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Wild Safari at Yala National Park

Located in southern Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is a large expanse of bushland where wild animals roam freely. Safaris are organized for half a day.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park aims to preserve local animal species. Covering an area of 130,000 hectares, it is divided into five zones, two of which are open to the public. It is a bush landscape on the edge of the ocean covered by dusty tracks and has many water reservoirs infested with crocodiles where elephants and other mammals come to bathe.

The shoreline of the park was redesigned after the tsunami of 2004. 250 people died but no animals ... which would confirm the sixth sense theories of animals, and let us meditate during the visit on the non-sensitivity of the human species to nature.

Visit Yala National Park

The visit of the park is done by jeep which must be booked in advance. The entrance to the public is about thirty kilometers from Tissamaharama. 3500LKR for an all inclusive jeep. Admission to the park costs 3688LKR per adult and cur:1038LKR per child.

Better to go early in the morning or late afternoon when the animals drink in the water tanks. In all cases the visit will last half a day because access to wild areas takes more than one hour from hotels.

The animals

It is not guaranteed to see all species of animals but normally you should be able to observe wild elephants, buffaloes, wild pigs, crocodiles and many birds, including pelicans.

On the other hand, observing felines (leopards) is practically impossible. The only ones you will probably see, are stuffed in the small museum at the entrance of the site.

Rules

A visit to Yala Park can only be done on a jeep framed by an official park tracker. For safety reasons it is strictly forbidden to get out of the car, to bring smelling food or to eat on board jeeps.

In order not to disturb the tranquility of the animals and to preserve the site, it is forbidden to feed the animals, to smoke, to throw away their detritus. Also be sure to have your phone in silent mode and the flash of your camera off.

Find a hotel near Yala Park

The hotel offer of Yala Park is limited and it is advisable to book in advance. If you're looking for comfortable 4-star amenities, go to the Kithala Resort. For an upscale camping experience in the heart of the park, take the Big Game Camp Yala. If you are looking for a good value for money hotel, stay at the Shine Park (this hotel is farther from the park than the previous ones).

Odyfolio recommends at Yala National Park
BASIC
Laya Safari s & Spa

good price for value

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booking.com

COMFORT
Big Game Camp - Yala

comfort at budget price

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PRESTIGE
Cinnamon Wild Yala Hotel

the most luxurious

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Visit also

Itinerary Sri Lanka
Sigiriya
Polonnaruwa
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
Elephant Orphanage
Dambulla
Mackwoods tea plantation
Galle

Notes and references ▼