Yala National Park

The story

Yala has one of the highest leopard densities on the planet, alongside elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and more than 200 bird species. The park's mosaic of dry scrub, brackish lagoons, and coastal dunes rewards patient early-morning jeep safaris. Rustic camps on the park's border offer immersive tented stays under the stars.

Highlights

• World-class leopard sightings
• Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles
• Bird lagoons and coastal dunes
• Tented safari camps

Things to do here

1. 1Half-day or full-day 4x4 jeep safari in Block 1
2. 2Overnight glamping in a tented bush camp
3. 3Guided birdwatching around Buttuwa lagoon
4. 4Visit the Sithulpawwa rock temple inside the park
5. 5Beach walk along the tsunami memorial coast at Patanangala
6. 6Evening leopard-tracking safari with a park naturalist