Yala
See the animal kingdom in full glory at Yala, Sri Lanka's premier national park and one of Asia's finest sanctuaries for mammals. It is the second largest National Park in the tropical country and the most visited nature site because of the high density of leopards - its top draw. These menacing predators (Panthera Pardus Kotiya) prowl like lords of the jungle during the day, usually from January to July, offering visitors exciting photographic opportunities at a close range.
Yala National Park is also home to painted storks, crocodiles, peacocks, monkeys, water buffalo, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar and golden jackal.
In June and July, the fuzzy sloth bears lope around the park's dry wooden areas in search of food - their favorite berries from the palu tree. Compared to leopards and elephants, sloth bears are much more rare because of their nocturnal quality. However, with a bit of luck, you might still see them cross the road, rest on trees or hunt small prey.
Yala National Park is also a great spot for bird watching, hosting around 90 bird species - roughly half of them are migrant birds. Rare species like Night Heron, Egrets and Oriental Darter are attracted to the lagoons, while waterfowls like Northern Pintail and white-winged tern visit the park during northeast monsoon.
Rich in wildlife and natural environs, Yala offers visitors an extensive list of nature-activities to choose from, aside from wildlife safari.
You can spend a night immersed in nature in a wildlife bungalow or take a stroll in a primary beach spot framed by golden sand. You can go on a sightseeing adventure to discover its vast environs and historic remnants, including the ancient rock temple Sithulpauwwa, and Magul Maha Viharaya which is said to be where the marriage of King KavanTissa to Vihara Maha Devi took place.
What to bring for your Yala adventure:
- Water to drink
- Scarf or buff for cover against dust
- Sunscreen
- Hat
