yala safari entrance fee

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Yala National Park Entrance Fees for Foreigners and Local Residents.

What is a park entrance ticket for yala national park.

In simple, Park Entrance Ticket is a fee charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) for each time guests enter the National Park on a Safari. Ticket is issued in total per Jeep based on the Number of Foreign and Local Adults and Children.

Anyone over the age of 12 is considered an adult while children between the age of 6-12 are charged a child rate. Children below 6 are considered Free of Charge by the DWC.

How much is a Park Entrance ticket to Yala National Park for a Foreigner?

Since the recent revision to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (Chapter 469)  by Gazette Extraordinary No. 2292/11 – on 8th August, 2022;

A Foreign Adult is charged USD 25 and additionally other statutory charges.

A Ticket is issued per Jeep for the total number of Guests. Generally,  a Group (Jeep) of 2 Foreign Adults is charged approximately USD 71 in total.

The average Yala national park entrance fee per foreign adult is between USD 31-36 (LKR equivalent) depending on the number of PAX in a Jeep (2-6) after all the taxes and other statutory charges.

Please refer to our Park Entrance Ticket Calculator  below for the detailed cost of a ticket based on the number of guests.

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Yala national park entrance fees for foreigners.

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

Table of Contents

Yala National Park

Yala national park is located towards the South coast of Sri Lanka. The different parts of the park are expanded to the water and are also in touch with the Indian Ocean. This park is one of the most unique and attractive places of the Sri Lankan culture. Thos most appreciating feature associated with Yala park is the presence of the wild animals in it. This guide will provide you the complete information about visiting the Yala park. The animals that will be visible to you during your visit to Yala park. The whole park is divided into 5 sections or zones. The two zones are always open for the public visit and also for the tourists. These are zones 1 and 5. The remaining zones of the park are only reserved for the professional researchers for the purpose of the research study and also for the film industry to shoot a variety of adventurous films in this beautiful place. This reservation helps in maintaining the natural beauty of the park because in this area there is no jeep or cars and this section is not crowded by the people. The best zone to be visited in this park for the public in the first zone because the animals in this zone are habitual of the noise and the activities that are caused by the vehicles and children respectively. Because this section is always open for the public, it includes all those animals that are of immense interest and enjoyment not only for children but also for the adults.

Whether you take only one drive to the park or many drives to the same park, this is the mandatory section to be visited in Yala park. The drawback in the first zone is that the bushes are very long that limited the sight of the person. In this way, you will only be able to see a small number of animals present in this zone of the park.  But the benefit if visiting this zone is that the animals are usually on the road or on the back side 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 touched it. There are no words to describe the beauty of this zone of the park because it has the simplest and attractive sight of the wild animals.

Yala National Park big wild cats in the Yala park that attracted the people from different areas who come and visit them. Many of the people from Sri Lanka came to 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 the wildlife.

 There is no specific month or year to visit this beauty. Instead, the park and also the animals are always open for the public and one can easily visit this park without any second thought of the time or season.

Yala National Park Safari guide :

There are many companies that are providing services for visiting Yala park. However, there is no safari service that will ensure the visibility of the animals in the park. But it is guaranteed that you can easily see a variety of birds in the park that belongs to the different species.  Eagles, lizards, buffalo, wild boar, peacock, and deer are the common animals and birds that can be easily seen in the park during every time in the day. In addition to that Yala National Park Guide also offer the chance to the visitors to see the most horrible and the terrific animals like crocodile and leopards. Having these animals close to you can be the most thrilling experience for the people.

10 to 15 elephants are present in the park. These elephants with long tusk are the source of attraction for the visitors. It is not possible to see all of them but one of them can be seen by the visitors. Jumbo is the most famous elephant among them as he ate the handbag of the tourist.  There are almost 75 leopards that are present in zone 1, there are many chances to see one of them in the first zone. As we know well that leopard runs at a very fast speed so you need to be fully conscious to see them if you will be late even a single minute, you will miss the chance to see them.

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

Yala National Park Safari Cost:

The entrance to the park can cost you about 3700 rupees. But when you go, there is almost 4000 to 6000 is spent at the entrance to the park. So you need to take a good amount of money with you when going to visit Yala National Park.

How to get there from Colombo:

If you are in Colombo and want to visit Yala National Park. The quickest way to reach your destination from the capital of Sri Lanka is the is through the bus. As buss=es are the most frequently used vehicles in Sri Lanka, they will reach the Yala park easily and will not cost you much expense. Normally, going through the bus to Yala park hardly costs you about 250 rupees to 550 rupees. The distance will be covered in 8 hours to 9 hours and the distance between Colombo and Yala National Park is approximately 193 km. it is suggested to visit the Yala park in the dry season from February to June of the year.

Sightseeing Yala National Park Yala National Park SAFARI

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Yala National

Park safari.

Park Safari 

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Yala National Park Safari

Yala National Park safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka with the help of dedicated, knowledgeable guides. The safari jeep can carry up to six people and is well suited to make forays forest…

Yala National Park

Spanning 378 square miles, Yala National Park is one of the most iconic Sri Lankan landmarks. Some even refer to it as the home of the Sri Lankan leopard and Yala incidentally also has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world…

Spanning 378 square miles, Yala National Park is one of the most iconic Sri Lankan landmarks. Some even refer to it as the home of the Sri Lankan leopard and Yala incidentally also has one of the highest concentrations of leopards in the world. For over 100 years, Yala national park has been a wildlife sanctuary which has allowed it to flourish as a diverse landmass comprised of myriad species of fauna as well as flora, making it the perfect destination for the adventurous tourist. The natural diversity of Yala includes brackish lagoons, grassy plains, and dense forests… 

Yala National Park safaris provide a unique opportunity to explore one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka with the help of dedicated, knowledgeable guides. The safari jeep can carry up to six people and is well suited to make forays across the natural pathways and clearings across the forest. The open-air jeep provides both comfort and safety as it traverses across the grasslands where you can get an up-close look at the flora and fauna that make up the national park. You are free to customize your experience whether you would like to visit for 3 or 4 hours or even spend …

Why Book With Us?

Experienced safari jeep drivers.

We have friendly drivers with good experience 

We provide you good condition safari jeeps

Jeeps with front-facing seats for a better view

Free hotel pick-up and drop-off

If you are in a nearby hotel we provide this.

We focus on your needs

Our drivers will support to fulfill your needs in the safari

No hidden charges

We don’t charge any additional fee at the end of the tour.

One of the best experiences I've ever had in my life. Sri Lankan Leopard is the main attraction and we've seen several leopard cubs during our last visit. You must visit. You can have the best experience if you book a full-day safari. Our driver was excellent.

Maciej Diaries

A five-star review simply for being ethical and cruelty-free. However, the place in itself could use a few tweaks of improvement and more wildlife in a larger span of ground, also with more knowledgeable guides

Rubina Rajaratnam

Isn't a topical safari that you do in Africa but still pretty cool. We've seen some elephant plenty of buffalo and lizards some crocodiles and many different birds. Our tour guide as knowledge and attentive.

Slawek Cisowski

Safari Packages

4 hour safari.

Three hours are just enough to see basic animals. But this is not an ideal safari to see more animals and observe

the park well. It’s better to choose a half-day or full-day safari. This is a tour of finding animals in a huge forest. Better to have more time 

★ This rate is for the jeep.

Half-day Safari

In a half-day safari in Yala, You will be able to cover a considerable area of the park and will be able to see many 

different kinds of wild animals. This safari takes around 6 hours. This is a good safari for photographers.

Full-day Safari

Full-day safari is the ideal safari for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and explorers. This safari starts early

in the morning and you can stay the whole day in the National Park. in this safari, you will be able to cover a considerable area of the National Park. We recommend this safari if you are a wildlife enthusiast.

Entrance fee for Yala National park

Sri Lanka National park entrance fees have been increased for local and foreign tourists from the 1st of September 2022 (Gazette Notification No. 2292/11 Aug 2022).

You have to buy tickets before you enter the national park from the entrance gate. These tickets are issued by Wildlife and conservation department. Sometimes the entrance ticket counter is busy. our drivers will support buying tickets.

Peak season 

Off peak Season

 Foreign Adult (12+)

 foreign child (6-12), saarc country adult (12+), saarc country child(6-12), local adults (12+), local child (6-12).

All tickets will be added 15% VAT, Service charges, and Other taxes.

* If you stay overnight in the National park this price will be doubled.

Other Things to do

Thissa lake.

You can do a beautiful boat ride here.

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Buddhist rock temple.

Weerawila- Thissa Sanctuary

Good place for birding

Kirinda rajamaha viharaya

Beautiful temple beside the beach

Bundala National Park

Good for birding

Hotels in Yala

There are many hotels in Yala and Tissamaharama In between, a few good hotels are below.

Uga Chena Huts

Cinnamon wild yala, leopard nest, jetwing yala, wild culture yala.

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

The Yala National Park is the best place to see leopards and elephants in Sri Lanka. It’s a fantastic experience that should be on your Sri Lanka Itinerary, so book your safari tour and visit Yala.

Wondering how to visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka?

You can easily reach Yala from Ella, Mirissa, or Galle and take a half-day or full-day safari tour.

In this post, you can find out how to get there, the best time to visit, including entrance fees, and what to expect on your safari tour in Yala National Park.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

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Where is Yala National Park

Located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, about 20 km southwest of Tissamaharama.

About Yala National Park

It is one of the oldest and best national parks in Sri Lanka. The park was designated a national park in 1938.

The national park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares, consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, lakes, and lagoons. It is home to 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds, such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, jackals, spotted deer, water buffalo, peacocks, crocodiles, and much more.

Yala is famous for having the world’s biggest concentration of leopards and is one of the best places in the world to spot leopards. There are around 60-70 leopards scattered throughout the park.

Check safari tour prices and availability HERE.

How to Get to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Most people come to Yala from Ella, Galle, or Mirissa.

Colombo to Yala National Park

The distance between Colombo and Yala is about 300 km, and the travel time is 5-6 hours by car. Therefore, we recommend traveling from Colombo to Galle or Unawatuna instead of Yala.

We have a detailed post on  how to get from Colombo to Galle with all the information you need.

Then, join a morning safari tour from there. Book your safari tour from Galle in advance.

Ella to Yala National Park

The distance between Yala and Ella is about 110 km, which is 2-6 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

Getting to Yala may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few ways to get there. You can easily get to Yala by taxi, bus, tuk tuk, or join an organized tour.

From Ella, we drove tuk tuk to Tissamaharama. Then, we booked a full-day Yala Safari tour.

Read the full post → How to Get from Ella to Yala

If you want to pass wild elephants on the way to Yala, take a detour on the B35 Road. During our trip, we also saw elephants in the middle and last section of the road, which was a fantastic experience in Sri Lanka.

These wild elephants are used to being around people, as locals regularly stop on the road to feed them.

Important note Do not feed or touch the elephants! Only walk near them at your own risk! 

Best Time to Visit Yala

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to April. But we recommend visiting Yala National Park from February to July. During this period, the weather is dry, and the water level in the park is low, making it easier to see the animals when they go to drink.

Yala has a hot and semi-arid climate. The average temperature is 27 °C.

Most rainfall in Yala occurs during the monsoon, from September to December. During the monsoon season, the national park is much more lush and green, making it harder to see the animals.

Good to know Usually, the park is temporarily closed in September due to maintenance, so check before you visit for up-to-date information.

Yala National Park Safari

Yala National Park is rich in wildlife, so you can easily spot the animals on a jeep safari tour. Book a morning or afternoon safari tour to Yala and choose between a half-day or full-day tour.

The safari tours usually take 4-5 hours.

There are 3 entrances to the Yala National Park:  Palatupana from Tissamaharama (main entrance), Katagamuwa, and Galge.

The park is divided into five blocks/sectors. Only blocks 1 and 5 are open to visitors to ensure that the park’s animals are protected from over-tourism.

