Yala National Park – Safari Guide, Entrance Fee & How to get there?

Yala National Park is located towards the South coast of Sri Lanka. The different parts of the park expand to the water and are also in touch with the Indian Ocean. This park is one of the most unique and attractive places in Sri Lankan culture. The most appreciated feature associated with Yala Park is the presence of wild animals. This guide will provide you with complete information about visiting Yala Park and the animals that will be visible during your visit.

Yala National Park Map

The whole park is divided into five sections or zones. Two zones, Zones 1 and 5, are always open for public visits and tourists. The remaining zones are reserved for professional researchers for research purposes and the film industry to shoot a variety of adventurous films. This reservation helps in maintaining the natural beauty of the park because, in these areas, there are no jeeps or cars, and these sections are not crowded by people.

Public Access Zones

The best zone to be visited in this park by the public is the first zone. The animals in this zone are accustomed to the noise and activities caused by vehicles and children. Because this section is always open to the public, it includes animals that are of immense interest and enjoyment for both children and adults. Whether you take only one drive to the park or many drives, this is a mandatory section to be visited in Yala Park.

Zone 1

The drawback of Zone 1 is that the bushes are very long, limiting the sight of visitors. You will only be able to see a small number of animals present in this zone of the park. However, the benefit of visiting this zone is that the animals are usually on the road or on the backside of the road, so you can easily enjoy their presence around you. Apart from animals, this section also contains canopy trees and mossy forests that are so close to the trailside that they touch it. There are no words to describe the beauty of this zone because it has the simplest and most attractive sight of the wild animals.

What to See?

Yala National Park is famous for its big wild cats, which attract people from different areas who come to visit them. Many people from Sri Lanka visit Yala Park not because of the elephants and birds, but to see the uniqueness of these beautiful wild cats that have a significant name in wildlife.

There are many companies providing services for visiting Yala Park. However, no safari service can ensure the visibility of animals in the park. It is guaranteed, though, that you can easily see a variety of birds in the park from different species.

Common Wildlife Sightings

Eagles, lizards, buffalo, wild boar, peacocks, and deer are common animals and birds that can be easily seen in the park at any time of day. In addition to that, Yala National Park also offers visitors the chance to see some of the most fearsome and thrilling animals, such as crocodiles and leopards. Having these animals close to you can be a thrilling experience.

Elephants

There are 10 to 15 elephants present in the park. These elephants, with their long tusks, are a major attraction for visitors. While it may not be possible to see all of them, visitors are likely to see at least one. Jumbo is the most famous elephant among them, known for eating a tourist’s handbag.

Leopards

There are almost 75 leopards present in Zone 1, providing many chances to see one. Since leopards run at very fast speeds, you need to be fully conscious to see them. If you are late even by a single minute, you might miss the chance.

Peacocks

Peacocks displaying their feathers can give you the most fascinating scene of nature’s beauty.

Yala National Park Safari Entrance Fee:

The entrance to the park can cost foreign adults is between $31 and $36 per person. But price varies depending on the number of people in the jeep, accommodating 2-6 passengers.

Getting Yala National Park from Colombo