Located in the south-east region of the island and bounded by the Indian Ocean, Yala is the Sri Lanka's most famous national park. Forming a total area of nearly 130,000 hectares of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, Yala is very rich in wildlife and home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species.
One of the first national parks in Sri Lanka, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and a national park in 1938. Today, it has a the highest leopard density in the world The park is also home to the large herds of elephants, the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The birdlife is fantastic too, and numerous species such as rosy starlings, paradise flycatcher, crested hawk eagle, blue-tailed bee-eater and common lora inhabit this natural wilderness.
Yala boasts also a large number of ancient ruins, bearing testimony to earlier civilizations that populated this area. Historical and religious sites in Kataragama, Sithulpahuwa and Magul Maha Vihara are also well worth a visit.
Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, the climate in Yala is hot and humid. The vegetation consists of semi-arid thorny scrub, interspersed by pockets of fairly dense secondary forest and small patches of mangrove along the coastal lagoons.
The mean annual temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius, but during the dry season, from May /June to October, temperatures may reach 37 Celsius. This time of year, the water levels are low and animals have to rely on specific waterholes that provide an ideal surrounding for observing the wildlife whilst you are on a safari.
In Yala, the rain often comes in short and intense bursts before clearing up again, and many animals such as leopards, elephants, buffalos, spotted deers, wild boars, eagles, and owls can be spotted at any time of the year. The rainiest season is from November to January, when the north-east monsoon brings relief to the fauna and flora and the jungles take on lush colors.
For bird enthusiasts, the migratory season between October and April is the best. This time of year, thousands of birds migrate from all the way from their northern breeding areas in Siberia to Yala, that one of the southernmost points of their migration.
Tour in brief
Initial meeting with the Eco Team crew and the safari guide, a brief of the tour will take place in the entrance to the Yala Safari. For the morning half-day tour, the starting time will be at 6 a.m. while the afternoon tour begins at 2.30 p.m.
After entering the national park with your guide in a jeep, you will be able to spot several species of birds and other animals that have made their homes in this sanctuary. The guide will explain about the various interesting attributes as you will learn and enjoy about the flora and fauna of Yala.
You will be taken through most of the Yala National Park, covering the wetlands, grasslands, forest patches, etc. We will make longer stops at certain watering holes for unique photography opportunities.
Finishing the safari, either round 11 a.m. or around 6 p.m. you will be dropped at the park entrance.
