Why the Yala National Park? For the Sri Lankan leopards of course!

Boasting the highest density of leopard population in the world, the Yala National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and is widely noted as being the best place in the world to film and photograph the Sri Lankan leopard with the population density being as high as one leopard per square kilometer. The reasons for visiting this National Park are countless. But if you really want to pin it down to one big one, then it is probably going to be that if you want to spot an elusive leopard in its natural habitat in Sri Lanka, then this is the National Park for it! Its diverse flora, including thorny scrub, savannah grasslands and even sandy beaches, create varying habitats to some of Sri Lanka's most special endemic animals.
 

Every wildlife safari in Sri Lanka will have the same objective; to see the most of what the Park has to offer in the shortest amount of time. Mahoora tented safari camps provide an experience that will give you just that. With Mahoora, you will have the option of setting up base on the borders of the Yala National Park itself, cutting down significantly on your travel time. Tented safari camping is widely popular as a choice for accommodation around Yala, and it is definitely an experience worth trying. For more information, visit our accommodation page. However if you do choose accommodation outside the park like a hotel, we can arrange for that as well.

One of the most important aspects of a Yala National Park wildlife safari is having the right kind of guide. Though wildlife is abundant, animals like the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Leopard and other big game require the skills of an experienced naturalist guide who knows about the movements of game throughout the Park at certain times, a facility which Mahoora can easily provide. Jeeps are usually the way to go on wildlife safaris, and we at Mahoora have excellent vehicles which can easily navigate the varied terrain that the Yala National Park is known for. You may want to hang on to your hats though, Yala definitely has areas which provide for some off roading situations, for which suitable safari jeeps are a must.

The Wildlife at the Yala National Park - one of the finest in Sri Lanka

The Yala National Park is among the oldest and best known of Sri Lanka's 15 National Parks. It covers approximately 1,300 square kilometres and is home to a range of ecosystems found nowhere else in Sri Lanka. With vegetation including moist and dry monsoon forests, thorn forest, savannah grasslands and fresh and saltwater wetlands, it comes as no surprise that the Yala National Park has the perfect habitats for the large number of endemic plant and animal species unique to the country, thus making it one of the chosen wildlife safari destinations that features on everyone’s tour itineraries. There are 44 species of recorded mammals in this National Park, which include the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and Sri Lankan Elephant, 215 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles and 21 species of amphibians.

Leopards at the Yala National Park

Yala West, often referred to as the Ruhuna National Park, is well recognized as one of the best locations in the world to observe and photograph leopards in the wild. It has been confirmed that the Yala National Park has the highest density of leopards to be found anywhere in the world and is as much as one leopard per square kilometer. Though the prevalence of the Sri Lankan leopard population is high (300-350 leopards in total, of which 30-50 roam around Block I), it still takes a well trained eye to observe these elusive big cats in action, as well as to know when and where to look for one - and that is where the experienced guides at Mahoora come in.

Sri Lankan leopards are a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbors, and are the largest leopards in Asia. The best times for observing these impressive animals is early in the morning and then again at dusk. This is when the Mahoora Safari Adventures take place, although it is possible for visitors to make a full day safari. With Mahoora tented safari camps, visitors can stay until just after dark inside the park, thus maximizing the chances of a leopard encounter. The male leopards display a sleek confidence and are often seen walking the tracks during the day. Young male leopards in particular seem to have no fear of the jeeps and this has led to some excellent photographic opportunities. There are similarities between the Yala National Park and the best National Parks in India for photographing tigers, where in both cases the big cats have become used to the jeeps, thus enabling guests an up-close and privileged view of these magnificent creatures. All in all, an encounter with a leopard is a highlight in any Sri Lankan wildlife safari, and one that will not easily be forgotten.

Big game safari and mammals encountered at the Yala National Park

Apart from tracking leopards, the Yala National Park is home to a variety of game, both big and small that will keep a family of wildlife enthusiasts on safari, busy. There is a substantial Sri Lankan Elephant population at the Yala National Park, which is a recognized subspecies of the Asian Elephant, and can often be spotted in large herds, baby elephants in tow, at various locations inside the National Park. The other 44 species of mammals at Yala include the Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Wild Water Buffalos, Spotted Deer and many others.  Along with the leopard, some of these are threatened species as well.