Tips for Visiting

• For the best experience, book a morning safari tour or take a full-day Yala tour.
• Most safari tours include water, breakfast, or lunch, but bring enough water and snacks.
• Wear closed sports shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid. But the weather is cold during early morning safaris, so bring a sweater or light jacket.
• Safari tours cannot guarantee leopard spotting, but Yala National Park has the best chance of seeing leopards.
• Some people may be unwell on a full-day safari tour as the road is very bumpy. Therefore, we recommend taking anti-nausea tablets with you.
• Use sunscreen.
• Always be ready to take photos, as you will see lots of wildlife and birds.
• Take a zoom lens with you.
• Use the toilet before going on a safari tour!

Yala National Park Safari Price

The Yala National Park safari price depends on the safari tour you book, such as a private safari, group tour, or full-day safari.

Good to know Most safari tours do not include the entrance fee to the national park.

Group jeep tours usually start from 27 USD per person, and private tours start from 100 USD per person.

Book your safari tour.

Yala National Park Entrance Fee

The entrance fee to Yala National Park for foreign adults ranges from 31 USD to 36 USD per person. But the price depends on the number of people in the jeep (2-6 pax).

Usually, the entrance fee is 71 USD for two foreign adults, 100 USD for three adults, and 129 USD for four adults.

The entrance fee can only be paid in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at the entrance gates.

Good to know The admission fee is 89 USD for two foreign adults with one child and 106 USD for two adults with two children.

Where to Stay near Yala National Park

Most people take a day trip to the Yala National Park from Ella, Galle, or Mirissa. But for the best experience, stay around the national park.

Another alternative is to  stay in Tissamaharama , as you will be close to the restaurants and budget hotels. These are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in Yala, Sri Lanka

• Luxury:   Wild Coast Tented Lodge
• Mid-Range:   Jetwing Yala  or  Cinnamon Wild Yala
• Budget:   Kaaya Eco Resort Yala

Where to Eat in Yala

In Tissamaharama, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best restaurants near Yala National Park

• Chef Lady Restaurant (Delicious seafood)
• The Flavors Restaurant (Best Sri Lankan rice and curry)
• Red Restaurant Tissamaharama (International and local dishes)
• Hathmaluwa Restaurant (A perfect place for lunch or dinner)
• Smoky Kitchen (Our favorite place to eat in Yala)

We hope you found our guide to Yala National Park useful and will inspire you to visit Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

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Wildlife Adventures in Sri Lanka: How to Plan a Safari in Yala National Park For All Budgets (2024)

Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka is an amazing place to go on safari and hopefully see leopards in the wild. I recently had the privilege of exploring the wonders of Yala, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you. If you think you have to choose between a high-end, expensive, luxury private safari, or a bare-bones backpackers hostel, we’ve got great news for you- there is a middle ground! We’ll help you sort out where to stay to visit Yala National Park so you can book the best Yala safari in Sri Lanka for your family- whether that’s a luxury resort or a rustic camp where you feel in tune with nature.

Arranging a jeep safari in Yala National Park can be confusing and overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll help you plan your own unforgettable safari in Yala National Park. From spotting elusive leopards to encountering elephants in their natural habitat, we’ll dive into the magic of this Sri Lankan wilderness together. We’ll cover how to book a park safari experience, which block in the park to visit, where to stay close to Yala, the best time of year to go on Yala safari, how to get to Yala National Park, and tips for enjoying your park safari once you a there.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase.   As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.

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Table of Contents

Where is Yala National Park

Yala National Park is located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. Its vast expanse covers a significant portion of the country’s southeastern lowland dry zone, making it a haven for diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. Yala National Park is about a 5-hour drive from Colombo, so it’s best to incorporate your visit to Yala into a larger two-week itinerary in Sri Lanka .

Yala National Park is divided into 5 blocks. Most safari tours visit Block 1 where the largest population of leopards live. Animals are free to wander among the blocks, so there is no guarantee of sightings, and they may change their patterns due to weather, mating season, or even the migration patterns of deer.

Once a British royal hunting ground, Yala National Park was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and a national park in 1938.

Is Yala National Park Worth Visiting?

Yes, Yala National Park is worth visiting! It’s a family bucket list experience that you won’t forget! Yala National Park has the world’s largest population of wild leopards- so you have the best chance of seeing one of these majestic and elusive creatures!

There is no guarantee that you will see a leopard, but even if you don’t see one, you’ll have a fantastic park safari experience and see lots of other animals including elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, peacocks, wild boars, and more!

What Animals Will I See in Yala National Park?

There are 44 different mammals in Yala National Park as well as over 200 species of birds. Many people come hoping to see a leopard or a sloth bear, but there are also elephants, jackals, water buffalo, deer, boar, monkeys, and crocodiles. No animal sightings are guaranteed, but most are fairly easy to spot with the exception of the sloth bear and the leopard.

Note: If you are interested in elephant welfare and conservation, we recommend a visit to this elephant sanctuary in Cambodia .

What Happens If We Spot a Leopard?

When a leopard is spotted, your guide will call in the sighting. All of the other vehicles in the area will rush to the site to try and also see the animal. This creates a traffic jam.

Vehicles in Yala do not go off-roading-they follow strict rules which prevent drivers from getting too close to animals or harassing animals. This means that when vehicles line up and crowd into one location, it can be hard for any one vehicle to move.

Secondly, your guide will record and report the sighting. Guides are able to identify most leopards on site by their coloring and spots and will be able to tell you about the animal. Every sighting is recorded so that animal movements can be tracked.

When we visited Yala, our vehicle was the first to see a leopard- near the end of the afternoon we started Amber, a 9-year-old female who was resting in the ditch at the side of the road. She quickly headed into the tall grasses, and we were then able to watch her from far away as she ate a small animal, possibly a rabbit.

When we were finished attempting to watch her- even with binoculars she was tough to see as she would dip her head down below the grass level, we were not able to move for a while as other safari jeeps had blocked us in.

To learn more about the leopards in Yala, or to see photos and details about whichever individual you spotted, check the Yala Leopard Diary . They have updated information about the migratory patterns of each animal as well as a family tree, and lots of wonderful photos.

How to Book a Safari at Yala National Park

There are two ways to book a safari in Yala National Park- as part of a complete package, or by booking lodging close to the park and then arranging the safari separately. Often, even though the safari is not included in your room rate, your accommodations will be happy to help you arrange as many safaris as you like. There are both group safari tours and private safari tours available.

If you are staying in Tissamaharama there will be opportunities to book guides from town. We highly recommend booking ahead so you can arrange for both a driver and a guide for your safari.

A driver will simply drive, and while he will do his best to show you animals he usually doesn’t offer much guidance in terms of animal behavior. We found that our guide and driver worked well together, discussing routes and looking for animal tracks. You want to reputable guide who has years of experience with tracking- they should be able to hear animal alarms indicating the presence of predators and track animals using prints and scat.

Where to Stay Near Yala National Park

There are budget hostels, luxury camps, and a few mid-range camps to stay in near Yala National Park. When we started researching options, I was frustrated to keep seeing the same few luxury or high-ed jungle camps coming up in blog posts over and over- they just weren’t in our budget.

We’ve included some of these luxury camps below- if you have the budget, these camps will pamper you and make sure you have a vacation to remember. However, if these are not in your budget, we’ve rounded up other options so you can still see all the epic wildlife that Yala National Park has to offer.

Try to book lodging as much in advance as possible – many of these properties only have a handful of tents, cabins, or chalets, so they book up quickly.

Staying Inside Yala National Park

There are government-run bungalows available inside Yala National Park . I’ve seen several comments that they are not “up to standard”, but haven’t spoken with anyone who has tried using them. You can stay in these bungalows for up to 3 consecutive nights. You can see the facilities here , and reserve them online . Details are scarce- if you’ve tried one of these please let us know how they were!

Luxury Jungle Camps near Yala National Park

These luxury camps offer every amenity- and charge over 1K USD per night. If you are looking for an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime, five-star experience, these lodges are fantastic. These jungle camps are in the buffer zone around Yala National Park.

Uga Chena Huts

This is a five-star all-inclusive resort that has luxury cabins that are air-conditioned with private plunge pools. They describe the resort as “colonial expedition chic with contemporary design innovations”. Safaris and meals are included with the lodging. This place is absolutely stunning, and only a few minutes drive from Yala National Park.

“The location is amazing, no fences or electric to keep out wildlife so it’s wild and beautiful. You can walk to the beach and to a nearby waterhole from your accom (not after dark!) You do need to be careful but that’s half the attraction. Two daily (optional) safaris were included with our stay which were brilliant, we saw so much amazing wildlife both on these.” -Jenny (Read More Reviews )

Book Now: Uga Chena Huts

Wild Coast Lodge

This five-star all-inclusive jungle resort is built in the shape of a leopard’s paw, with open-air central buildings made from bamboo and other natural materials. Guests stay in luxury air-conditioned cocoons made with double-height, stretched fabric roofs looking over the Indian Ocean. They also have a family cocoon suite that has two attached pods for parents and kids to experience together, while still having some privacy. Meals and game drives are included.

“I turned around to see a giant elephant on its way to my watering hole…they said it could happen…but I really thought the reality was slim to none…boy was I surprised! Besides all that, all the food and drinks were delicious! And, it cannot be omitted…the coastline! WOW!” -JennIE (read More reviews )

Book Now: Wild Coast Lodge

Mid-range camps near yala national park.

These unicorns are in the buffer area of Yala National Park- so you’ll need to get a driver to take you there, but are much closer to the gate of the park, so you’ll have less of a drive early in the morning. Some of these camps also offer an additional bush walk to introduce you to the wildlife in the area around the camp.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

This eco-friendly resort is high-end and clearly has hosted a lot of bloggers because it comes up often. This resort is in a bit of its own category- it’s more expensive than most of our mid-range options- with rooms in the range of $300-400 USD per night. As a five-star property, it’s a bargain compared to the all-inclusive luxury options, but significantly more expensive than most of the mid-range. If you’re debating about splashing out on your stay near Yala, this could be just what you are looking for.

This camp is located very close to Wild Coast Lodge but for 10% of the price tag. Chalets here are air-conditioned with private balconies. Chalets each have one double bed, so they don’t have a great setup for larger families, though they do offer connecting rooms. The complex has a large pool and a rooftop terrace for guests to enjoy.

“The property is absolutely fabulous, the location is incredible. if your going there for animals this is the place to stay. In the resort we saw crocodiles and water buffalo down at the lake and lots of beautiful birds. An elephant went through the resort and was down at the lake twice.” -Emma (read more reviews)

Book Now: Cinnamon Wild Yala

Wild Trails Yala by Suri

Wild Trails Yala is where we stayed, and absolutely loved it. We stayed in a tent with one double bed and two beds, air conditioning, and our own bathroom. The “tents” at Wild Trails Yala are made of lovely hardwoods, with our own front deck. Once we arrived we went on an afternoon bush walk, then hung out by a watering hole in the later afternoon until dinner was served by candlelight. There is no pool or fancy amenities, here, it really is glamping.

In the morning, we woke in the dark, had a cup of tea and biscuits, and headed out on our full-day safari. By the time we arrived back at camp, it was after dark. We had arranged for a driver to take us to Hiriketiya Beach that evening. Looking back, we would have enjoyed relaxing at camp for a second night and not rushing out so fast.

The camp here is small and simple, but lovely, and with every convenience. They made arranging our safari easy, and the guide they provided was friendly and knowledgeable. He taught our girls a bit about tracking and answered all their questions about wildlife in Sri Lanka. He even pointed out where once there may have been treasure buried inside a rock!

