Sri Lanka · Southern Province
Yala National Park travel guide
Leopards, elephants and jeep safaris
A leopard in Yala National Park. Photo: Ranmith Welikala, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Yala is Sri Lanka's most famous national park, a mix of scrub, lagoons and rocky outcrops by the sea, with one of the world's highest densities of leopards.
Jeep safaris also see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and water buffalo. Udawalawe, a few hours away, is best for elephants.
What Yala National Park is known for
- Leopards
One of the best places in the world.
- Elephants
Herds at the waterholes.
- Jeep safaris
Morning and afternoon drives.
- Coastal scenery
Lagoons and beaches.
Top things to do in Yala National Park
Where to stay in Yala National Park
Best time to visit Yala National Park
Best value: Apr–May, Jul–Sep. February to July: before the park's usual autumn closure.
- Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
- PeakBusiest, highest prices
- QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
Getting there and around
About 11h 15m from London to HRI, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?
Lodges arrange jeeps. Tissa is the base town.
Good to know
- Book with a driver who limits crowding around leopards.
- The park usually closes for part of September and October.
- Bring binoculars and a zoom lens.
Yala National Park FAQ
Will I see a leopard?
There's a good chance on two or three drives.
Yala or Udawalawe?
Yala for leopards, Udawalawe for elephants.
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MirissaCoast · Southern Province
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