The Yala National Park is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt, it is also the most popular one. Every year large numbers of tourists traverse through its dusty trails in the hopes of catching a glimpse of Sri Lankan leopards; this is because it is a well-known fact that the park has one of the world’s highest leopard densities. Not many of these tourists return from their trips dejected either!
In addition to leopards, visitors may also spot large numbers of elephants, sloth bears and deer. The cheeky toque macaques and the elusive fishing cats occupy the beautiful territories of Yala as well.
Here you will find ancient Buddhist sites like Sithulpawwa and Magul Vihara too. So nature lovers, as well as those who desire to learn more about the culture and history of the island will find Yala National Park tours and safaris quite rewarding.
The best time to visit is considered to be between the months of November to August. The park is located near the city of Hambantota and Tissamaharama.
