple, and relax at the picturesque Kumbukkan Oya beach.

Safari Game Drives

Embark on thrilling safari game drives to explore Yala Park’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

Leopard Spotting

Yala National Park is renowned for its high density of leopards. Join a guided tour to increase your chances of spotting these elusive big cats, often seen lounging on rocks or prowling through the bush.

Bird Watching

Yala is a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species recorded in the park. Look out for colorful peacocks, majestic eagles, and a variety of waterfowl around the park’s lagoons and wetlands.

Visit Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Explore the ancient Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site located within the park. The temple offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and showcases ancient rock inscriptions and sculptures.

Explore the Coastal Area

Discover the park’s scenic coastal area, which includes pristine beaches and lagoons. The coastline is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty, and you might even spot marine wildlife such as turtles and dolphins.

Camping and Glamping

Experience the wild side of Yala by staying overnight in a campsite or a luxurious glamping tent. Enjoy the sounds of the jungle at night and the opportunity for early morning game drives.

Wildlife Photography

Yala Park offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography. Capture stunning images of the park’s diverse flora and fauna, from majestic elephants and elusive leopards to vibrant bird species and scenic landscapes.


Yala National Park Itineraries & Tour Packages

Yala National Park itineraries and tour packages include exciting wildlife safaris, visits to the ancient Sithulpawwa temple, and relaxation at Kumbukkan Oya beach. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and opportunities to spot leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species.


Book Private Car & Driver Guide

Book a private car and driver guide for a personalized Sri Lanka experience. Enjoy flexible itineraries, expert local knowledge, and comfortable travel. Explore top attractions at your own pace with convenience and ease, ensuring a memorable journey.


Top 5 Yala National Park Hotels & Resorts – Accommodations

Yala National Park offers a range of accommodations near the park, providing comfortable stays amidst nature. Experience luxury lodges and eco-friendly resorts, ideal for exploring the park’s wildlife and natural beauty.

1. Chena Huts by Uga Escapes

A luxurious safari lodge offering spacious huts with private plunge pools, gourmet dining, and exclusive access to Yala National Park for wildlife safaris.

2. Cinnamon Wild Yala

Located amidst natural wilderness, Cinnamon Wild Yala offers comfortable chalets with jungle or ocean views, a swimming pool, and guided safari tours in Yala National Park.

3. Jetwing Yala

Set in a scenic location, Jetwing Yala features modern accommodations, multiple dining options, a swimming pool, and guided wildlife safaris in Yala National Park.

4. Wild Coast Tented Lodge

A unique safari lodge with luxurious tented accommodations featuring private decks and ocean views, a main pavilion with dining and bar facilities, and safari excursions in Yala National Park.

5. Leopard Trails Yala

Specializing in luxury camping experiences, Leopard Trails Yala offers comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms, personalized service, and expert-led safari tours in Yala Park.

These hotels and lodges provide exceptional accommodations and safari experiences in close proximity to Yala Park, making them ideal choices for wildlife enthusiasts and travelers seeking an immersive safari adventure in Sri Lanka.

Add Your Hotel Here! CONTACT NOW +94 777 854 022


Location & Map of Yala National Park

  • PROVINCE: SOUTHERN
  • DISTRICT: HAMBANTOTA
  • POPULAR FOR: ELEPHANTS, LEOPARDS, WILDLIFE, SAFARI
  • WEATHER: 30 °C
yala Location Map

Yala National Park Tourism Attractions

The Yala park is located in the dry-zone region where the drought season is very long .The day time average temperature is over 30 degrees which is not uncommon in the region. The parkland makes up most of the reserve but also includes lakes, beaches, jungle, rivers and scrubland. This variety in habitats provides an excellent range in wildlife.

The largest concentration of Leopards can be seen in this region though the chances of seeing this animal are very low, and the creature is said to be one of the most endangered species. About 32 species of mammals, 125 species of birds and many reptiles and lagoon fauna species have been recorded in the park. The Yala Park is famous among visitors as the best place to view large mammals within one territory.

yala history

Yala History

The Yala National Reserve was a part of the Ruhuna Kingdom. The Situl Pahuwa temple housed more than 12000 inhabitants. The Magul Mahavihara, which is also another temple within the park was the place where King Kawantissa and Vihara Maha Devi were married.

Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

Yala was where Ravana established his kingdom. The many mane-made tanks show that yala was used as an agricultural center with an intensive irigation system. The temple Situlpahuwa is within Yala and was built during the 87 BC and the Akasa Stupa in 2 BC. During the colonial era Yala was used as a place to hunt down game. Even today more than 400,000 pilgrims visit the stupas within the confinements of thepark.


Yala Park Photo Gallery

Explore our Yala Park photo gallery showcasing diverse wildlife, scenic landscapes, ancient temples like Sithulpawwa, and serene accommodations, capturing the essence of adventure and natural beauty in Sri Lanka’s premier park.


Beautiful Yala Park Video’s

Discover the wonders of Yala Park through captivating videos showcasing its diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, ancient temples like Sithulpawwa, and serene accommodations, offering a glimpse into this natural treasure in Sri Lanka.