Yala National Park which is the most popular, visited as well as the oldest National Park in Sri Lanka is situated in the dry semi-arid region off the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. it was in 1938 that the Park was designated as a National Park.
The park is well-known for its biodiversity with over 40 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds both migratory and unique to Sri Lanka. The center of attraction in Yala is Leopards as the park is a home for leopards. As the park is home for leopards there is ample chances to witness leopards in every square kilometer and these elusive leopards greet the dawn and acknowledge the sun setting.
Yala National Park is also known as the best place in the world for photography and to film the Sri Lankan leopard. Yala is not only popular for leopards but also for its high density of sloth bears. The park is not only home for number of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians but also for saltwater wetland and flaunting her biodiversity. Thorn and dry monsoon forests along with dry, dusty, grasslands and hot winds will give you an amazing experience of a tropical country.
It is a common sight to see buffalo, elephants, sloth bears and even leopards crossing the road in front of you, and greeting you. This is a golden and rare opportunity to witness big mammals up close with your naked eyes.
Yala is a paradise for a multitude of birds, including birds which are unique to Sri Lanka and endemic species such as Sri Lankan jungle fowl, Sri Lankan grey hornbill, Sri Lankan wood pigeon and crimson-fronted barbet. Natural ponds and watering holes found in the park attract hundreds of birds such as storks and herons. Hares, wild boar, toque macaques, foxes, golden palm civets, fishing cats, red slender loris can be witnessed during the safari.
