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Imagine a jungle where majestic elephants roam free, peacocks strut like runway models, and leopards peer from behind the trees. What if you can see it in real life?
Good for you since it is not just a fantasy. This is Yala and its everyday life. It is Sri Lanka’s most iconic national park, where adventure, history, and wild beauty come together like nowhere else.
Thousands of years ago, this land used to be a thriving human civilisation, ruled by glorious Sinhalese kings. Hundreds of lakes that were crafted to facilitate agriculture back then now serve as the lifeline for wildlife in dry-times.
Not many places transform from a cradle of civilisation to a wild sanctuary, but Yala did. If you think about it, the very ground people drive on during safaris might have once echoed with royal footsteps.
If you are still reading this, that means you are truly determined to learn about Yala. So let me reason with you why the Sri Lanka National Park Yala should be on your bucket list.
Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. The authorities have divided the park into five blocks, with a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land. Impressively enough, the land consists of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons altogether. Currently, out of the five blocks, the public can visit two blocks.
Yala is especially known for its leopards, many of which are endemic to the region. The sanctuary bears the highest leopard density on earth, naturally making it the biggest hotspot for big cat lovers! Aside from that, the national park is home to more than 215 species of birds and 44 varieties of mammals. Since the very beginning of safaris, visitors easily get to spot peacocks, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted-deer, and crocodiles.
Yala is located in the Southeast of Sri Lanka, around 260 km from Colombo. Tissamaharama, Sithulpawwa and Katharagama are the nearest urban cities where the locals live, and the hotels for visitors are situated.
The park welcomes visitors from three entrances. They are, namely,
Katagamuwa Entrance (14 km from Katharagama)
Palatupana Entrance (41 km from Katharagama)
Galge Entrance (30 km from Katharagama)
The Palatupana entrance is the most congested one due to Block 1’s popularity. The other two entrances offer a much different perspective of Yala. Recently, visitors who are coming from the Ella area chose to enter the park via the Galge entrance. So, based on the location of your hotel, feel free to check with the locals to select the closest entrance.
A short drive from the park takes you to the ancient Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, built atop a rocky hill. Historically, it used to be a tranquil monastery where Buddhist monks once meditated over 2,000 years ago. In Tissamaharama, you will find the majestic Tissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, surrounded by lotus-studded lakes and paddy fields. Sitting on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Indian Ocean, Kirinda Rajamaha Viharaya in Kirinda offers dramatic views alongside spiritual serenity.
If you have more time, visit and explore Kataragama Kiri Vehera and Dewalaya, located at the heart of the town. This sacred multi-religious pilgrimage site draws devotees from all over the island, hoping to get their dreams and wishes fulfilled. And if you are a birder or just a fan of quiet wetlands, do not miss Bundala National Park. This Ramsar wetland sanctuary is simply a haven for flamingos and migratory birds!
Now, let us find out some of the best Yala hotels for you to accommodate yourself and your group comfortably!
Situated in Kirinda, just 3 km away from the Palatupana entrance of the Yala sanctuary, this is a 5-star resort. Being a favourite among the locals, Cinnamon Wild features chalets with private balconies offering spectacular jungle or beach views. Visitors mention how friendly and attentive the staff are, who have also assisted with organising personalised Yala safaris seamlessly! The resort provides a full board double room plan for two on a single-night stay, starting from 560 USD approximately.
Also situated in Kirinda, just 4km away from the national park, Jetwing Yala is spread across 38 acres of land. Guests can indulge in a soothing massage at the spa or approach the tour desk for sightseeing and travel arrangements. According to some guests, this 5-star resort even offers a wake-up service to watch baby turtles hatch by the ocean. You can book a deluxe double room with breakfast for around 340 USD per day while enjoying your money’s worth!
Located 13 km away from the national park, Wild Culture Yala in Tissamaharama offers a 4-star hotel experience. The property features lush gardens, swimming pools (including a kids’ pool), a lounge and family rooms. A double room with garden/pool view, including breakfast for two, is offered at around 350 USD. This hotel also willingly arranges safaris for its guests, providing bags with essentials like water bottles, face masks and snacks.
Lowin Yala is a luxury eco-resort located along Sithulpawwa Road in the buffer zone of Yala National Park. Blending modern comfort with nature, this Yala lodge type hotel facilitates an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a spa, etc. The family-friendly restaurant serves American and Asian cuisines, accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. For one night, two adults must only afford around 210 USD to enjoy a full-board stay!
This 5-star resort in Tissamaharama is located around 17km away from the national park. Guests are welcome to enjoy its spa facilities, hot spring bath, fitness centre, sun terrace, and open-air bath. Chaaya's modern, family-friendly restaurant serves Asian and international cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A deluxe room for two with breakfast is offered at around 210 USD, whereas a chalet costs around 240 USD.
This lovely nature resort is also located near the Yala wildlife park, just 20 minutes away. Spread across 4 acres of land, this 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool, a kids’ play area, a spa, etc. Guests can also arrange safaris and other tours to visit the historical landmarks in the area with the hotel’s assistance. A deluxe room or a chalet with a pool/garden view for two with breakfast costs between 120-150 USD per day.
If you want to take a look at other options, feel free to search on booking.com. That site usually does not miss it!
The word “Yala” does not have a direct translation from Sinhala or Tamil, Sri Lankan first languages. However, whenever we locals hear Yala Sri Lanka, our minds immediately picture the wilderness filled with wildlife and its wonders!
While Yala itself is not a city, it spans across Southern to Uva provinces, covering over 979 km2 of wilderness. Tissamaharama city, an urban centre located 20 km away from the sanctuary’s border, can be declared as the nearest city.
Having a temperature between 26-30°C and a dry climate most days, February to July period is the ideal time. This is because during that time, the water levels of the park get pretty low, bringing animals into the open.
The park is open to the public from 6am to 6pm throughout the year, except in some Septembers (usually due to severe droughts). Feel free to contact the authorities via info@yalasrilanka.lk or +94 112 888 585 to clear up any doubts before planning your safari!
Yala is one of many regions in Sri Lanka that celebrates the harmony between Mother Nature and humans. Once you step in, you will notice how slowly time flows while animals roam freely without any hurry or worry. Besides, Yala is not just a safari experience. It is an open invitation to sneak in and understand Sri Lanka’s ecological soul! Visit Yala and be one with an untamed world of wildlife. With a mind that is eager to explore and learn, you will go away with a newfound meaning to life!
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