Yala

OVERVIEW

Yala

Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's most visited wildlife reserve and boasts the highest density of leopards anywhere on earth. Spread across nearly 1,000 square kilometres of scrubland, lagoons, and rocky terrain along the southeastern coast, Yala is a thrilling safari destination. Beyond leopards, the park is home to Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, and over 200 bird species. The landscape itself is dramatic — ancient Buddhist ruins rise from the bush, and the coast within the park boundary is wild and windswept.

Yala offers a safari experience that rivals East Africa, but on a compact tropical island. Early morning game drives provide excellent leopard sighting opportunities, and the diversity of ecosystems within the park means every drive is different.