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Yala National Park

Sri Lanka's largest national park and home to the world's highest density of leopards. Yala combines savanna, jungle, lakes, and ocean in one space where you can see elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, and — if lucky — the elusive leopard. Safari here is African-level, but two hours from the beach.

The Park

Geography

Yala is located in the island's southeast, bordering the ocean. 979 sq km is just the tourist-accessible portion (Block 1). The landscape is diverse: dry savanna, monsoon forests, mangrove swamps, lagoons, rocky outcrops.

Wildlife

The star attraction is the leopard (about 70 in ...

Practical Information

Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Visit Duration

Minimum4 hours
Recommended5 hours
Maximum8 hours

Entrance Fee

Adult
10,500 LKR~10,500 $
Child
5,250 LKR~5,250 $

Entry ~10500 LKR (~$35). Safari jeep separate ~$50-80. +18% tax. LKR payment only! Leopards! Block 1 most popular

Best Time to Visit

February to July for dry season — animals concentrate near water. Morning safari (5-9 AM) and evening (3-7 PM) for active wildlife. Avoid monsoon (Sep-Oct) — park often closed.

Crowd Level

High — many people

Price Range

Budget
Official Website

How to Get There

From Tissamaharama: 30 min (main base town). From Ella: 2.5 hours. From Mirissa: 3 hours. From Colombo: 5-6 hours. Book safari through hotel or reputable operator.

What to Expect

Jeep safari through jungle and plains. Leopards often seen lounging on rocks or trees. Elephants near water. Best sightings early morning and late afternoon. Half-day or full-day safaris available.

Best Photo Spot

Leopards on rocks in morning light. Elephants silhouetted at sunset by lakes. Birds at Bundala lagoon.

When to Visit

Best Time

FebMarAprMayJunJul

Good Time

JanAugNovDec

Avoid

SepOct

Connectivity

Wi-Fi
Not available
Charging
No outlets
Mobile signal
Poor

Facilities & Services

restrooms
parking
guided tours

Working Hours

Updated: Jan 2, 2026
Monday06:00 — 18:00
Tuesday06:00 — 18:00
Wednesday06:00 — 18:00
Thursday06:00 — 18:00
Friday06:00 — 18:00
Saturday06:00 — 18:00
Sunday06:00 — 18:00
Note

Ticket counter 06:00-16:00, all vehicles must exit park strictly by 18:00! Foreigners ~$31-36 per person after all taxes. Jeep hire: half-day 14-17K LKR, full day 28-34K LKR. CLOSED in September (and parts of Aug/Oct) for maintenance. Dry season (Feb-Jul) - best wildlife viewing. 50% discount for SAARC countries (incl. India)

Accessibility

Wheelchair Access
Partially accessible
Audio Guide
Not available
Staff Assistance
Available

faq.title

faq.subtitle Yala National Park

No guarantee, but Yala has the highest leopard density in the world (1 per km²). Most visitors see at least one on a full-day safari. Morning safaris in dry season have 70-80% success rate.

Yala for leopards and variety. Udawalawe for guaranteed elephant sightings (cheaper, less crowded). Many do both — they're different experiences.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Yala National Park

Book reputable operator — avoid overcrowding guides. Morning safari (5 AM) best for leopards. Bring binoculars, long lens, hat. Park closed September-October. No bright colors or loud sounds.

From Tissamaharama: 30 min (main base town). From Ella: 2.5 hours. From Mirissa: 3 hours. From Colombo: 5-6 hours. Book safari through hotel or reputable operator.

Jeep safari through jungle and plains. Leopards often seen lounging on rocks or trees. Elephants near water. Best sightings early morning and late afternoon. Half-day or full-day safaris available.

Leopards on rocks in morning light. Elephants silhouetted at sunset by lakes. Birds at Bundala lagoon.

Reviews

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather24°
96%2 м/с
Todayweather30°24°
Tomorrowweather30°24°
Thuweather30°24°
Friweather30°25°
Satweather30°24°
Sunweather29°25°
Monweather29°25°
30°
23°Jan
31°
24°Feb
32°
25°Mar
31°
25°Apr
30°
26°May
29°
26°Jun
29°
25°Jul
29°
25°Aug
29°
25°Sep
29°
25°Oct
30°
24°Nov
30°
24°Dec
Water temperature
28°
28°
29°
30°
29°
28°
27°
27°
27°
28°
28°
28°

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