“The tent was amazing; extremely comfortable and spacious with towels, water, AC and a fan as well as shampoo and shower gel as standard. Goshi arranged a fabulous guide to accompany us on our 2 safaris (small extra charge and well worth doing as it added a lot to the experience). The park entrance is 15 min drive from Wild Trails Yala by Suri.” -Elizabeth (Read more reviews )

Book Now: Wild Trails Yala by Suri

Jetwing Yala

This resort is a massive 38-acre complex , complete with a spa, a large outdoor swimming pool, and TVs in each room. This is not a camp, but a large, luxury hotel close to Yala National Park.

“Great location just outside the national park and on the beach. It’s a lovely property with an exceptional pool. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and there was an excellent choice of food and drink. We had lovely massages in the spa.” -Julia (read more reviews )

Book Now: Jetwing Yala

Camp Leopard

This glamping resort is located near the town of Katagamuwa and uses the northern entrance into Yala National Park than the south entrance used by those lodgings closer to the coast. Visitors report that the ride into camp is a bit bumpy due to its remote location, but that using a different entrance means a quieter safari experience, and that the guides here are experienced and top-notch.

Tents here are canvas and have a more rustic feel, though they are air-conditioned. Hammocks are available in the shared lounge area. They have an onsite restaurant, and can also arrange a bbq by the lake.

“The staff at Camp Leopard are phenomenal. Very accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly. They immediately treated us like friends and taught us about the animals, food, and culture.” -Brian (read more reviews )

Book Now: Camp Leopard

Budget Lodging near Yala National Park

The nearest town to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama. This is where you’ll find most of the budget hotels and hostels. From this town, you have about a 45-minute drive to the main gate of Yala National Park. The farther away you stay from the park, the earlier you’ll have to get up in the morning to be at the gate (and in line with the other cars) before the 6 am opening. These hotels generally charge well under $100 per night.

There are many more options in Tissamaharama, here are some of the hotels with the highest guest ratings, many of these offer family rooms with multiple beds:

– Moon Light Guest House : With a 9.9/10 rating, travelers report spacious rooms, a shared garden, and staff who cook a delicious curry!

– Village Mango Resort Yala : Looking out over rice fields, these comfortable rooms are run by a lovely family who takes special care of their guests. There are hammocks and bicycles for guests to use.

– Lavender Home Yala : Run by a lovely family, you’ll find comfortable family rooms with air conditioning, some with balconies on the upper story.

Safari Options at Yala National Park

When going on a Yala National Park safari you have the option of a half-day morning safari, a half-day afternoon safari, or a full-day safari.

Half-Day Morning Safari

Mornings are the best time to see animals. You’ll line up with a lot of other vehicles outside the main gate of Yala National Park as the sun comes up, once the gates open, you’ll want to be one of the first cars in, as the vehicles often scare off any animals that are nearby.

Expect a 4:30 departure if you are leaving from Tissamaharama and a 5 or 5:15 departure from one of the border area camps.

If you choose the morning half-day option, you’ll have about three hours of safari time, then head back to your accommodation by 10 am.

Half-Day Afternoon Safari

The afternoon safaris depart from your lodging for a 2 pm entrance to Yala National Park. You’ll have about three hours of safari time, focusing on the later afternoon hours when the sun is not so hot. All vehicles must exit the park before sunset.

Full Day Safari

A full-day safari is from 6 am when the park opens, until about 6 pm. We watched the sunset on the way back to our camp. This is a long day, but it gives you the best chance of spotting animals, without a lot of back-and-forth driving.

You will need a packed breakfast and lunch to eat in the park. Also, the park closes down from 12-2, and all the full day safaris stop for a long lunch break in designated areas. The park is really strict about this, as it gives the drivers and the animals a much-needed break. You’ll see the safari jeeps line up a few minutes before 2 waiting to leave the designated area, but they take this break very seriously.

With four of us in the back of the safari jeep with four bucket seats and a rear bench seat, we had plenty of room to move around and switch seats in and out of the sun over the course of the day.

We spent our lunch break at a stop with a bathroom right by the river. Our guides put down a blanket and set out lunch, then we were free to play in the river until it was time to go. There are a lot of monkeys here so the guides were focused on keeping them away from our food, and then ate once we had finished.

After lunch we drove around a bit, it did start to feel like we were going back over areas we had already visited. At 2 pm it is still hot, so there are not a lot of animals around. One of the kids fell asleep at this time, and we let her rest, figuring we could wake her for any big sightings. By late afternoon there is again more to see, and then as you head back to the gate for your evening exit.

How Much Does Yala National Park Cost?

The entrance fees to Yala National Park are charged by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC)   depending on the number of foreigners in a jeep. Children below 6 are free of charge. Children 6-12 pay a child rate, anyone over 12 is considered an adult.

As of 2023, two adults in a jeep will pay a total of 71 USD in park fees. 2 adults and 2 children will be 106 USD. Generally, these fees are included when you book a vehicle with a driver and a guide.

Prices vary, and make sure to negotiate with your provider, but in 2023 we were quoted $150 for a half-day safari (private jeep, 2 adults 2 kids), and originally quoted $300 USD for a full-day, but were able to pay $175 USD. This included a packed breakfast and picnic lunch during our safari day, as well as an afternoon bush walk the day before our actual in-park safari.

How Much Should I Tip for a Safari in Yala National Park?

Deciding when and how much to tip is always a bit stressful, and depending on where you are coming from you may have different cultural associations or expectations around tipping. To clarify, we reached out to our host at Wild Trails Yala to learn about expectations around tipping your guide and your driver after a safari in Yala.

She advises planning to tip around $10 USD per vehicle to the guide for a half-day safari, and around $20 USD for a full-day safari. It is also recommended to tip the driver as well, though generally slightly less than the guide. Adjust as you feel comfortable based on your experience. This is not per guest but per safari vehicle in total.

Yala National Park Hours

Yala National Park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. There is a mandatory lunch break from 12-2 for all vehicles that are staying for the full day.

Some years, the entire park closes for the month of September. However, in 2023, the park will not be closing unless a drought hits.

When is the Best Time to Visit Yala National Park

Yala can be visited year-round, but your chances of seeing different animals will vary by time of year.

February – July is the best time for spotting leopards. This is the dry season, so while the scenery is not as lush, the animals come out into the open to visit watering holes. We visited Yala in February and had great weather for animal spotting.

In August, the Palu trees bear fruit making it much easier to spot sloth bears who love to eat this fruit.

November to January and April are the rainy months when you are less like to see animals. Keep in mind that leopards, like other cats, do not like the rain, and will retreat into caves, so you are much less like to see one on a rainy day.

Often, Block 1 of Yala closes in September to give the park time to recover from the crowds. During this time, Block 5 is available for an alternate safari.

Which Block Should I Visit in Yala National Park?

There are five blocks in Yala National Park, but most are not open to the public. They are protected land, accessible only to those doing research, filming documentaries, or similar programs that get explicit approval.

This is the block that most tourists visit. The animals that spend time here are used to vehicles going through and are unfazed by the traffic, and therefore easier to spot. The traffic here can be intense, with lines at the gate before sunrise.

Block 1 is the most popular block because this is where the highest numbers of leopards live. We toured Block 1, and while the actual area is small, we did see almost all of the animals we were hoping for, with the exception of the sloth bear.

Block 5 is usually booked for safaris during October and November when Block 1 is closed due to drought and for restoration. There is less visible wildlife here, and much less traffic. The animals are shyer, and the terrain is drier. This is a great block for bird watchers, but not for seeing the larger animals. Some tourists report being very disappointed by tours of Block 5.

Blocks 2, 3, and 4

The other blocks are generally not open to the public, although some specialized tours may enter Block 3 specifically looking to see sloth bears.

How to Get to Yala National Park

While there are buses and trains that run through various parts of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is not on any major bus routes. You can take a bus from the south coast beach towns to Tissamaharama, but if you are staying at lodging in the buffer area of the park you will need private transportation to get there from the center of town.

From Galle, take the bus marked Kataragama, Tissamaharama is just one stop before the final stop at Kataragama.

The easiest way to get to Yala is to hire a private driver for the journey which will drop you directly at your lodging which may be quite a distance from the town center.

Alternate National Parks in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a massive amount of protected lands over 13% of the country is a national park, reserve, sanctuary, or similar protected space. In fact, Sri Lanka has 21 National Parks! If you can’t fit Yala National Park into your Sri Lanka itinerary, there are other parks that you should consider to see wildlife in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu National Park : Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest preserve, with a dense forest cover. Close to the historical city of Anuradhapura.  Here you will look for elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.

Udawalawe National Park : This is one of the best parks to see herds of elephants. Drier than Yala, it is located more inland. Located south of Ella and northwest of Yala.

Bundala National Park : This is the most impressive park in Sri Lanka for bird watching. Located just down the coast from Yala, the wetlands here attract migratory birds, and the park boasts over 200 species.

Wasgamuwa National Park – This park in central Sri Lanka, just south of Sirigiya, has the largest population of sloth bears in Sri Lanka. You will also see elephants, deer, and crocodiles.

Tips for Enjoying Your Safari In Yala National Park

Here are some tips to help you be prepared and enjoy your safari in Yala National Park.

1. Keep Your Expectations Low. This is especially important with kids! You may see a wild leopard right away, and follow them for an hour, or you might not see one at all. Or you may be called to a sighting to find 30 other vehicles waiting in line to see the same animal that is now deep in the grass. You will see wild animals, but it’s best to keep your expectations low prior to your trip.

2. Bathrooms are hard to come by in Yala National Park. Your guide may be able to find a spot for you to squat in the bush, but the only official bathroom is at one of the lunch break locations, so be prepared for that reality.

3. The best time to see animals is in the early morning, so you’ll start before dark, and be lined up (with a lot of other vehicles) at the entrance to the park before dawn. Later afternoon, starting around 4 pm is the next best time to see animals.

4. The afternoons get quite hot, and the animals take cover. If you opt for a full-day safari, keep in mind that the afternoon will be slow. One of our kids fell asleep in the car during this time, and we let her sleep. To some extent, it felt like we were driving around just wasting the hours waiting for the cooler times when the animals might emerge.

5. Bring water and a packed lunch. Your lodging can probably help with this, but there is nowhere to buy water or food inside the park, so come prepared.

6. Bring sun lotion, bug spray, and a sweater for the cool morning before the comes up. Remember to bring extra battery packs or chargers for your camera or phone!

7. Communicate with your guide. If you’d like to stop and take a picture, let them know. If you are ready to move on, speak up! They want you to have a good time but don’t always know whether you want to stop to see the fourth peacock of the day and take photos, or just keep moving.

FAQ: Safari in Yala National Park

The more hours you spend in the park, the more likely you are to see a leopard or other hard-to-spot animal. We recommend either one full day or two half days to maximize your chances of seeing these elusive animals.

There are over 100 leopards in Yala National Park, with many of them roaming through Block 1. Your guide will be able to identify and report any leopard that you view on your safari.

Yala National Park is huge- it covers 979 square kilometers or 378 square miles. That’s nearly 130,000 hectares of land. It is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, behind Wilpattu National Park.

Yes, you can stay inside Yala National Park, though most people stay outside the park in private lodges in the buffer area around the park. The bungalows inside the park are managed by the Sri Lankan government and have few amenities. You can see the facilities here , and reserve them online .

There are many animals and birds in Yala National Park including leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, boars, deer, jackals, and more. Birds include various storks, pelicans, and herons.

Leopards are wild animals, so they can be dangerous. Most leopards in Yala National Park as used to seeing safari vehicles all the time, and pay them no mind. However, never exit a safari vehicle unless your guide tells you that it is safe to do so. Leopards can become especially dangerous if hurt, or if their cubs are threatened. Here’s a fun article on how to survive a leopard attack .

Beginning in 2022, vehicles could no longer enter Yala National Park without a licensed guide. Currently, private vehicles cannot enter, you must be a registered tour vehicle.

You need a licensed vehicle and driver to visit Yala National Park. We strongly advise also hiring a guide who will help you track and spot animals, as well as give you guidance on their behavior.

