Yala National Park Holidays

Naturally, most visitors come to Yala National Park for the wildlife, and it’s not shy. Between Asia’s largest concentration of leopards, herds of elephant, rare sloth bears and packs of jackals, there’s always something to see. Guided 4x4 game drives at dawn or dusk make for rewarding safari experiences, and experienced trackers know where to go and when, to give the best chance of seeing wildlife.

Mammals might be Yala’s biggest draw, but train your eyes to the skies and you’ll find a multitude of birdlife here too. Over 120 different species are recorded, several of which are rare or only found in Sri Lanka. So look out for beauties like blue-tailed bee-eaters and graceful black-necked storks, crested hawk eagles or even imperious flamingo.

When you fancy something less wild, visit Sithulpauwwa to see the ancient rock temple and discover why this peaceful part of Yala is called the ‘Hill of the Quiet Mind’.

If you feel like mixing up your wildlife watching, Bundala National Park is an easy day out from Yala. Less visited than its famous neighbour, Bundala is the place to see flocks of migratory birds on vast wetlands. And you’ll be able to spy monkeys, mongoose, monitor lizards and crocodiles, as well as elephants, of course. Bundala’s known for its beaches and four of Sri Lanka’s five species of marine turtles nest here. If you go between October and January, take a tour to have a chance of spotting Olive Ridley, Green, Leatherback or Loggerheads.

Sri Lanka’s lovely south east coast is famously peaceful and trimmed with soft and sandy Indian Ocean shores. For some beach time, head west to Kirinda – a small fishing village with an impressive white temple overlooking the gorgeous beach. Or, better still, stay right on the beach at UGA Chena Huts resort or Wild Coast Tented Camp, both just a few minutes west of the park.

A private safari in Yala is the best way to see wildlife – you can explore in comfort and avoid crowds at busier times in this very popular park. A full-day game drive can last between five and seven hours, as you’re transported by a luxurious 4x4 and your expert guide points out local wildlife. Glamping is another great Yala experience. Consider staying at Leopard Trails tented camp, in the heart of the park, where curious langur monkeys, gentle elephants and the occasional sloth bear provide excellent evening entertainment.

Pockets of Yala Beach are also open for exploring, so spend some time wandering the flawless sands and admiring mighty Patanangala Rock. If you want to tick a grand temple off your Sri Lanka to-do list, take a tour of colourful Kataragama just north of the park. It seems like a small town, but it’s actually one of the country’s important pilgrimage sites, and you can’t fail to be awed by its remarkable temple complex.

For the best safari experience, visit book your holiday to Yala National Park between March and June. At this time of year, it’s dry season – so wildlife congregates around available waterholes, which makes spotting even the most elusive creatures much easier.  

It’s worth remembering that mid-April is New Year in Sri Lanka, so the park tends to be busy over this holiday period. But, if you time your visit to coincide with the nationwide Vesak Poya festival in May, prepare to be enchanted. All the roads around Yala will be lined with decorations and fresh flowers, while stalls offer free food and drink to travellers.

The park closes for mating season in September and re-opens in October. So if your heart’s set on seeing new-born mammals, November and December are the best months to go to Yala National Park.

Park temperatures are about 30°C year round and most months see some rain. But you should expect the wettest weather between January and March, when rainfall’s persistent and often monsoon-like, especially in January.