Safarisin Yala

Located in the south eastern coast of Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park is the second largest, yet most visited national park in the country. It is home to more than 200 species of birds, 44 species of mammals, 47 species of reptiles, 18 species of amphibians, along with several other fish species and invertebrates, making the nature reserve one of the most diverse in the country.

A safari here is more likely to allow you to capture glimpses of endemic and rare species such as the Sri Lankan leopard, the jungle fowl, and the Sri Lankan sloth bear, in addition to many more mammals, reptiles and birds. Keep in mind though that sighting some of these animals is not all that easy. Your chances to see them are best between December and March. Your safari could also include exploring Kirinda, the eastern most boundary of the park. The seas in Kirinda are an ideal breeding ground for rich marine life.

Apart from safaris, you can now opt for a more hands-on approach where park rangers take you on foot through the trails of the wilderness in order to observe the habitat of the animals.

If you are keen on experiencing a safari in Yala, it is best to make plans in advance with your tour operator or through your hotel or lodge, as the park can get rather crowded during the season.