FAQs Yala

Yala is most famous for its wildlife jeep safari experiences, where Sri Lanka’s big five, namely the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Mugger Crocodile, and Sri Lankan wild water Buffalo, call home along with 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds. The sacred city of Katharagama is also near Yala. Sithulpawwa, an ancient cave monastery, is also located in Yala.

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular national park. Visitors come from around the world to experience adventure safari jeep tours and encounter leopards, elephants, and other wildlife and birdlife in the park.

Yala Safari jeep operators offer many package tours. The morning safari lasts 5 hours and starts at 5 a.m. from your hotel. The evening safari lasts 4-5 hours and begins at 2 p.m. Half-day, 7-hour, and full-day safaris are also available on request.

Yala’s most famous feature is the wildlife safari by Jeep. Bundala National Park, about 40 minutes from Yala, is a popular safari location for its vivid endemic, migratory birdlife with over 200 species. During the season, flocks that number over 1000 greater flamingos call Bundala home. Katharagama, a sacred city honouring the deity Lord Katharagama (God Skanda), hosts an annual pageant in devotion for 2 weeks each year in July/August, featuring elephants, dancers, fire walkers and other devotional practices during the procession. Sithulpawwa Monastery dates to the 2nd century B.C. and is a serene environment with historical, spiritual and archaeological significance. Yala has luxury resorts in the “buffer zone” adjacent to the Yala National Park for an authentic safari jungle experience.