Spanning over an area of 1268 square kilometres, the Yala National park is composed of varied landscapes that consist of grass plains interspersed by lagoons, marshlands, and sparsely vegetated forests. The wildlife sanctuary once belonged to the ancient Ruhuna Kingdom with a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC.
Though the reserve today has become a utopia for a range of endemic wild animals and flora, in the early 1900s, the reserve was treated as a game hunting site by the British back in the day. Later during the subsequent years, since the number of animals in the region started depleting, it was named a protected wildlife reserve in the year of 1938. Since then, wildlife at Yala thrived and flourished!
Thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, It is now home to the highest density of leopards in the world and is the best place to go if you want a high chance of spotting a leopard (panthera pardus kotiya) in the wild. A safari ride will also bring you closer to elephants, spotted deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a range of birds including the majestic peacock and the jungle fowl: Sri Lanka’s national bird.
Embark on an enticing wildlife expedition at one of the most iconic nature reserves in Sri Lanka! Witness the magnificent Sri Lankan leopard, herds of wild elephants, and a variety of animals up close and personal; marvel at nature’s most wondrous creations while you are at Yala! What’s more? The park is near other national parks, such as Lunugamvehera National Park, offering ample opportunities to be part of an exciting experience in the wilderness.
