02/03/2025
Yala National Park - A Wildlife Paradise in Sri Lanka
Yala National Park is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Located in the southeastern region of the country, it is the second-largest national park and the most visited one.
Key Features of Yala National Park:
Diverse Wildlife:
Leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) – Yala is home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
Elephants (Elephas maximus maximus) – Sri Lankan elephants roam freely in the park.
Sloth Bears – Rarely seen but present in Yala’s forests.
Spotted Deer – A common sight in the park.
Crocodiles – Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles inhabit Yala.
Birdlife – Including Peacocks, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, and Painted Storks.
Park Divisions:
Yala is divided into five blocks.
Block 1 & 2 – Most popular for safaris.
Block 3, 4 & 5 – Less explored areas, rich in biodiversity.
Climate & Best Time to Visit:
Yala has a dry climate, making it an ideal safari destination.
The best time to visit is October to March, when wildlife sightings are at their peak.
April to July brings occasional rains but is still good for safaris.