Bird life at the Yala National Park- a bird enthusiast’s dream

Birding in Sri Lanka has long been considered a favourite activity and the Yala National Park will not leave you short of avifauna to observe.  The bird life comprises over 215 species, of which six are endemic to Sri Lanka and range from the flamboyant Lesser Flamingos to Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles and Black Bitterns. Outside the Yala National Park are several other fascinating birding locations, including the ancient hermitage of Sithulpahuwa, Debarawewa wetlands and Palatupana saltpans.

Reptiles and Amphibians at the Yala National Park

There are 46 species of reptiles recorded in Yala, five of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. In addition there are two species of crocodile - the Mugger Crocodile and the Saltwater Crocodile that are prevalent inside the Park and can be seen on virtually any wildlife safari. 21 amphibious species call Yala National Park home (two of which are endemic to Sri Lanka) along with 21 species of fish. The coastline forms a major nesting ground for marine turtles too. Add the butterflies to this list, and you have quite an impressive range of wildlife to explore, making your Sri Lanka safari experience complete.

The Yala National Park is incredibly diverse when it comes to ecosystems. These include moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wetlands and beaches. Block I is mainly under forest cover with some large grassland as well.  Other habitat types in Block I are water holes, tanks, lagoons, mangroves and chena lands. Block II is similar in vegetation whereas in Blocks III, IV and V forests are more widespread.

The Yala National Park is divided into five Blocks, with Block I having an average of 1 leopard per square kilometre, thereby making it the most visited Block in the Park. With areas of thorny scrubland, brackish lagoons and scattered rock monoliths, Yala West provides the perfect environment for the wealth of diverse wildlife found here.  Areas in the East of the Yala National Park were closed to visitors for some years, so no accurate records are available yet as to the Sri Lankan leopard population in these parts. However special arrangements can be made by the Mahoora team to visit these areas as well as the Kumana National Park.

With the Kumbukkan Oya in Yala's North East, and the Menik Ganga and its tributaries in the West flowing through the Park, there is a constant source of water for the animals even during the driest months of the year. The East of the Yala National Park is bordered by sandy beaches shouldering the Indian Ocean.

Yalaplays a very significant role in the conservation of a large number of flora and fauna species in Sri Lanka, many of which are endemic to the island. Historical and religious sites such as Kataragama, Sithulpahuwa and the Magul Maha Vihara and many archaeologically important places add additional significance to the area. Safari goers will be enthralled when visiting a National Park that is not only renowned for its wildlife but also noted for its rich history. The Yala National Park was one of the first two National Parks to be established in Sri Lanka.

The earliest historical mention of what later came to be known as the Yala National Park was as far back as 1560 when Spanish cartographer Cipriano Sanchez referred to the area as being “abandoned for 300 years due to insalubrious conditions”. The Park achieved reserve status in 1900 and its first Warden was Henry Engelbrecht. It has continued its conservation efforts and continues to attract a large number of tourists to date.

Climate at the Yala National Park Sri Lanka

The Yala National Park is situated in the lowest peneplain of Sri Lanka, which extends from Trincomalee to Hambantota. The elevation is 30 metres close to the coast and rises in the interior to about 100 to 125 metres. It is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rainfall is mainly during the northeast monsoon. The mean annual rainfall ranges between 500–775 millimetres while the mean temperature ranges between 26.4 °C in January to 30 °C in April.

Sri Lankan leopardsand elephants can be seen in Yala all year round. However the Park may be closed for a brief period from September to October. It is best to visit during the dry season which is from May to August.

On the coastal road – if you have an itinerary which takes you to the beaches on the southern coast then this route is ideal. Travelling from Colombo passing Bentota, Matara and Tangalle, expect a travel time of six to seven hours from Colombo.

The Inland Route – Travelling from Colombo passing Avissawella, Ratnapura, Pelmadulla, Udawalawe, Thanamalwila and Tissamaharama to Yala, expect a travel time of five to six hours from Colombo.

Through the Southern Expressway – exit the expressway in Galle and continue onwards passing Matara and Tangalle and expect a travel time of four to five hours from Colombo.

To find out how to reach Yala National Park from any other destination in Sri Lanka please refer this map. please refer this map.

If you wish to travel by Sea Plane which lands in Tissamaharama, please visit  www.flysrilanka.lk for more information.

Travelling by Helicopter will take you right up to the entrance of the Park. For more information please visit www.flysrilanka.lk.