Wildlife SafariNational Park
Yala National Park
The world's highest density of leopards — plus elephants, sloth bears, and 215 species of birds in 979 km² of wild Sri Lanka.
979 km²
Park area
215+
Bird species
2 daily
Safaris
The world's highest density of leopards — plus elephants, sloth bears, and 215 species of birds in 979 km² of wild Sri Lanka.
About Yala
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's most-visited wildlife reserve and one of the most rewarding wildlife destinations in all of Asia. Established in 1938, it encompasses 979 km² of varied landscape — dry zone jungle, scrubland, lagoons, and a dramatic coastline — that creates a uniquely rich habitat for an extraordinary range of animals.
Yala is most celebrated for its leopards. With an estimated 30–40 individual leopards in Block I alone, it boasts the highest density of leopards anywhere on earth — dramatically higher than famous African reserves. The dry season (February to July) concentrates animals around shrinking waterholes, making leopard sightings almost routine. A single morning safari in Yala has a genuine chance of multiple leopard encounters.
Beyond the big cats, Yala hosts significant populations of Sri Lankan elephants (often seen in herds of 20 or more), sloth bears, mugger and saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, and spotted deer. The birdlife is exceptional: painted storks, black-necked storks, black-headed ibis, and a huge variety of kingfishers, waders, and eagles are all regular sightings. The park's lagoons are particularly rich birding grounds at dawn.
Highlights
Yala has the world's highest leopard density. Experienced trackers know the regular patrol routes of individual leopards — sightings on a 3-hour safari are common, especially at dawn.
Large herds of Sri Lankan elephants gather at Yala's waterholes during the dry season — sometimes 30 or more animals bathing and playing together in spectacles few wildlife experiences can match.
Yala's coastal lagoons host both mugger and saltwater crocodiles basking on sandy banks. Enormous saltwater crocs — over 4 metres — can be seen at the park's estuarine wetlands.
215 species including painted stork, black-necked stork, Malabar pied hornbill, and 6 species of kingfisher. The park's lagoons are extraordinary for waders at dawn, especially Nov–April.
Practical Guide
We arrange licensed jeeps, expert naturalist guides, and the finest eco-lodges at the park boundary for the ultimate wildlife experience.
Plan My Sri Lanka Tour