There are supposedly a few buses that run from Ella to Yala National Park but they are not straightforward. We recommend booking a private transfer. You can ask for quotes from your hotel in Ellas as well as your camp near Yala to compare rates. We found that while everything is negotiable, most places offer fair rates based on the cost of fuel at the time. The drive time between Ella and Yala is about two hours.

Colombo is about a five-hour drive from Yala National Park. You can hire a driver to take you between the two cities, but you are better off enjoying other locations in Sri Lanka on your way to and from Yala. The southern beaches are only about a 1-2 hour drive from Yala.

There You Have It: Safari in Yala National Park

A safari in Yala National Park is a wonderful experience with wildlife you aren’t likely to see elsewhere! We’ve covered all the options from luxury to budget- whether you want to be pampered, or commune with nature. You’ve got everything you need to know to book your safari, from what to expect, and to what to bring with you to have an amazing safari. Make sure to add a safari in Yala National Park to your Sri Lanka itinerary, finger’s crossed you’ll see a leopard!

Continuing on to India? Don’t miss our guide to the Taj Mahal !

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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A Yala Safari — Into the Wild Heart of Sri Lanka

The stunning Yala National Park is one of the most revered wildlife reserves in Sri Lanka, as it’s home to the highest density of leopards in the world. Here’s all you need to know in order to plan the perfect Yala safari.

The tiny island nation of Sri Lanka is a fantastic destination for wildlife lovers. It’s home to a huge diversity of animals, including leopards, elephants, boars, monkeys, crocodiles and tons more. It’s also home to a range of exemplary national parks which provide excellent habitats for wildlife to thrive.

Of Sri Lanka’s many national parks, Yala is the most famous. This is due to its high concentration of leopards, as well as its close proximity to the beach resorts in the south of the country. Yala National Park covers an area of approximately 979km² and is so rich in wildlife, it would be almost impossible not to have a fruitful safari.

In this article, we’ll explore what animals you can expect to see in the park, and help you plan your perfect Yala safari.

“Yala National Park: where the wild heart of Sri Lanka beats with unparalleled fervour.”

What animals can you see in Yala?

Yala National Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles. This is a huge range of biodiversity, and it would be practically impossible to not see any animals during your safari.

And while taking a safari doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see every animal that lives in Yala, it’s safe to expect to see water buffalos, wild boars, spotted deer, monkeys and peacocks up close. Keep an eye out for the impressive mugger crocodiles lurking in the waterways, as well as various species of turtles, lizards, snakes, and frogs.

Beyond this, there is also the potential to see rarer species such as leopards, elephants, black sloth bears, fishing cats and red slender loris.

Leopards in Yala National Park

Yala National Park is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world, making it the number one destination for spotting these incredible cats. It’s estimated that around 55 leopards reside in the park, so you might just be lucky enough to spot one on your safari.

Keep in mind, though, that wild animals are not predictable and each safari experience is unique. Sightings of rare species like leopards can’t be guaranteed, so I recommend keeping your expectations low to avoid disappointment.

That being said, your Jeep driver will know all the best spots for leopard sightings and will do his best!

What’s the landscape like?

Watching animals in a beautiful setting really makes a safari all the more wonderful, and Yala is the perfect stage upon which to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Yala National Park is characterized by a mix of dense forest, scrubland, grassland, and lagoons.

The terrain of the park also makes it easy to see across long distances. There are some rocky outcrops and hills scattered throughout, but the terrain is mostly flat, which makes wildlife viewing easier. The park is bisected by several rivers and streams, which provide important water sources for the park’s resident wildlife. This makes it easier to know where animals are likely to congregate.

Conservation efforts in Yala

Through dedicated conservation efforts, Yala National Park safeguards its resident animals from threats such as poaching and habitat loss. The park is divided into several “blocks,” of which only a few are open to the public. This helps to ensure species remain protected.

Conservation efforts also have a direct impact on the livelihoods of local communities. The park generates significant revenue through tourism, creating job opportunities and driving the local economy. By engaging in sustainable tourism practices and supporting conservation initiatives, visitors to Yala National Park can play a vital role in safeguarding this precious ecosystem and empowering its surrounding communities.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Yala National Park is from February to June during the dry season. With less water in the ponds, it’s easier to spot animals coming out to drink. The peak season for leopards is February and March. 

The best time of day to visit is either early morning (6 am – 9 am) or late afternoon (3 pm – 6 pm), as this is when wildlife is most active.

Note: Yala National Park is usually closed for maintenance during the month of September.

How to arrange a Yala safari

The nearest town to Yala National Park is Tissamaharama (often shortened to Tissa). There are tons of safari operators here, and most accommodations can also help you arrange your Yala safari. For a beautiful place to stay in Tissa that compliments your safari experience, I suggest either Flameback Eco Lodge or Richards Cabanas.

Alternatively, Cinnamon Wild offers a really unique stay right on the edge of Yala itself. You’ll stay in an eco-friendly chalet nestled within 10 acres of green jungle. It’s the perfect launching pad for your safari!

Whether you book your safari through your accommodation or directly with an operator, the operator will usually pick you up from your accommodation and take you back afterwards. Most jeeps have the capacity to take 6 people.

You can choose a morning, afternoon or full-day safari. Morning and afternoon safaris will give you 3 – 4 hours in the park, whereas a full-day safari will be 10 – 12 hours.

Here are a few suggestions for operators to look into:

How much does a Yala safari cost?

As of 2021, foreigners pay LKR 4,000 (approx. £16) per adult and LKR 2,000 (approx. £8) per child to enter the park. There’s also a vehicle entry fee of LKR 2,500 (approx. £10) per jeep.

It’s recommended that you hire a driver/guide for your Yala safari. Expect to pay around LKR 8,000 to 12,000 (approx. £32-48) for a half-day tour and LKR 15,000 to 20,000 (approx. £60-80) for a full-day tour.

All in, it’s an average of 65 USD per person for a safari in Yala. This includes your park entrance ticket, as well as the hire of a jeep and guide. The price is higher than other national parks in Sri Lanka, but the quality of wildlife sightings you’re likely to have completely justifies this.

My experience on safari in Yala National Park

I visited Sri Lanka primarily to go cycling , so spent the morning biking around the Tissa countryside. This in itself was a fabulous experience — cycling near a national park meant we saw plenty of exotic birds, water buffalo, flying foxes and monkeys.

We went back to the hotel to have lunch, before being transferred to Yala National Park for an afternoon safari. We entered the park at about 3 pm.

Because I knew how popular Yala safaris are, I expected to see tons of other jeeps. And while there were definitely other jeeps, it wasn’t anywhere near as packed as I expected. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by how unbothered I felt by other vehicles. I can’t promise it won’t be busy during your visit, but I didn’t find the volume of tourists to be an issue.

I had done a safari in Minneriya about a week ago and was pleased to see that the landscape and “vibe” of Yala is completely different to in Minneriya. This made it feel like a whole new experience. We very quickly saw a group of wild boars after entering Yala, followed by elephants, water buffalo, monkeys and peacocks.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see a leopard during my time in Yala National Park, however, I had kept my expectations low so that I wasn’t disappointed by this. I suggest you do the same, as it’s not guaranteed that you’ll see a leopard. The variety of wildlife we did see was amazing, though. We had lots of unique sightings and saw plenty of crocodiles, monkeys, wild boars, monitor lizards and more. We also saw absolutely tons of elephants, including a few babies.

After spending a good few hours admiring Yala’s wildlife, we left the park at about 6:30 pm.

My Yala safari was one of the highlights of my two weeks in Sri Lanka — an absolutely wonderful experience that I highly recommend.

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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How interesting since when I was in Sri Lanka, I opted for Udawalawe to see wildlife. As far as I remember, Yala was too much off my route. This way, I enjoy your post even more since I missed out on this reserve. Sri Lanka is a great place and my trip there was definitely one of my best travels – such an amazing mix of so many great features.

We have been to several game drives and saw a wide variety of wild animals. But we have never seem leopards in the wild. So a safari in Sri Lanka at the Yala National Park. Glad to know you did not find it packed with jeeps. But too bad you missed leopards on your visit.

Hey I have been there too! And… I didn’t see a leopard on my Yala safari! Actually I saw one but it was really far away and I was a bit sad about this. On the other hand, I loved the nature around us!

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A guide to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s best safari destination (Update 2023)

Looking to do a jeep safari in Yala National Park? Here’s my guide to Sri Lanka’s best safari destination, including what to see and do, the jeep safari price, and insightful travel tips.

For me, someone who never went on a wildlife safari before, Yala National Park was, without a doubt the most rewarding and exciting adventure during my trip to Sri Lanka.

It’s an exhilarating happening to embark on a jeep safari, knowing you’re about to observe extraordinary animals in their natural habitat while driving along the bumpy roads of the wildlife park.

Especially if you realize that Yala National Park is considered the most popular wildlife park on Sri Lanka’s teardrop-shaped island.

This excellent reputation is due to its dynamic landscape, great variety and density of wildlife – plus the fact that the park is acknowledged as one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild.

Here’s my guide to Yala National Park, featuring what to see and do, which safari to choose, and where to stay – plus insightful travel tips, including costs, the best time to visit, and how to get to Yala National Park.

If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee here .

WHERE IS YALA NATIONAL PARK?

Yala National Park is situated in the southeast region of Sri Lanka’s teardrop-shaped island and stretches over the two provinces, Hambantota and Monaragala.

The Yala National Park is quite remote, and therefore it’s almost inevitable to visit a town named Tissamaharama.

Tissamaharama itself isn’t the most interesting town and it’s also quite difficult to get to. Nevertheless, it functions perfectly as the only official gateway to the wildlife park.

The official Yala visitor centre is around 20km east of the town, which is easily reached by joining a Yala National Park tour from Tissamaharama.

Where |  Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

WHERE TO STAY IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

You’ll find an abundance of excellent accommodations (both in and outside the park) that suit almost every budget and travel style.

Tissamaharama has no shortage of budget-friendly options, comfortable lodges and luxury hotels, while there’s also a great number of luxurious wildlife campings and chalets inside the Yala National Park itself.

Going on a safari in Yala National Park is extremely popular and therefore it’s wise to book your accommodation a couple of weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit during the high season.

Some of the accommodations I recommend include:

Hotel River Front

A charming riverfront hotel with spacious air-conditioned rooms, comfortable beds, and a great outdoor swimming pool. The hotel has a good in-house restaurant that serves excellent local, Chinese and Continental food.

Booking.com | Hotels.com

Thaulle Resort

Located directly at the Yoda Lake, Thaulle Resort is a great hotel with traditional Sri Lankan-style rooms, spectacular lakeside views, a large outdoor pool and a courteous and helpful staff. This hotel literally provides all the essentials to unwind after an adventurous safari tour in Yala National Park.

Cinnamon Wild Yala

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, look no further. Cinnamon Wild offers astonishing eco-friendly chalets in the midst of the lively jungle of the beloved Yala National Park. Undisputedly one of the best picks when it comes to uniqueness, comfort and world-class service.

Jetwing Yala

A luxurious hotel with a marvellous outdoor pool, spacious air-conditioned rooms, and a charming ambience. Given the location of the hotel, you’ll be encircled by delicate nature and fascinating wildlife. The friendly staff also provide great service and hospitality.

WHAT ANIMALS WILL YOU SEE ON A YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI?

Yala National Park is a vast dynamic reserve, consisting of dense jungle, endless grasslands and several lakes and lagoons.

This distinct landscape ensures the perfect habitat for a great variety and density of wildlife, making Yala one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka .

But it isn’t just the variety of animals that makes Yala National Park so popular. No, it’s mostly the fact that it’s acknowledged as one of the best spots in the world to see wild leopards.

THE ANIMALS OF YALA NATIONAL PARK

Although taking a safari tour doesn’t guarantee that you’ll see every animal that lives in the Yala National Park, it’s safe to expect to get up close and personal with water buffalos, wild boars, spotted deers, monkeys and peacocks.

