Yala National Park
Snapshot
Yala, situated in the south east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats, consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, fresh water lakes, rivers and beaches, provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, buffalo, monkeys, sambar, deer, crocodiles and the endangered leopard subspecies, Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka.
Don’t Miss
The magnificent Yala leopard
Yala’s open plains and abundant wildlife
Herds of wild elephants
The untamed beaches of the Yala coastline
Camping inside the park
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Getting There
Situated in the south east of Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park can be reached coming from the hill country via Wellawaya to the south coast, or from Colombo along the south coast past Galle.  Yala can also be accessed from Tissamaharama and Kataragama.  Useful drive times include: Galle to Yala (3.5 hours); Colombo to Yala (7 hours); Dickoya to Yala (5 hours); Bandarawela to Yala (3 hours).

Historical Background
Sri Lanka became the first country to set up a flora and fauna sanctuary in Mihintale, as long ago as the third century BC, so beginning a long tradition of conservation.  Now, 12 per cent of the island is designated for wildlife protection.  Although the strict natural reserves are out of bounds for visitors, there are National Parks and sanctuaries, tropical rainforests, and wetland marshes throughout the island where animals can be seen in their natural habitat. Yala National Park, with a total protected area of 1,267 sq kms, maintains a proud tradition. Yala's Block 1, on the western side of the park, and the only one of five sections open to the public, boasts one of the world's densest leopard populations which has now dwindled to less than fifty.  For the best leopard viewing, visit the park from January to July.

Sights
The Yala National Park is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Early-morning or dusk safaris with an expert guide are the ideal times to visit the park when the animals come out to the waterholes.  Yala closes in the dry season, usually early in September. The Lunugamvehera National Park, located within the same district, acts as a corridor for elephants migrating from the Yala National Park to the Uda Walawe area.  Bundala is an important and beautiful Wetland Sanctuary that uniquely combines 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub which host more than 150 bird species. These wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingoes.

Accommodation
There is no better way to experience this corner of the island than an adventurous camping safari inside Yala National Park hosted by one of three wildlife specialist companies, Kulu Safaris, Mahoora Luxury Camping (previously known as Eco Team) and Leopard Safaris, all of which have particular strengths. Ask us to assist your choice. Camping can be expensive and a few wildlife park hotels are located on the edge of the park including Yala Village, popular with mid and upmarket package groups, and the newer Elephant Reach. Both Galapita Eco Lodge and Tree Tops in Buttala offer rustic outdoor-living within rural Sri Lanka. Mandara Rosen situated within the sacred city of  Kataragama offers four-star facilities and is a convenient base from which to explore the area.  In Tissa, accommodation options include the basic Tiisamaharama Rest House and Priyanaka Hotel which offers better facilities and is set amidst paddyfields.

Food & Drink
This region is well known for its homemade buffalo curd and Kitul (palm) honey sold in clay pots at wayside stalls.  Thambilli (king coconut), a favourite thirst quencher, is also available right along in wayside boutiques. The Ceylon Hotels Corporation Rest Houses are popular for rice and curries at a reasonable price.  Tissamaharama Rest House keeps up this reputation, but watch out for the spicy coconut sambals.  The Petal restaurant at Mandara Rosen in Kataragama offers Sri Lankan and Western cuisine as well as vegetarian meals.
Activities
Tissamaharama
Tissa was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century BC. The Tissa Weva (lake), built by King Kavantissa 2,300 years ago, provides a sorawling backdrop. The town is dominated by gigantic ancient Buddhist dagobas (temples). An archeological museum also provides a glimpse into the ancient Ruhunu kingdom.
Kataragama
Kataragama is an ancient sacred riverside pilgrimage site where all religions are worshipped. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians visit this ancient holy site. It is believed that King Dutugemunu, the warrior king and Sinhala folk hero, built a shrine here for the worship of the Kataragama God in the 2nd century BC. There is also a first century BC Buddhist Dagoba, Kirivehera, at this site. The `Maha Devala’, the main shrine of God Skanda, the Hindu war God, and several other adjoining Hindu shrines, conduct daily religious rituals (poojas).
Galapita - Spa & Ayurveda
Galapita Eco Retreat, near the pilgrimage site of Kataragama, began as an idealistic rural retreat for friends and family and is now the ultimate escapist retreat for a small selection of hardy travellers. Located on the banks of the Menik Ganga, their Mineral Spa is perfect for those seeking total mind and body relaxation through the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurveda. Galapita also conducts daily yoga sessions.
Galapita - Yoga & meditation
Galapita Eco Retreat conducts daily yoga sessions at their Yoga Sala surrounded by natural lotus ponds.
Wildlife safari in Yala
For those with limited time, budget or interest in wildlife, a simple day-trip into this National Park at dawn or at dusk, and a view from the back of a jeep, is a perfectly practical if potentially exhausting option. But for those looking to get more out of their visit, Red Dot strongly recommends a camping safari which enables you to immerse yourself in an entire 24-hour cycle within this untouched wilderness. The very fact that you are able to eat, sleep, shower, walk around (campsite only!) inside the parks means that far from being the outsider looking in at the wildlife, you actually become part of it. Kulu safaris, Mahoora, and Leopard Safaris all offer an adventurous adventurous camping safari experience in Yala.
Weerawila Bird Sanctuary
Situated west of Tissamaharama, the Weerawila Bird Sanctuary is located around the Weerawila tank. The main roadway goes through the heart of the sanctuary making birdwatching easy. An early morning walk around the can also be rewarding for spotting numerous species of birds and crocodiles on the banks of the Weerawila tank.
Yala National Park
Yala boasts one of the world's densest leopard populations. However, don't expect to see them prowling around in their thousands – there are less than fifty. Also expect to see elephants, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and buffalos. Transport around the park is provided by jeep- complete with driver and expert guide/tracker.
Bundala National Park
Bundala is an important and beautiful Wetland Sanctuary combining 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub which host more than 150 bird species. These wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingoes. The lagoons prove popular with crocodiles whilst on dry land herds of up to 60 elephants can be seen, as well as civets and giant squirrels. From October to January the area, near Tissamaharama on the south coast, also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles that lay their eggs on the shore. A visit to Bundala will reward all those who’ve sought out this lesser-known National Park.
Lunugamvehera National Park
Situated along the banks of the Lunugamvehera Reservoir, this 24,000 hectare National Park was set up in 1995 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to protect the dwindling numbers of elephants in Sri Lanka. This National Park protects the elephant corridor between Yala and Udawalwe. The main entrance to the Park is via Thanamalwila.
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