Yala national park is the second largest and most visited national safari park in Sri Lanka with numerous type of wildlife. It combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Yala national park is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka lying on both Southern and Uva provinces hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean. The park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land which is divided into five blocks. Among those five blocks two are currently opened to the public.

Yala national park consists with light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons. It was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having being declared as such in 1938, along with Yala national park is known for its variety of eco systems and rich biodiversity. It is situated in dry semi-arid climatic region which hosts various ecosystems from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. Yala park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule.

Being situated in an area that hosted ancient civilizations, Yala not only consists of pilgrim sites such as Sithulpawwa and Magul viharaya, but also several ancient man made tanks such as Maha Seelawawa and Buthawa Tank. These large, thriving tanks now provide a lifeline to the animal kingdom, especially during dry season. The fact that Yala is included in the legends of King Rawana makes Yala a famous pilgrim destination. The Monastic settlement of Sithulpawwa is said to have housed 12,000 inhabitants seeking solace 2000 years ago. The restored rock Temple, among a series of ancient temples offers a glimpse into a glittering past.

The best time to visit Yala national park is between February and July when the water levels of the park are quite low while bringing the animals into open. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species with seven are endemic bird species to the country. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, crocodiles and wild buffalos. Yala is one of the 70 important bird areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. 90 water bird species (with half migrants), 47 reptile species (with 6 endemic species), 18 amphibian species (with 2 being endemic) and 21 freshwater fish species has also been recorded in Yala national park. All five globally endangered sea turtles also has been recorded to visit coast line of Yala.

FAQ – Yala National Park / Travel Information (Frequently Asked Question)

Is it worth to visit Yala National Park Sri Lanka?

Yes. Yala is one of the most visited National Parks in Sri Lanka where you can witness Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera Paradus Kotiya) and many other flora & fauna species.

Which is the best safari in Sri Lanka?

We recommend Wilpattu National Park / Minneriya National Park / Yala National Parks safaris are the best safaris in Sri Lanka.

What are the other National Parks to see Leopards in Sri Lanka?

There are only 2 National Parks to see Sri Lankan leopards namely Wilpattu & Yala National Parks

Are drinks provided in the safari vehicle at Yala National Park?

Ceylon Expeditions exclusive jeeps fully loaded with cool water / snacks / soft drinks etc but if you are an individual traveler, better you check with your own travel company.

Am I allowed to walk around the national parks?

Not at all. You are not allowed to get down the Jeep and must be inside the vehicle unless otherwise instructed by the wildlife tracker.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

Ceylon Expeditions generally check meal plan well in advance and arrange accordingly. If you are an individual traveler, better you check with you own Travel Company.

What travel documents do I need to visit Yala National Park Sri Lanka?

Only you will need a valid passport or National Identity Card to enter Yala national Park Sri Lanka.

How far in advance do I need to book Yala National Park Safari?

If you are an individual traveler. You do not need advance booking but if you travel through a Travel Company. Better you inform them well in advance to reserve the safari jeep and tracker.

Yala national park closing dates / When Yala National Park closed each year?

Yala National Park generally closed in September each year for animal simulation & to complete regular maintenance activities within the National Park. Better you consult Ceylon Expeditions Travel Executive for exact dates before you plan your trip.Ceylon Expeditions wildlife Helpline Yala National Park (Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94717 88 44 99 or holidays@expeditions.lk

Yala National Park Contact Number / What is the telephone number of Yala National Park ?

From Sri Lanka 0473489297
When outside Sri Lanka +94473489297

Ceylon Expeditions wildlife Helpline Yala National Park

(Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94717 88 44 99 or holidays@expeditions.lk
DWC Department of Wildlife Sri Lanka Colombo contact number 0112 888 585

How to get to Yala National Park ?

Two access routes to Yala can be reached by
Tissamaharama – Yodakandiya – Kirinda – Nimalawa – Palatupana
Tissamaharama – Yodakandiya – Situlpahuwa – Bambuwa – Palatupana

Yala Sri Lanka weather forecast / what will be the weather in Yala Sri Lanka in December / August?

Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday island which geographically located close to the equator. Generally December to mid-April is considered to be the peak season in Sri Lanka Tourism. Even though this tiny island is located near the equator, temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year. Sri Lanka coastal regions average temperature is 25-30°C and the highlands 15-18°C on average. If you’re travelling during the summer months May to September better you head towards the east coast and northern regions where you enjoy dry, sunny weather, as the west and south west coasts experience rain during summer. Other way round the west and south west enjoy favorable weather conditions during the winter months October to February when the monsoon season hits the east and north.

What is the best time to visit Yala National Park Sri Lanka?

For the best animal sightings we recommend to visit Yala National Park during dry season from February to June.

