Yala National Park Tour Packages

Best Time to Visit: Yala National Park is open year-round, but the best time is February to June, during the dry season, when animals gather near waterholes. October to January sees more rain, with lush greenery and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Visa for Indians: Visa free

Top Destinations:
Colombo: City life, shopping, cultural landmarks
Galle: Dutch fort, beaches, cultural sites
Ella: Nine Arch Bridge, tea plantations, scenic beauty
Nuwara Eliya: Hill station, tea estates, scenic views

Ideal Trip Duration:
2-3 days: Yala National Park for wildlife safaris and nature exploration
4-5 days: Combine with Galle for a combination of wildlife and coastal beauty
6-7 days: Add Nuwara Eliya for a comprehensive Sri Lankan tour of nature, culture, and adventure. Yala National Park is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts in Sri Lanka. It’s home to the famous Big 5 . Tourists can explore the park on a jeep safari or a walking tour, and plenty of experienced guides are available to show you around. 

Best Experiences in Yala National Park

Night Safari: Experience the thrill of exploring the park after dark on a night safari. Visitors can glimpse elusive creatures like leopards, sloth bears, and nocturnal birds like owls and nightjars as the sun sets and nocturnal animals emerge. An experienced guide leads the experience and will surely be a memorable adventure.

Birdwatching: Yala National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 215 bird species recorded in the area. Visitors can spot birdlife throughout the park, from colorful kingfishers to majestic eagles. The best time to go birdwatching is early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active.

Photography Tour: Yala National Park is a photographer’s dream, with stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unique cultural sites to capture on camera. Join a guided photography tour to learn tips and techniques from an experienced photographer and to capture the park’s beauty in all its glory.

Cultural Tour: Yala National Park is home to several ancient cultural sites, including temples, monasteries, and ancient ruins. Take a guided cultural tour to learn about the region’s rich history and culture and explore some of the park’s most interesting sites.

Beach Picnic: Patanangala Beach, located within the park, is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch and spend the day lounging on the soft white sand, swimming in the clear blue water, and watching the waves roll in. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

Nature Walk: For a more intimate experience with the park’s flora and fauna, take a guided nature walk through the park’s trails and forests. Visitors can learn about the park’s ecology, spot interesting plants and trees, and observe the smaller animals you may miss on a jeep safari. It’s a great way to appreciate the park’s natural beauty up close.

Camping: Spend a night under the stars in Yala National Park by camping in one designated area. It’s an unforgettable experience to be surrounded by the sounds of nature at night and to wake up to the park’s incredible wildlife in the morning. Visitors can also enjoy a campfire, a barbeque dinner, and stargazing in the clear night sky. Camping is a great way to fully immerse oneself in the park’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Places to Visit in Yala National Park

Block 1: This is the park’s most popular area known for its high density of leopards. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling jeep safari while exploring the area and spot animals like elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.

Patanangala Beach: Located within the park, Patanangala Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline with crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing amid nature.

Sithulpauwwa: This ancient monastery is located in the eastern part of the park and is a must-visit for history buffs. The site has several ancient ruins and rock carvings, including a giant reclining Buddha statue.

Yala East: This park area is less frequented by visitors but is no less spectacular. It’s home to various wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and deer. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walking tour or a jeep safari to explore the area.

Magul Maha Viharaya: Located just outside the park, Magul Maha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple. The temple is popular for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere and is a great place to learn about the region’s rich history and culture.

Buttuwa Tank: This large reservoir is popular for birdwatching and wildlife observation. It’s located in the southern part of the park and is home to various bird species, including painted storks, Asian openbills, and little cormorants. Visitors can also spot animals like elephants, water buffalo, and crocodiles.

Kebiliththa: This remote park area is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene atmosphere. It’s located in the northwestern part of the park and is only accessible by foot. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful trek through the forest to reach Kebiliththa, home to a stunning waterfall and natural pool. The area is also known for its birdlife, with species like the Malabar pied hornbill and the Sri Lankan junglefowl commonly spotted.

Ideal Duration

Spending at least 2-3 days in the park is recommended to explore its many offerings fully. This will allow you to experience the park’s diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural sites. If you’re interested in birdwatching, spending at least 4-5 days in the park to spot as many species as possible is recommended. If you’re a wildlife photographer, spend longer time in the park to capture the perfect shots. Ultimately, the longer you spend in Yala National Park, the more you’ll be able to see and experience.

Best Time to Visit Yala National Park

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from February to July. During this time, the park’s water sources dry up and the vegetation is also less dense, which makes it easier to spot wildlife at the remaining waterholes.If you’re interested in birdwatching, the best time to visit is during the migratory season, which runs from November to March. During this time, various migratory bird species visit the park, making it an excellent time to spot a wide range of birdlife.

Why Should You Buy Packages for Yala National Park?

Yala National Park is located in a remote area, making it challenging for visitors to plan and navigate their trip without local knowledge. Buying a package can offer visitors the convenience of having all the details of their trip taken care of, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities. With a package, visitors can access local guides knowledgeable about the park’s flora and fauna and can help visitors spot rare and unique wildlife. (Read More)