Yala National Park is a national park in Sri lanka. The reserve covers 1259km², It was established in 1938 as a Game Sanctuary. Yala is separated into five blocks; of which your safari will only enter block one that covers 14,000 ha in the southernmost corner of the park for its opportunity to see herds of elephants, leopards and an array of other animals, including reptiles and birds. For many people, a safari here is an essential part of their visit to the island.
Yala (also known as Ruhunu) is Sri Lanka's most popular wild life safar idestination. Situated about 300km from Colombo. Being located in one of the dry regions of Sri Lanka, the climate of Ruhunu National Park is usually hot and dry. The area receives its annual rainfall during the north east monsoon from November to January, and unpredictable inter-monsoonal rains in March/April and September. (Annual Rainfall: 900 – 1300 mm). The annual temperature near sea level is 27C0, although in the dry season a daily maximum of 37C0 is not uncommon.
The entire park is dotted with water holes, small lakes, lagoons and streams providing adequate water for the animals and birds as well as a treat for the eyes of the visitors. Elephants and leopards are the most prominent wildlife species found in Yala wildlife sanctuary. Other attractions include- crocodile, deer, sambur, bear, wild bore, wild buffalo and peacock and may varieties of birds including migratory birds such as flamingos. The scenic ocean frontage adds to the beauty of the park and attracts a lot of visitors. Yala safari is an ultimate destination for afternoon picnic with friends and family.
Leopards
With over 35 leopards seen in Block 1, Yala West has probably one of the world's densest leopard populations. Panther pard ,kotiya, is a distinct subspecies of its Indian cousins, the largest in Asia. The best time to see leopard is February to July, when the water level of the park is low. Vepandeniya is considered a favorite spot. However we need to be accompanied by a resident naturalist
Elephants
The resident elephants are best seen during the dry season from around January to May, near water sources, though not on the scale of Udawalawa National Park.
Mammals
Among the 32 species of mammals are Sambur deer, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, wild buffaloes, porcupines, stripe-necked & ruddy mongooses, rabbits, (rare) wild cats, jackal’s macaque, languor monkeys, toque monkeys and many more..
Sloth bears and crocodiles
Sloth bears are occasionally spotted, particularly in June, when they feed on local fruit .There are also plentiful crocodiles marsh as well as estuarine.
Bird life
The Palatupana saltpans on the Tissa Road, 6km before the park entrance, are one of the best sites in the world for watching waders: the park is worth visiting for its bird life alone. There are about 130 species overall. These birds include white-winged black terns, curlews, pintails, barbets, Malabar pied hornbills, orioles & paradise flycatchers, though pea & jungle fowl are the most frequently seen.