Yala National Park Luxury Hotels / Yala national park Sri Lanka hotels / Best hotels Yala Sri Lanka

There are plenty of 3 Star & 4 Star hotels near Yala National Park Sri Lanka. Few star Class & Boutique hotels close to the Yala National Park are as below

• Jetwing Yala (4 Star)

• Cinnamon Wild Yala (4 Star)

• Laya Safari Yala (4 Star)

• Kithala Resort (3 Star)

• Tented Lodge Yala (Luxury Boutique)

• Chena Huts Hotel Yala Sri Lanka (Luxury Boutique)

• Elephant Reach Yala

• Chaarya hotel Yala Sri Lanka

• Tamarind Tree Hotel Yala Sri Lanka

• Ekho Safari Hotel Yala Sri Lanka

Is the Yala National Park pet friendly?

No, Sri Lanka National Parks are not pet friendly

Can I do night safari in Yala National Park? Infrared drive to inside the Yala National Park ?

No it’s banned to do night safaris / Infrared drives in Yala National Park Sri Lanka

How many National Parks in Sri Lanka?

There are 23 National parks in Sri Lanka.

Famous National parks in Sri Lanka? / Most visited National Parks in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park / Wilpattu National Park / Minneriya National Park / Kaudulla National Park / Hurulu Eco Park / Bundala National park / Horton Plains National park / Wasgamuwa National park / Uda Walawe National Park

Yala National Park Entrance fees / Yala National Park of Sri Lanka Safari entry permit cost?

As per the latest revision of National Park entry fee (Amendment 2022 sep 1) following will be the Yala National Park latest entrance fee. for more details refer National Park Entrance fees latest update 

• 1 Person     14,920.00 Rupees
• 2 Persons     25,080.00 Rupees
• 3 Persons    35,250.00 Rupees
• 4 Persons    45,400.00 Rupees
• 5 Persons    55,550.00 Rupees
• 6 Persons    65,720.00 Rupees
• 7 Persons    80,450.00 Rupees
• 8 Persons    90,610.00 Rupees
• 9 Persons    100,770.00 Rupees
• 10 Persons    110,930.00 Rupees

Special Note - These prices are as per the 2022 September 3 updated exchange rate (1 USD = 360 Rupees) and prices can be changed at any time without prior notice.  

Can I buy Yala Entrance Ticket online? Is there online ticket for Yala National Park?

No online purchase of Yala National Park entrance fees and you must get it from the entrance gate

Can I pay in USD for Yala Entrance Fees?

No, you must pay in Sri Lanka Rupees and any international currencies are not accepted for National Parks of Sri Lanka for entrance fees.

Cost of Jeep Safari in Yala National Park? / Yala jeep safari cost? Cost of Jeep at Yala National Park

All are private jeeps by different owners but all are duly registered under DWC Department of Wildlife Conservations
Approximately cost of Safari Jeep at Yala National Park is 30 $ – 40 $ (As of 2019 and this is can be slightly differ to supplier) (Half day safari of 3 – 4 Hrs)
Fully day safari jeep cost at Yala National Park – 60 $ – 70 $

Maximum number of people in each safari jeep in Yala? / How many people can accommodate in Safari jeep at Yala National Park?

6 people can accommodate in 1 jeep but it’s comfortable for 3 – 4 people in 1 jeep

Can I hire Toyota / Mitsubishi Jeep for Safari at Yala National Park?

Yes. Most of the Yala Safari jeeps are Indian made TATA or Mahindra but there are Japanese made Toyota / Mitsubishi as well. Price will be slight higher than the Indian made jeeps like TATA.

Do I get a tracker for my safari? Is Yala National Park provide tracker for safari?

Yes Department of Wildlife provide wildlife tracker for each jeep free of charge

Do I need to pay for the tip for safari jeep driver & tracker?

If you satisfied with the service you received from them, recommend to pay a reasonable tip for tracker & jeep driver.

What to bring for Yala National Park Sri Lanka?

I.   Light costumes / recommended colors are Green, Beige, khaki, tan etc
II. Sunblock / Sunglasses / Lip balm / hat
III.Insect repellent
IV. Binoculars are recommended to improve sightings
V.  Camera and accessories such as spare batteries, memory cards
VI. Cool bottled water / soft drinks / snacks will be provided by Ceylon Expeditions Travels

How can I get lunch during full day safari ?

Generally travelers bring packed breakfast & lunch both but Ceylon Expeditions deliver fresh hot meal (Lunch) to inside the park.

What is the best time to see wildlife?

Early morning and the hours preceding sunset are ideal times to view wildlife

Is there mobile phone reception in Yala National Park?

No mobile signals are available in Yala National Park. Signals are jammed purposely by the government to enhance the experience of the wildlife enthusiasts.

Any other details please contact

Wildlife Tour Consultant of Ceylon Expeditions
Wildlife Helpline of Ceylon Expeditions (Voice / SMS / WhatsApp / Viber +94717 88 44 99 or holidays@expeditions.lk