Beyond the aforementioned wildlife, there is the potential sighting of leopards, elephants, Black Sloth bears, Fishing cats, Red Slender loris and crocodiles.

In total, the Yala National Park is home to 44 species of mammals, 215 species of birds and 46 species of reptiles, which makes it impossible not to spot any animals during your safari.

LEOPARD SIGHTINGS IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

According to extensive research, Yala National Park is said to have the biggest concentration of leopards in the world.

And given the fact that there live a total of approximately 55 leopards in the park, you might have the good fortune to encounter one during your jeep safari in Yala.

However, each safari is completely unique and it’s impossible to guarantee what animals you’re going to see (especially the rare species). Therefore I highly recommend lowering your expectations, as it’s less common to encounter leopards.

JOIN A YALA NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Tissamaharama is home to an abundance of safari tour operators, that are all extremely willing to take you on your once in a lifetime Yala National Park safari experience.

A Yala safari jeep has the capacity for up to 6 people and the safari tour operator will usually arrange a pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

Yala National Park can be visited as part of a morning, afternoon or full-day jeep safari.

Book | Arrange your Yala National Park Safari Tour in advance

MORNING SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

It is often said that a morning safari in Yala National Park provides the best circumstances when it comes to the potential sightings of elusive wildlife.

This is mainly due to the fact that the animals aren’t yet disturbed by the countless amount of jeeps that drive along the park’s dusty roads throughout the day.

Even though waking up at 04.30 is pretty intense, it’s safe to say that it’s completely worth the struggle.

By joining a morning safari, you’ll get picked up at your accommodations around 05.00 with the mission to arrive at the entrance of the park before it opens at 06.00.

In my opinion, the best part of a morning safari is the exciting journey to the park whilst it’s still dark, knowing you’re about to witness exquisite wildlife while it’s still relatively quiet in the park.

BOOK | This extremely popular guided safari during the golden hour

Duration  | 05:00 – 10:00 with approximately 3 hours in the park.

AFTERNOON SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

A great alternative for those that experience difficulties when waking up early is taking the slightly more popular afternoon safari in Yala National Park.

According to most Yala safari rangers, there isn’t a significant difference between the morning and afternoon safari when it comes to the sightings of wildlife.

I’ve seen a great variety of animals during my afternoon safari in Yala National Park, and found it a tranquil yet adventurous experience – plus I witnessed a magnificent sunset while leaving the park.

Duration  | 13:00 – 18:00 with approximately 3 hours in the park.

FULL-DAY SAFARI IN YALA NATIONAL PARK

Although it sounds pretty attractive, I personally wouldn’t recommend going on a full-day safari in Yala National park.

Being in the park for 12 hours straight is extremely exhausting – plus you should keep in mind that you’re in the park during the hottest part of the day. Believe me, this can be quite intense in Sri Lanka.

It is also not guaranteed that you’ll see more animals during a full-day safari than during a morning or afternoon safari in Yala National Park.

BOOK | This exceptional full-day safari with lunch

Duration  | 05:00 – 19:00 with approximately 12 hours in the park.

YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI COST

The price of a jeep safari is made up of the official Yala National Park entrance fee – plus the price that you’ll arrange with your safari tour operator.

The price of a safari tour operator varies and depends on the following elements: the duration of the tour, the tour operator and the number of people that join the safari tour.

The jeep safari tour prices are often per jeep, which can hold up to six persons, and are easy to organize at nearly every accommodation in Tissamaharama.

I made an insightful summary, so you’ll have a clear indication of the costs of a jeep safari in Yala National Park.

Yala National Park entrance fee | 7.000 LKR, ($21.50) per person.

Half-day jeep safari | 11.000 – 15.000 LKR, ($33.00 – 45.00) per jeep

Full-day jeep safari | 24.000 – 30.000 LKR, ($72.00 – 90.00) per jeep

YALA NATIONAL PARK OPENING HOURS

The Yala National Park is open daily from 06:00 till 18:00 and is pretty strict regarding the regulations of the opening hours.

If you’re joining a morning safari, the goal is to arrive at the gate well before it opens. Being one of the first in line provides the benefit to enter the park as early as possible.

It’s also essential that all jeeps are out of the park before it closes at 18:00. This is monitored by the official wildlife officers that note and check the license plates of the jeeps that enter and leave the park.

BEST TIME TO VISIT YALA NATIONAL PARK

Although you can visit the park year-round, the absolute best time to visit Yala National Park is during the dry season. This season runs from February to June, with February and March as the undisputed peak months to spot leopards.

It is said that it’s easier to spot wildlife during this period, mainly because of the deficient natural water resources that are available in the park. For that reason, animals get active to go out of their hideouts and drink from the accessible water ponds.

I personally visited Yala National Park during the offseason in September and had a great safari experience with an impressive number of animal sightings.

Do keep in mind that there is a great possibility you’ll find the park closed for maintenance in September.

HOW TO GET TO YALA NATIONAL PARK

The Yala National Park is slightly off the beaten path compared to other popular sights in Sri Lanka. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to be discouraged, it’s more than worth the extra effort.

The only gateway to the Yala National Park is a town named Tissamaharama, which is best reached by local bus or car.

The journey by bus can be quite long, intense and exhausting, but trust me, it’s one of the best ways to experience daily local life.

Do keep in mind that the local bus stops frequently and that you’ll need to change busses on several occasions to reach Tissamaharama.

The Yala National Park is usually visited after Mirissa, Ella or Arugam Bay.

FROM MIRISSA TO TISSAMAHARAMA

Bus journey | Mirissa – Matara – Tissamaharama Cost | 250 – 330 LKR, ($1.30 – 1.80) per person Travel time | Around 3.5 hours

FROM ELLA TO TISSAMAHARAMA

Bus journey | Ella – Tissamaharama Cost | 220 – 250 LKR, ($1.20 – 1.35) per person Travel time | Around 2.5 hours

FROM ARUGAM BAY TO TISSAMAHARAMA

Bus journey | Pottuvil – Monaragala – Wellawaya – Tissamaharama Cost | 350 – 380 LKR, ($1.90 – 2.10) per person Travel time | Around 6.5 hours

INSIGHTFUL TRAVEL TIPS FOR A VISIT TO YALA NATIONAL PARK

Photography gear | If you’re into serious photography you might want to bring your camera and zoom lens. See what’s in my camera bag here .

Sunscreen  | Even though the jeep is partly covered, the sun can be extremely harsh during a safari in Yala. Better safe than sorry.

Bug repellent | It’s always good to have a good bug repellent within hand reach.

Sweater  | Bring a warm sweater. This will be your best friend during a morning safari.

Drinking water  | Bring drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

No toilets in the park | Do keep in mind that there are no toilets available inside the park.

Visit without expectations | Last but not least, lower your expectations before going on a safari. Every safari is unique and there is no guarantee that you’ll see all the animals you hope to see.

STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE

Though Sri Lanka is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full covid-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering covid-19 related claims.

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• Attractions

Yala National Park and Safari: Ultimate Guide

Yala National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka. The park is the second-largest national park in the country for the best Safari experience, spanning over 978.8 square kilometres. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 bird species. The park was first established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was later declared a national park in 1938. This article will provide an ultimate guide to visiting Yala National Park and Safari.  

Flora and Fauna at Yala National Park 

It is considered one of the best places in the country for observing and photographing wildlife in its natural habitat. The park spans over 979 square kilometres and is home to many flora and fauna.

Flora:   The vegetation in Yala National Park is characterized by dry monsoon forest, thorny scrub, and savannah grasslands. The park has over 215 species, including trees, shrubs, herbs, and grasses. The most common trees found in the park are Satin, Palu, Weera, Ehala, and Kumbuk.

Fauna:   Yala National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds. The park is most famous for its large population of Sri Lankan leopards, considered the highest density of leopards in the world. Visitors to the park can also see Asian elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, water buffalo, and the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

The park is also a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 215 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. The most common birds found in the park are the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Black-capped Bulbul, Indian Peafowl, and the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo.

Visitors can explore the park on safari jeeps accompanied by experienced guides knowledgeable about the park’s wildlife and vegetation. The park has five zones, each offering a different wildlife experience. Visitors can also enjoy camping, bird watching, and nature walks in the park.

However, it’s important to note that many of the species in Yala National Park are endangered due to human-wildlife conflict and habitat destruction. Therefore, visitors should not disturb the wildlife or damage their habitats.

Expect to be seen five main animals at Yala National Park .

Leopards : Yala National Park is famous for its leopard population, and it’s one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive cats. The park has a high density of leopards; visitors can spot them during their safari tours. Leopards are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times the best to go on a safari.

Elephants: Yala National Park is also home to many elephants, and visitors can see herds of them grazing in the park’s grasslands. The park has around 300 to 400 elephants; visitors can spot them during their safari tours. Elephants are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times the best to go on a safari.

Sloth Bears: Yala National Park is among the few places visitors can see sloth bears. The park has a small population of these bears, and visitors can spot them during their safari tours. Sloth bears are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times the best safari.

Water Buffalo: Water buffalo are commonly found in Yala National Park; visitors can see them grazing in the grasslands. The park has a large water buffalo population; visitors can spot them during their safari tours. Water buffalo are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these times the best to go on a safari.

Crocodiles: Yala National Park is home to two species of crocodiles: the mugger crocodile and the saltwater crocodile. Visitors can see these crocodiles basking in the sun near the park’s water bodies. The park has a large population of crocodiles, and visitors have a good chance of spotting them during their safari tours.

When to Visit Yala National Park

Yala National Park is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka that attracts visitors from all over the world. The park is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and experience.

High Season (December to April): The high season is the best time to visit Yala National Park to spot leopards and other wildlife. During this time, the park’s vegetation is minimal, making it easier to spot animals. In addition, the temperature during this time is pleasant, ranging from 25°C to 30°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the park. However, it’s essential to note that the high season is also the busiest time of the year, and the park can get crowded with tourists. Therefore, booking your accommodation and safari tours in advance is advisable to avoid any inconvenience.

Shoulder Season (May to July and September to November): The shoulder season is an excellent time to visit Yala National Park to avoid crowds and experience good wildlife sightings. During this time, the park’s vegetation is thicker, making it a little harder to spot animals. However, the park’s flora is also in full bloom during this time, making it a beautiful sight to behold. The temperature during the shoulder season is slightly higher, ranging from 30°C to 35°C, but it’s still comfortable for visitors to explore the park. It’s also advisable to book your accommodation and safari tours in advance during this time.

Low Season (August): Due to the monsoon season, the low season is the least popular time to visit Yala National Park. In addition, the park is closed for most of August due to heavy rainfall, making it challenging to explore the park. However, the park’s flora is in full bloom during this time, making it a beautiful sight to behold.

The best time to visit Yala National Park depends on what you want to see and experience. If you wish to spot leopards and other wildlife, the high season is the best time to visit. If you want to avoid crowds and still experience good wildlife sightings, the shoulder season is an excellent time to visit. However, despite the heavy rainfall, the low season is the best time to see if you want to share the park’s full bloom.

Getting to Yala National Park

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks, known for its diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. The park is situated in the country’s southeastern region and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. This article will discuss the different ways of getting to Yala National Park.

By Air: The nearest airport to Yala National Park is the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, approximately 45 kilometres away. Several international airlines operate flights to the airport from various destinations, including Dubai, Doha, and Mumbai. In addition, you can hire a taxi or a car from the airport to the park.

By Train: Travelling from Colombo , you can take a train to Matara, the nearest city to Yala National Park. The train journey takes approximately six hours and offers beautiful views of Sri Lanka’s countryside. In addition, you can take a bus or a taxi from Matara to the park.

By Bus: Several buses operate from major cities in Sri Lanka to Tissamaharama, the nearest town to Yala National Park. From Tissamaharama, you can hire a taxi or a jeep to reach the park. The bus journey from Colombo to Tissamaharama takes approximately eight hours.

