Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala National Park (block 1) is situated in the southeast region of the country and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq. mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds.
The park is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. The number of mammals that have been recorded from the park is 44, and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.
The Safari & Camping Experience
Anyone visiting Yala National Park will experience wildlife safaris that will surely make their stay something memorable and unique. Given a choice between standard camping and premium camping services, the options available are designed to suit almost any type of wildlife enthusiast or visitor. With two safari sessions that are available for the 1 Night 2 Days, the Yala National Park wildlife safari and camping tour cater to the visitor’s needs, either providing an all-out experience of the national park, or the must-experience 1-day tour that will cover most of the park’s features and famous locations.
