Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the 2nd largest wildlife park in Sri Lanka and is characterized by a semi-arid climate, vast dry woodlands and open patches of grasslands. Guided safari tours by jeep through the park will be an unforgettable adventure, along with an odd chance of being charged at by a juvenile bull elephant! Besides, two large rivers flow through the park and are home to about 44 species of mammals, 125 species of birds, along with many reptiles and lagoon fauna species. For example, you can spot peafowls, monkeys chattering, elephants, elusive Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya), especially at the end of the dry season as animals gather around water holes.

The perfect time to see the arrival of migratory birds from central Asia and the Himalaya is from mid-October to late-December, during the Northeast Monsoon. The best time to see the Leopards is from February to June or July when the water level in the park is low.

The Yala National Park is located in the “dry zone” of Sri Lanka, the climate here is hot and occasionally humid. Average temperatures range between Min 20°C (68°F) and Max 33°C (91°F).

Yala National park is home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. there are 300 specimens of Elephants that are estimated to live in the park but are more shy, although some regularly appear in the most visited areas. Other noteworthy animals are the sloth bear, with the unmistakable long and bristly fur, and the jackal, similar in appearance to the fox. In the park, there are also sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, buffalo, mongooses, monkeys, and surprisingly large crocodiles.

There are over 200 species of birds cataloged in the park, many of which come here to escape the harsh northern winters, such as the white tern, the curlew, and the pintail. Among the most numerous local species are the rooster bankiva, the hornbill, the hoot and the peacock. Although they are found in large numbers, sighting wild animals can be difficult due to the thick bush, but there are also small grassy clearings and many pools of water that instead offer good chances.