Yala Guide
Sri Lanka is world-famous for its rich biodiversity, and the incredible wildlife found here is a key attraction for many visitors. A safari tour of Sri Lanka’s national parks is the best way to see the magnificent beasts that live there, and is a must-do for wildlife enthusiasts!
Yala National Park is the second-largest and most-visited in Sri Lanka. Occupying an area of 378 square miles, Yala is home to hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile and fish species.
Among the myriads of incredible creatures that call these verdant forests home are elephants, bears, buffalo and crocodiles. The star of the show, however, is the elusive leopard – an awe-inspiring sight for those lucky enough to spot one!
Yala National Park is the most popular place for a safari in Sri Lanka, but where are the best spots within and around the park? Read on for the best time to visit and the best places to go in the incredible Yala National Park.
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Wildlife, safari, culture | 200mi | * * * * | * ** | * | ** | * | * | * * * * |
Who should go to Yala?
Yala is one of Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist destinations and is hugely popular among all types of traveller. Whether you’ve got the spirit of adventure, a love for animals or children in tow, a visit to Yala National Park is sure to be one to remember.
- Families
- Wildlife enthusiasts
- Adventurous travellers
- Romantic couples
- Groups
- Ecotourists
When should you visit Yala?
For the best weather
Yala is pleasantly warm throughout the year, with temperatures averaging around 27 C (81 F). Rainfall in this area is also fairly consistent, except during the rainy season months of November, December and January. For the sunniest, driest conditions, time your visit from February to September.
To beat the crowds
Yala is a popular destination among all types of travellers, and tourism in the area booms around the summer holidays (in July and August). Visit between September and February to encounter fewer tourists. For the smallest crowds, visit Yala in November, December or January. The rainy season in these months keeps many tourists away, but the park is gloriously green at this time of year!
To see the animals
Your best chance of seeing the animals of Yala National Park is during the months of June, July and August. These months are driest in Yala, so the animals are most likely to be seen congregating around the park’s watering holes. Visit during these months to get the best of Yala’s incredible biodiversity!
Things to see and do in Yala National Park
Take a jeep safari through Yala National Park
Yala is a hotbed of biodiversity and is home to hundreds of spectacular mammal, reptile and bird species. There’s only one way to see these spectacular creatures in their natural habitat, and that’s on safari!
Take a jeep through Yala National Park to immerse yourself in the unrivalled natural beauty of Sri Lanka, and for your chance of seeing its most magnificent inhabitants. Visitors can spot elephants, deer, monkeys, wild boar, crocodiles, exotic birds and, most impressive of all, the elusive leopard.
Seize your chance to spot a leopard
For your best chance of seeing one of Yala’s most revered animals, book a safari that takes you through Block 1. This area is the most-visited in all of Yala National Park, thanks to the large numbers of leopards in the region. Block 1 is actually home to the densest leopard population in all of Asia, so it’s the best place on the continent to spot one!
Go bird watching
The diversity of Yala’s bird population is incredible, with hundreds of sensational species making their home among the forests, wetlands and coasts. Besides parrots, pelicans, eagles, ibises and more, the park is also home to dozens of rare species, such as the Oriental Darter.
For avian enthusiasts, it’s a dream come true! Grab your binoculars and head out on an early-morning bird watching trip for your chance to see this vibrant birdlife.
Visit the dairy farms
Yala National Park is surrounded by rural villages, amongst which are several hundred dairy farms. To see how the locals live, take a morning tour out to the villages. Here you can learn everything there is to know about daily life on the farms. This is also a great chance to see more of the scenery around Yala National Park and, if you’re lucky, you may spot some of the spectacular wildlife native to the area.
Camp out in the jungle
Camping within the Yala National Park is prohibited; however, there are a number of campsites in the park’s buffer zone. These range from basic to boutique, but all offer the unmissable chance to sleep beneath the jungle canopy! Chill by the fireside and drift off the sound of the jungle nightlife, for an unforgettable experience out in nature.
Explore the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
Not far from the Yala National Park is the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, an ancient Buddhist monastery that dates back over 2000 years. Originally a place of worship and Buddhist education, this incredible cultural site features stone ruins, sculptures and historic paintings.
The Sithulpawwa Rock Temple sits atop a colossal rock formation, and the views from the top are unbelievable! The temple is situated deep in the Yala forest, and you may even spot some of the local wildlife as you make your way through.
Off the beaten track in Yala…
Admire the ancient carvings of Buduruwagala
Nestled deep in the forests of the Yala National Park lies Buduruwagala, an ancient Buddhist temple dating back to the 10th century. The name means ‘the rock of Buddhist sculptures,’ and the site is home to seven Buddha statues.
These colossal carvings are beautifully worked into the cliff face, the largest standing an awe-inspiring 16 m tall. This is the largest standing Buddha statue in all of Sri Lanka, so it’s definitely worth a visit!
Buduruwagala is difficult to find without a guide and, as such, never gets very crowded. This incredible historic site is, therefore, perfect for a serene yet adventurous day out in Yala! Take in the mystical atmosphere of these ancient ruins with a morning trip through the forest while you’re in Yala.
Where to eat in Yala
Smoky Kitchen
For traditional Sri Lankan cuisine prepared with the freshest and finest ingredients, check out Smoky Kitchen while you’re in Yala! With authentic flavours, friendly staff and a first-rate chef, Smoky is a firm favourite in the area. Visit for lunch or dinner to eat exceptional local dishes and take in the spectacular views from the dining area!
The Muthu Restaurant
Visit Muthu for Asian, Western and fusion dishes, all cooked to a high standard and served up in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. The Muthu Restaurant has a menu to cater to all tastes and is the ideal spot to dine as a family in Yala.
Chef Lady Restaurant
The Chef Lady Restaurant in Yala is best known for its deliciously fresh seafood and exceptional traditional dishes. Chef Lady has a strong reputation for serving top-quality food, and the relaxed, peaceful setting is perfect for a quiet lunch or dinner.
Where to stay in Yala
To stay in the National Park…
If you’re all about the animals, consider staying inside Yala National Park during your visit. To really add a touch of magic to your trip, consider renting your own private villa! The stylish Taru Villas are situated in a gorgeously leafy section of the park and offer a luxurious experience in the very heart of nature.
To be in town…
If you’d rather stay near to the shops and restaurants of Yala, check out accommodation in Kataragama. Prices here are lower than within the national park itself, but the park is still easily reachable by taxi.