By Car: If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, you can hire a car or a taxi to reach Yala National Park. Several car rental companies operate in Sri Lanka, and you can book a car in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. The journey from Colombo to Yala National Park takes approximately five hours.

Once you reach the park, you can hire a jeep with a driver to explore the park’s various attractions. The entrance fee for foreigners is approximately $30 per person, which includes the cost of the jeep and the driver. You can also hire a private jeep for a more personalized experience, which costs around $50 to $70 for half a day.

Accommodation Options at Yala 

Yala National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, known for its diverse range of wildlife and natural beauty. Several accommodation options are available near the park, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. 

Cinnamon Wild Yala : Cinnamon Wild Yala is a luxury resort on the edge of Yala National Park. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, including treehouses, chalets, and bungalows. The resort’s facilities include a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Cinnamon Wild Yala is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a luxurious experience. Book Now 

Jetwing Yala : Jetwing Yala is another luxury resort near Yala National Park. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, including deluxe rooms, suites, and villas. The resort’s facilities include a swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Jetwing Yala is the perfect place to stay for those looking for a luxurious experience. Book Now

Taru Villas – The Yala Lodge : Taru Villas -The Yala Lodge is a mid-range resort near Yala National Park. The resort offers comfortable accommodations, including chalets, villas, and deluxe rooms. The resort’s facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Taru Villas – The Yala Lodge is the perfect place to stay for comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. Book Now

Elephant Reach Hotel : Elephant Reach Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located near Yala National Park. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations, including standard rooms and deluxe rooms. In addition, the hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Elephant Reach Hotel is the perfect place to stay for those looking for affordable accommodation. Book Now

Camping: For those looking for a unique experience, camping is also an option at Yala National Park. Several camping sites are available near the park, offering a chance to sleep under the stars and experience the park’s wildlife up close.

Things to Do in Yala National Park and surrounding Areas

Yala National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, known for its diverse range of wildlife and natural beauty. In addition to wildlife safaris, there are several other things to do in and around Yala National Park.

Wildlife Safaris: Wildlife safaris are the main attraction of Yala National Park. Visitors can book a safari tour with a guide and explore the park’s grasslands, forests, and water bodies. The park has various animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, water buffalo, crocodiles, and many more. Safari tours are available early morning and late afternoon, making it the best time to spot animals.

Visit Kataragama Temple: Kataragama Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. The temple is located near Yala National Park and is dedicated to Lord Kataragama. Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful architecture and learn about its cultural and religious significance.

Visit Sithulpawwa Temple: Sithulpawwa Temple is an ancient temple in Yala National Park’s outskirts. The temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and is known for its ancient rock inscriptions and beautiful architecture. Visitors can explore the temple’s ruins and learn about its historical significance.

Visit Yala Village: Yala Village is a small village near Yala National Park. The town is known for its handicrafts, including woodcarvings and woven products. Visitors can explore the village’s markets and purchase souvenirs to take back home.

Tissamaharama Temple: also known as Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, is a Buddhist temple in the town of Tissamaharama in southern Sri Lanka. The temple is believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC by King Kavantissa, a prominent ruler of the region. It is one of the most important historical and religious sites in Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for its stupa, which is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. The stupa , which is over 55 meters tall, is believed to contain relics of Lord Buddha.

Visit Bundala National Park: Bundala National Park is another famous national park near Yala National Park. The park is known for its birdwatching opportunities and is home to over 200 species of birds. In addition, visitors can explore the park’s wetlands and water bodies and spot various bird species. Explore Bundala 

Relax on the Beach: Yala National Park is located near the South coast of Sri Lanka , and visitors can relax on the beautiful beaches of Tangalle and Mirissa. The beaches are known for their soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful sunsets.

Suggested read: Wipattu National Parks & safari Guide  

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Safari in Yala National Park: Timings, Entry Fee, Things To Do

Yala national park - safari timings.

Morning Safari in Yala: from 5:00 AM to 9:30 AM Evening Safari in Yala: from 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM Full Day Safari in Yala: from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari*: from 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM Special 6-11 (Six-Eleven) Birds Safari: from 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM *The Special Five-Twelve Leopards Safari begins early in the morning, allowing visitors to explore the park before any other safari jeep. This increases the likelihood of spotting these majestic creatures in their natural habitat since early morning is the time when leopards are most active. Moreover, there are fewer jeeps and less human interference in the park at this time, which provides a calm environment for the leopards to roam freely.  Yala National Park Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Safari in Yala National Park - Cost

 best time to visit yala national park.

How to reach Yala National Park

Gate access in yala national park, block 1: palatupana gate:, block 2: off-road adventure:, block 3: two entry points:, block 4 & 5: private safari, wildlife in yala national park, things to do in yala national park, 1. safari rides in yala national park, 2. beach walks in yala national park, 3. birdwatching in yala national park, 4. camping in yala national park, 5. night in yala national park, 6. sightseeing in yala national park, tips for visiting yala national park.

• While venturing into the wildlife, one should strictly not come out of the jeep for any activity. It might lead to unwanted and dangerous situations.
• While on a tour to venture into the wildlife of Yala National Park, one should not click pictures with flashlights. This irritates the animals, and as animal behaviors are not pre-decided and unpredictable, it may lead to problems.
• No alcohol, drugs, or smoking is allowed inside the Yala National Park premises.
• It is preferable to keep mobile phones on silent or on vibrate. The sudden upbeat sound might create unwanted movement within the animals.
• One should not start eating anywhere and everywhere. There are restrictions to that which the guide or the driver is aware of. Consultation on what the eating norms are must be known.
• No strong odor of food must be carried inside.
• Nobody should attempt to throw food or feed any animal inside Yala National Park. This might cause unwanted problems.
• Guns, knives, matches, lighters - everything that might harm animals and wildlife should not be carried.
• Unnecessary honking of the jeeps should be avoided. It disrupts the normalcy of the wildlife ecosystem.
• Nobody should take or touch anything that belongs to the wildlife, be it stones, sand, or any remains.
• In an emergency, keep each other calm and try not to make noise because it may further worsen the situation. The trekker who is with the jeep can take care of the situation.

This post was published by Sreyashi Paul

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Yala National Park | Your Complete Yala Safari Guide

If you’re thinking of including a safari in your Sri Lanka itinerary , you won’t go far wrong with a Yala safari .

It’s up there with Udawalawe National Park as one of the most popular Sri Lanka national parks.  Some would say that Yala is the best national park in Sri Lanka, but it really comes down to personal preference.

The two parks are very similar, especially in terms of the wildlife you may see. It depends on the route you’re going to take during your Sri Lanka holiday as to which one you choose.

If you love safaris, maybe you’ll have time to squeeze in both! See here for an excellent Udawalawe safari .

The main difference between the two is that you may have a slightly higher chance of leopard spotting on a Yala National Park Safari , which has the highest density of leopard anywhere in the world.

Despite this, sightings are still not guaranteed. Udawalawe, on the other hand, has a large population of elephant and so elephant sightings on an Udawalawe safari are all but guaranteed.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one, we may earn a small commission but this is at no extra cost to you.

Yala National Park leopard sighting

During a trip to Sri Lanka in 2010 we chose to do a safari in Yala National Park. We had just finished a 4 months overland trip through Africa.

We went on safari in Tanzania, the Okavango in Botswana, Etosha in Namibia and the Kruger in South Africa. They are some of the best safari destinations in Africa. You get the picture. We’d done a few safaris and were prepared to be underwhelmed with Yala.

We asked ‘how could it compare with the amazing safaris we’d just done?’. We booked it anyway because it was considered one of the highlights of Sri Lanka, and we’re very glad we did.

If you’re into wildlife, then Yala should definitely be included in your Sri Lanka itinerary. 

Yala National Park at sunrise

When is the best time to visit Yala National Park?

The best time of year to visit Yala is during the dry season between February and June.

There is less foliage around and it’s easier to spot wildlife. The best safari times for optimal wildlife spotting are between 6 am – 9 am and 3 pm – 6 pm.

Afternoon safaris in Yala are actually a bit quieter, and the leopards are also a bit more active towards late afternoon.

Accommodation in Yala

If you’re doing a morning safari in Yala, try to stay locally the night before to improve your safari experience.

If you are staying further away and have to get up in the middle of the night to get to the park for when it opens, you (and no doubt the kids) will feel so tired and probably not appreciate the experience as much.

There are plenty of accommodation options dotted around the edges of the park to suit every budget.

Luxury accommodation in Yala

Wild coast tented lodge  – all-inclusive luxury tented safari accommodation on the park borders and about as luxury as it gets (with pool).

Chena Huts by Uga Escapes  – (one for the bucket list if you’re travelling without children!) – all-inclusive cabin with your own plunge pool because who doesn’t love looking at luxury accommodation??

Jetwing Yala – this is an excellent chain hotel in Sri Lanka and you are right by the coast.

Cinnamon Wild – 5 minutes drive from Yala National Park, it has rooms with balconies and views of the jungle or the sea.

Mid-range accommodation in Yala

Avonil Resort Yala  – simple but clean accommodation with a lovely swimming pool. A little way from Yala National Park.

Budget accommation in Yala

LakeSide Cabana Tissamharama – rustic treehouse-style cabins with children’s playground.

Yala Hotel Lion – an air conditioned tented safari camp (no pool).

If you can’t see anything you like above, try a broader search on Booking.com which has the largest selection of Yala National Park accommodation 

Booking.com

How to choose a Yala National Park Jeep Safari

To find the best safari companies in Yala National Park, do your research online and speak to your accommodation.

We arranged a half day morning jeep safari through our accommodation. If you’re booking the tour yourselves, try to make sure that they have plenty of good reviews.

Not all Yala National Park safari companies are reputable.

This Yala safari tour lasts around 5 hours and they pick up from your accommodation in the Yala area – or you can meet them at Yala National Park entrance.

If you are staying in the south, this full day Yala Safari departs from Galle, Mirissa or Unawatuna.

The Cost of Half Day Safari in Yala National Park

If you are organising your safari yourself, this is just a guide so that you know roughly what to be charged:

• Private jeep  – around LKR 3500 (£15) for a half day
• Park entrance fees are $15 / £11.50 per adult and $8 / £6 per child (under 6 are free)
• LKR 250 (£1) jeep charge
• 15% VAT on top of everything charged by the park (excluding jeep fee).

You can check here for the most up to date park entrance fees :

Yala National Park entrance gate

How long is the ideal Yala safari with kids?

You can choose between full-day Yala safaris or half-day Yala safaris. Half day safaris are probably enough if you have young children as they last about 3 hours.

Any longer than this and we find that the kids start to get a bit tired, bored, restless or hungry!

Our guide had no problem cutting ours a little short when the kids started getting hangry.

If you’re staying in Yala for a couple of days, you could do a morning and an afternoon safari to see the park at different times of day.

Want to know what else there is to do in Sri Lanka for families? Make sure to read our recommendations for the best things to do in Sri Lanka with kids .

What do you take on a Yala safari?

The main thing to note is that there are no shops in Yala National Park which means that you need to take everything with you.

If you choose to do a half-day safari in the morning, the chances are you will have left your accommodation before breakfast. Make sure you have enough snacks and water with you to see you through to mid/late-morning.

We had cereal bars, bananas, rotis and breadsticks. It’s a good idea to take a bag for waste as you can’t leave any litter in the national park.

We always carry a refillable water bottle with us on our travels. We have both Chillys Bottle and CamelBak.

Here is a helpful guide on what to take on safari . The list is not exhaustive, so if you think of anything else, please let us know!

Our Yala National Park safari experience

We were picked up at 5.30am at our accommodation in a jeep and set off to the park to buy our tickets, and get in for as close to the 6am opening time as possible.

Once you’re through the gates and away from the other jeeps jostling to be the first to get in, you will start spotting wildlife.

