Yala National Park | The Official Traveler's Portal
Yala National Park | The Official Traveler's Portal
Yala is the the jewel of Sri Lanka’s wildlife kingdom! Nestled along the Indian Ocean, Yala beckons adventurers to explore its vast expanses. Spanning 979 square kilometers, this sanctuary boasts an array of ecosystems, from lush forests to marine wetlands.
Discover our park’s rich biodiversity, home to iconic species like the Sri Lankan elephant and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. With over 215 bird species and 44 mammals, including the highest density of leopards globally, every moment here is a testament to nature’s magnificence.
Join us on safari expeditions through Palatupana and beyond, immersing yourself in the wonders of Yala’s six adjoining parks and sanctuaries. Let us guide you through this mesmerizing landscape, where every encounter is a celebration of life in its purest form. Welcome to Yala, where adventure meets conservation, and memories are made to last a lifetime.
It’s home to Panthera pardus kotiya, a majestic leopard endemic to Sri Lanka.Yala National Park, often called Ruhunu National Park, is recognized as one of the best places in the world to observe and photograph leopards in the wild. Yala National Park has been confirmed to have the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world at one leopard per square kilometer. Despite the high prevalence of leopards in Sri Lanka (300-350 leopards in total, 70-80 of which roam around Yala National Park), it still takes a well-trained eye to observe these elusive big cats in action. Know when and where to look for one – that’s where Mahura’s experienced guides come in.  Â
Embark on an exhilarating expedition into the untamed wilderness of Yala National Park, where every moment brings you face to face with the raw essence of wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned nature enthusiast or venturing into a wildlife sanctuary for the first time, Yala beckons with an invitation to delve deep into its mysteries. Approach with an open mind and a thirst for discovery, and you’ll depart with a newfound perspective on life’s profound intricacies.
Unveiling Yala’s enigmatic facade reveals a paradoxical landscape; nestled within its seemingly lush greenery lies a hot, semi-arid environment. Despite its verdant appearance, especially during the monsoon, Yala’s climate oscillates between a balmy 26℃ to around 30℃. The Northeast monsoon, reigning from September to December, bestows upon Yala the bulk of its rainfall, adding a touch of drama to this captivating ecosystem.
Colombo 01 - Fort >> Bandaragama >> Horana >> Ratnapura >> Palmadulla >> Kahawatta >> Madampe >> Udawalawe >> Thanamalwila >> Tissemaharamaya >> Yala Block 1
Colombo 01 >> Battaramulla >> Pannipitiya >> E01 Kottawa Interchange >> Mattala Interchange >> Tissamaharamaya >> Yala Block 01
Bandaranaike International Airport Katunayake >> E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway >> E02 Expressway >> E01 Kottawa Interchange >> Mattala Interchange >> Tissamaharamaya >> Yala Block 01
Kandy >> Pilimathalawa >> Gampola >> Nuwara Eliya >> Walimada >> Bandarawela >> Diyathalawa >> Haputhale >> Wallawaya >> Tissemaharamaya >> Yala Block 1 {245km}
Galle > >Matara >> Hambantota >>Tissa >> Yala Block 1
Arugam Bay >> Buttala >> Kataragama >> Yala ( 175 Km)
Ella >> Wellawaya >> Thanamalwila >> Tissamaharama >> Yala Block 01
The mission of the Department of wild life conservation To conserve wildlife and nature by the sustainable utilization of men, material and land through participatory management, research, education and law enforcement and ensure the maintenance of biodiversity and forest cover as exist today.