It may be the ubiquitous peacock perched high in a tree, or it may be the elusive leopard. The beauty of a safari is the excitement of not knowing what you may see and looking carefully for any sign of movement for that first sighting.

In our experience, every time you go on safari you will have a unique experience. On this occasion, our unique experience was seeing a crocodile eating a leopard.

It was a pretty unusual sighting and not one we have ever seen on any of our African safaris.  We were so mesmerised by the sighting that we didn’t get great pictures but you can kind of get the idea.

Crocodile eating a leopard in Yala National Park

Unfortunately, we didn’t see a live leopard. We just missed out spotting a leopard because there were too many jeeps.

This is one of the drawbacks to Yala being so popular. We did see a huge number of Asian elephants which, incidentally, are much less intimidating than their African relatives.

We felt much more comfortable getting up close and personal with these elephants in Yala.

A docile Asian elephant enjoy its meal

We also saw more crocodiles, monitor lizards, water buffalo, spotted deer, bee eaters, egrets on elephants and egrets on buffalo.

Considering egrets are apparently a rare species, we did quite well on the egret front! Here are some of our wildlife spottings.

Crocodiles cooling down with their mouths open

Egret hitching a ride on a buffalo

As it turns out, we were so wrong to think Yala would be underwhelming, or compare unfavourably to a ‘real’ African safari .

We had a really memorable experience and a good thing to remember when travelling; always be open to new experiences.

The many and unique wildlife sightings was enough to convince us that a Yala safari was just as good as an African safari.

Yala national park safari tip

When going on safari, it is worth being prepared. Once you are in the park, there are no shops and no toilet stops (or they may not be very easily accessed).

Happy spotting!

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The Best Guide to Visiting Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

World-renowned for leopard sightings, visiting Yala National Park is the best place in Sri Lanka to see a diverse number of species in their natural habitat. A Yala National Park safari is a must on anyone’s Sri Lanka bucket list . A Yala National Park Sri Lanka safari will have you spotting Asian elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles and bird species galore. 

To ensure you see as many animals as possible, give yourself time to take a morning and afternoon Yala safari in Sri Lanka. 

Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Yala National Park in Sri Lanka.

READ MORE |  This 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary includes 2 safaris in Sri Lanka

* This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my  full disclosure  for further information.

Yala Sri Lanka Quick Guide

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Yala National Park Safari Guide

About yala national park.

One of the most popular Sri Lanka national parks, Yala National Park at a size of 980 square kilometres is visited over 650,000 times a year. Yala consists of 5 different blocks, of which only block 4 is closed to the public to ensure the park animals and landscapes are protected from over-tourism.

The park runs from the inland jungle to the golden coastline of the Indian Ocean and features red earth, lakes and arid landscape vegetation. There are a total of 3 different entrances for visiting Yala National Park. 

Where is Yala National Park?

Yala Park is situated on the Southeast corner of the island of Sri Lanka and cradling the boundary of Uva and Southern Province. Yala national park is about a 4-hour bus ride from Ella or 6 hours from Galle Fort . 

Yala National Park Animals

Home to over 44 mammal and 215 bird species, you can expect to see large packs of Asian elephants (including babies!), sloth bears, spotted deer, peacocks, crocodiles and of course, the majestic Yala leopard. The wildlife in the park is plentiful.

The size of the park will affect how many animals you see on any given safari Yala. To ensure you see as much wildlife as possible, take a proper safari tour arranged by your Yala National Park hotel. 

NOTE | Yala National Park leopards are elusive creatures, so seeing one is not guaranteed. It’s common to see one every day for a month and then not see one for a week. I’d say you have about a 1 in 3 to 50/50 chance of spotting a leopard. 

Best Time to Visit Yala National Park, Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons, each striking the northeast and southwest coasts at opposite times of the year. The best time for visiting Yala National Park is during the driest months of May to August , but can be visited all year round due to the mild rainy season weather.

December and January are the busiest months in Yala National Park as international and domestic tourists alike flock to the park on various holidays. 

Weather in the southeast of Sri Lanka fluctuates only a couple of degrees (roughly between 29 and 31 celsius), so you can visit Yala National Park any month of the year. Bring a warm sweater with you for the early morning Yala safari jeep tour starts.

TIP | Be aware that in September and October, Yala Sri Lanka closes down for maintenance. 

Love food? Here is my guide to the Best Cafes in Southern Sri Lanka

How many days in Yala National Park? 

A one-night stay, arriving around lunchtime, should be the bare minimum you spend in Yala National Park. That allows time for an afternoon safari and then a morning safari the next day before heading off either west towards Mirissa, or North towards Ella. I

f you have time to spend 2 nights in the best national park in Sri Lanka that will ensure your visit is more successful.

How to Get to Yala National Park Sri Lanka

How to get from ella to yala national park.

Take the bus from Ella bus Station bound for Wellawaya, before changing to the bus bound for Tissa, about a 4-hour journey. If you’d like to quicken your pace by taking a taxi, it will cost you upwards of $30 USD.

How to get from Mirissa to Yala National Park

Take any bus from Mirissa heading to Matara. Alternatively, you can hire a tuk-tuk from Mirissa to take you the 25-minute journey. Once you’ve reached the Matara bus station, jump on the #32 ($0.50 USD) that will take you all the way to Tissa, one of the main hubs for accessing Yala National Park (a 3.5-hour drive).

If neither of those sound appealing, you can take this guided tour from Galle or Mirissa that will pick you up and drop you off from your hotel.

BOOK A TOUR | Yala National Park Safari from Galle or Mirissa

TIP | Make sure you have small denominations of Sri Lankan rupees available as the bus driver will not give you change until the end of your bus ride.

NOTE | Sri Lanka busses along the south coast are not air-conditioned, so you are in for a sweaty, yet authentic experience

Where to Stay near Yala National Park 

Sri Lanka Yala National Park has two main hubs for accommodation outside of the gates: Tissamaharama (Tissa) and Kataragama. These two towns are where the majority of visitors to Yala in Sri Lanka base themselves and most. of the Yala National Park hotels are located. If you want the ultimate safari experience and have the money to spend, book a stay inside the gates of the park at one of the luxury bungalow resorts. 

Where to Stay in Tissa + Karinda

Located close to the ocean at the southwest corner of Yala National Park, you will find the hub of Tissa and the adjacent village of Karinda. Here, there are plenty of safari camps to suit your budget, (ranging from $13 – 250 USD).

This is the main stop for most tourists along their Sri Lanka route with close proximity to block 1 and 2 along the coast. The main entrance is at Palatupana, a 21km drive from the centre of Tissamaharama, due east.

Here are a couple suggestions on where to stay in Tissamaharama or Karinda:

CINNAMON WILD YALA   | LUXURY

Located 5 minutes from the Palatupana entrance this luxury resort comes complete with individual chalets dotting the jungle right at the edge of the Indian Ocean. Spa, restaurant and daily excursions are all available on site.  

CHECK PRICES + AVAILABILITY

EKHO SAFARI TISSA | MID-RANGE

Located right on Tissa Lake, this beautiful hotel offers a pool with plenty of loungers, spacious bathrooms, and a buffet or a la carte breakfast.

HOTEL SENORA | BUDGET

Basic and clean rooms in the heart of Tissa.

 Looking for some Sri Lanka inspiration? Check out my Sri Lanka Bucket List

Where to Stay in Kataragama

A little less known than Tissa, Kataragama is located on the west side of the Yala National Park. Here you will find a smaller selection of safari camps to choose from, ranging from $12 – 170 USD, with access to the park through the Katagamuwa entrance, a 12km drive from the city centre of Kataragama.

Kataragama can also access the entrance gate at Galge, a 19km drive north of the town, with access to blocks 3 and 5. Animals in this area of the park are much warier than vehicles, making sightings here hit and miss, but still one of the best things to do in Yala.

TIP | This side of the park offers fewer elephant sightings but will give you a greater chance of seeing a leopard. I managed to see a mother and her two cubs at the end of my outing, which was a real shock, given that I hadn’t seen much wildlife other than a crocodile and some really cool birds. You will not always have my luck though, as leopards are an evasive mammal.

Here is a collection of accommodation options in Kataragama, Sri Lanka National Park Yala:

  BIG GAME – YALA  | LUXURY

A glamping accommodation just outside of Yala’s Katagamuwa Gate, Big Game Camp Yala offers enclosed tents with comfy beds, flush toilets and running hot water showers. A true Yala camping experience. They offer an evening bonfire experience with beverages and a 3-course meal.

TAMARIND LAK E HOTEL   | MID-RANGE

This midrange casual three-story hotel sits on a tree-lined property with a pool. Free parking is available on site.

SERENITY KATARAGAMA  | BUDGET

An economical motel-style accommodation in the heart of Kataragama that comes complete with refurbished air-conditioned rooms.

Yala National Park Safaris

There are two different times of day that Yala safari tours are allowed visiting Yala National Park, 6 am and 2 pm. Yala safari Sri Lanka tours usually last 3-4 hours and can access the park through one of the three park entrances: Palatupana (out of Tissa), Katagamuwa and Galge (out of Kataragama). Taking an organized safari tour can ensure you see as many animals in the park as possible. And having a park guide aboard your jeep to teach you about Sri Lanka national park animal life and habits is absolutely invaluable. The Yala National Park safari price depends on what inclusive safari tour you take (see below for options).

BOOK A SAFARI | Inclusive Yala National Park safari options

Looking for more to do in Sri Lanka? Peruse my guide on things to do in Weligama

Yala National Park Entrance Fee + Yala Safari Price

Yala National Park entrance fee is approximately 3,700 LKR , but this number can fluctuate based on what block you’d like to visit and if you are doing a half day or full day safari. 

An organized safari in Sri Lanka of Yala National Park arranged by your hotel can cost anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 LKR, while larger outfits like Viator (great for solo travellers!) can charge from $40 – 75 USD depending on the length of your safari.

Driving with your Own Car in Yala National Park

Personal cars are allowed into Yala National Park, but only SUV-type vehicles that come equipped with 4 wheel drive. You will need to hire a tracker to be permitted into Yala, which can be done at the park gate and is a good idea for visiting any national parks in Sri Lanka.

Personal motorcycles or smaller cars are not able to enter the park due to safety issues (potholes and elephants!).

Yala National Park versus Udawalawe National Park

If you don’t have an abundance of time to spend adventuring in all of the national parks of Sri Lanka, it can be hard to choose which one to spend your valuable time in. 

It’s pretty simple, Yala National Park is known for leopard sightings, drier landscapes and Indian Ocean views, while Udawalawe is known for large herds of Asian elephants, is smaller and has a lusher landscape. You choose!

BOOK A TOUR | Visiting Udawalawe National park? Check out this guided tour

Don’t Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Made popular by large travel influencers flocking to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to get a photo with elephants, it can be tempting to add this to your Sri Lanka bucket list . Just don’t. Since the media hype surrounding this place a few years back, the orphanage has started to withhold rereleasing elephants into the wild and keeping them on-site for the amusement of tourists instead. 

As a strong advocate for ethical animal treatment, I suggest you forgo the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and opt for a more authentic national park Sri Lanka experience where you can watch elephants in their natural habitat.

MORE ESSENTIAL GUIDES FOR SRI LANKA

Want to continue planning your trip to Sri Lanka?

Check out my  3 WEEK SRI LANKA ITINERARY  or if you prefer to determine the route yourself, read the specialized guides below for some of the best experiences in Sri Lanka:

SRI LANKA BUCKET LIST  | Get inspired by all that Sri Lanka has to offer. Here are my Sri Lanka highlights.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS  | Prepare for your Sri Lanka trip by reading my 21 top tips on what you should know before visiting the beautiful teardrop isle

KANDY   | Bustling market streets, quiet strolls around the lake, lush botanical gardens, and ornate Buddhist temples, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka has it all

ELLA   | Nestled in the green centre of Sri Lanka, this hiker’s paradise features trails with panoramic views of jagged green hills, deep valleys and rushing waterfalls.

WELIGAMA   | Where surf culture is alive and thriving, this central town is located on the golden south coast of Sri Lanka and offers the best surf beach for beginners, and an abundance of traditional and modern eateries.

MIRISSA   | A small surf town located 15 minutes away from Weligama, offers golden beaches, surfing, serene spas, and healthy food.

GALLE FORT  | Fortified stone walls, dutch and Portuguese style architecture, great food and shopping all culminate in this little town that was once a major Sri Lankan trading post.

SRI LANKA PACKING LIST  | Take the guesswork out of packing and easily check off my list to all things you will need for Sri Lanka’s warm climate

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Haley is the founder of the global travel blog, Haley Blackall Travel. She has travelled to 40+ countries across 5 continents over the last 15 years. She loves to share in-depth travel guides and recommendations to help travellers get the most out of their vacation time, including her favourite boutique hotels, things to do and travel itineraries.

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How to Take a Yala National Park Safari

Taking a Yala National Park Safari is the reason that we went back to Sri Lanka for our second month long trip.  We’d been here a few years back, and had a glorious, if very, very wet month, and didn’t get to Yala (there was a lot of flooding) so we made it this year.  Yala National Park is the most popular National Park in Sri Lanka, primarily because it’s the number one place to see leopards in Sri Lanka.  But there’s a lot more wildlife here in Yala than just leopards, as we came to find out.  Here’s our guide to taking a Yala National Park Safari, which we’ve now planned twice!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION IN  OUR DISCLAIMER

Where is Yala National Park?

Yala National Park is in the south-east of Sri Lanka, adjoining the stunning Indian Ocean.  The National Park is one of 26 National Parks in the country, which cover a total of 5,734 square kilometers (2,214 square miles).  The park straddles two of Sri Lanka’s provinces, Hambantota and Monaragala.

Yala is the second largest National Park in Sri Lanka, after Wilpattu National Park.  Yala is about 6 hours’ travel or 260 kilometers (161 miles) from Sri Lanka’s capital city of Colombo.  We traveled from Galle to Yala National Park, that journey is 190 kilometers (118 miles) and it took about 3 hours using the Expressway to drive to Yala from Galle.

EASIEST WAY TO VISIT

Full Day Private Yala Safari

This is a superb way to see Yala National Park, a full-day safari in your own private safari jeep, with lunch and a driver provided

How to Get to Yala National Park

If you search for Yala on a map it’s quite hard to figure out exactly where you have to get to to take a Yala National Park Safari.  Let’s make it really simple. 

The absolute easiest way to get to Yala National Park is to take a tour.  You can do this from Colombo, you can take a Yala National Park Safari from Ella, you can take a safari in Yala from Galle or you can take a safari in Yala from Tissamaharama. These are long days, but it’s a truly fabulous experience, and the transport is also comfortable. Here are the best tours to Yala

This tour from Ella includes a safari in Yala and Udawalawe too + lunch

If you’re staying in Tissamaharama , then this full-day private safari gets superb reviews.

You can visit Yala from Galle and also combine a safari to Udawalawe too

We chose to travel from Galle to Tissamaharama and stay in the town for two nights.  We stayed at the fabulous value Nehansa Resort and arranged our National Park Safari via our accommodation.  I wouldn’t say it was a resort as such, but we had a great room, the food was excellent, and it seemed like there were several members of staff all on hand at the same time.  The tour they arranged for us was excellent.

Our guide on how to go from Galle to Yalla National Park is here.

We planned to stay in Tissamaharama until we’d spent at least one full day in Yala, possibly longer if we didn’t see a leopard on that day.

While there are several entrances to the park, the entrance most used is via the town of Tissamaharama.  It’s about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Tissamaharama to the entrance of Yala and all Yala National Park Safari tours will pick you up from your hotel and take you into the park.  The further away you stay from the park, the earlier your pick-up.

To get to Yala National Park you need to transfer to Tissamaharama. 

Galle to Yala

You can take the slow local bus along the coast from Galle to Yala, but it will take you about 5 hours. We traveled from Galle to Tissamaharama and it took 3 hours in a taxi, that we booked through the PickMe app. You can make good use of your time in Sri Lanka and combine a visit from Galle to Yala and Udawalawe in a full day tour.

Ella to Yala

We left Tissamaharama and traveled to Ella.  There are currently no direct buses for this route, so rather than spend the entire day on several buses we took a taxi from Tissamaharama to Ella.  You can use the PickMe app in Sri Lanka to get an idea as to how much a taxi or a tuk-tuk should be. Alternatively, you can maximize your time and take a Yala Safar from Ella and return back to Ella

Mirissa to Yala

You can take a bus from Mirissa via Matara to Tissamaharama.  It takes about 3.5 hours.  A bus still costs around 350 LKR. 

Animals to see in Yala National Park

Yala National Park covers a variety of different landscapes – there’s jungle here, grasslands, lagoons, coastline, lagoons and lakes. 

This means it provides a habitat for a variety of different mammals and birds.  There are 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds that call Yala home, plus 46 species of reptiles.

Just because the animals live here doesn’t mean that you’ll see them though, although it’s pretty safe to say that you’ll see peacocks, water buffalo, spotted deer, and monkeys.  You’re also highly likely to see elephants at Yala. 

Leopards, the animal that Yala is famous for are more elusive,

Leopards in Yala National Park

Usually the most asked question is “How many Leopards are in Yala National Park?”  The answer, of course, is mostly irrelevant.  As the answer that you’re interested in is if you’ll see a leopard in Yala National Park.

So here’s the situation on Yala National Park leopards.  Yala has the biggest concentration of leopards in Sri Lanka.  Yala isn’t fenced.  So they may or may not be there.  There are usually around 55 leopards in and around the park area.  However, leopards are elusive.  They’re most likely to appear at the beginning or the end of the day.  Leopards are both solitary and territorial, so you’re not going to see a big pack of leopards, but they usually go back to the same places.  That’s why the safari guides and drivers will gravitate to the same places to spot leopards.

Elephants in Yala National Park

The elephant herd of Yala National Park numbers between 300 and 350 animals.  However, while this seems like a large number Yala is also a large park.  Depending on the time of year you may or may not see elephants.  We saw several, all individuals, no herds.  And all in different places in Yala.

Other Animals in Yala National Park

It feels a little mean to group all the other animals – the 44 species of mammals into “other animals” in Yala National Park.  You’ll see deer here, and crocodiles, water buffaloes for sure. 

You may or may not see the Black Sri Lanka Sloth bear (they’re elusive too).  However.  Most people are coming to Yala to see the leopard and elephants. 

If you’ve taken a guide or have a great driver (we did), then they’ll point things out to you.  They’ll also have a book on animal and birdlife.  We saw lots of birdlife in Yala National Park

BirdLife to see in Yala National Park

For me, the fact that our driver, who spoke some English, but not a huge amount, had a book of Sri Lankan birds made all the difference.  Many of the birds were incredibly pretty, however many were also very small and very fast in flight. Also, many looked very similar, so having the book made a huge difference in identifying them.  There are 215 species of bird life in Yala.  That’s a lot to know about!

Yala National Park Entrances

There are 5 blocks or zones to Yala National Park, and you’ll get to visit one if you take a half-day trip. Two (possibly) if you take a full-day trip, although a full day trip is a bit of a misnomer.  Everyone, you, your driver, and the animals need a break, and so if you take a full day Yala Safari what actually happens is that you simply stop somewhere for your lunch, for a very long lunch.  It’s during the hottest part of the day, so your chances of seeing animals are pretty limited anyway.

And so while Yala National Park has 5 zones, and entrances to each of them, unless you’re hanging around and visiting Yala for multiple consecutive days, then you likely won’t have much of a choice on the zone that you visit.  You may not even know which zone you’re in.  Relax, don’t worry about it, and let your driver and guide point things out.  It’s very like when we went on a Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National Park in India, we *really, really* wanted to go to a certain zone, because we’d read that it was THE zone where all the Tigers went.  In the end, we just relaxed, went with the flow, and saw some amazing tigers.

The entrance to Yala is about 40 kilometers from Tissamaharama and what time you go through the entrance depends on how far away your hotel or camp is from the entrance, as well as if you choose a morning or an afternoon safari, and also if you’re taking a private or a shared safari.

Private Yala National Park Safari or Shared

Unless you are traveling on a severe budget, then I would definitely go for a private safari.  Why?  You’ll get all the seats in the jeep to yourself, which means you can slide around getting into the best possible place to avoid the sun/rain/weather and the best possible place to see the wildlife, instead of having to climb over someone else.

This is probably going to be the most budget-friendly place in the world for taking a private safari.  And no, it’s not expensive. We paid US$148 for a private full day Yala National Park Safari including lunch.  I’ll touch on that later, but it was well worth it.

Travel Tips for Exploring Sri Lanka

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Get online immediately with an eSIM for Sri Lanka
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Sri Lanka > discount coupon here
• Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
• Read about transport in Sri Lanka in our guide here
• Our guide to booking trains in Sri Lanka
• You will 99% likely need a power adapter for Sri Lanka – there’s more here.
• Book the best Sri Lanka tours and guides on Get Your Guide
• Save money in Sri Lanka with a Wise debit card
• Book Trains in Sri Lanka with 12goAsia
• Book accommodation in Sri Lanka with Booking

Where to stay to Visit Yala National Park

You can stay either in the National Park or just outside the National Park.  Most visitors will stay in or around the town of Tissamaharama.  There are lodges managed by the National Park that you can rent to stay in, but they’re usually for bigger groups and you’ll need transport to get to them.  They’re basic.  You can also stay at tented camps inside or next to the National Park.  Or you can stay at a lodge, hotel, or hostel in Tissamaharama.  These are the places that we looked at to stay.  Our choice in the end came down to our poor planning.  And we booked what was available.  Traveling over the holidays means you NEED to book things in advance.

Cinnamon Wild Yala:   We put this on our list because of the views of the sea and the fact that it was just 5 minutes from the entrance to Yala National Park.  That and the fabulous reviews, of course, the sound of the waves and the jungle also drew me.  But they were full for days either side of our time in Yala.  Don’t make the same mistake we did, and book early.

Leopard Trails: We also looked at staying more in the jungle environment, and Leopard Trails comes top of the list for this type of property.  Tents are air-conditioned and some have plunge pools too. You can check availability here.

We managed to successfully book the fabulous value Nehansa Resort .  We were the only people staying here and the staff were fabulous.  It wasn’t luxurious, but felt very local.  When we needed to get cash from the ATM our host took us out, and then took us on a private wildlife spotting tour in his tuk-tuk – the night before our Yala Safari – and that was amazing.  You don’t need to go into the park to see wildlife, you just need someone who knows where to go!

The Best Time to Visit Yala National Park

I guess that your choice of when you visit Yala is going to be based on when you go to Sri Lanka unless you’re specifically coming here to come to Yala.  So, the best time to come to spot wildlife in Yala is during the dry season.   And the dry season in Yala is between February and June, although the best time to see leopards is from February to March.  We were here between Christmas and New Year (and yeah that’s why there was so little availability for accommodation!)           

Cost of Yala National Park Safaris

The cost of a Yala National Park Safari has several parts of it.  There’s a National Park fee to pay (and this differs, with exchange rates and the Sri Lankan government seems to make changes to it as well) and then there’s a jeep and driver fee and then if you choose to have a guide, there’s an additional fee for your guide.

If you’re taking a shared safari, then the shared costs of the driver, jeep, and guide will reduce the cost per person.  If you’re taking a full day safari (which is really a morning and an afternoon safari, as you do not leave the park in between – you just hang around having a long lunch),  then it’s less than the cost of booking separate morning and afternoon safaris.

If you want to save money, join a group.  You can get 6 people in a jeep.  If you want a better experience, then take a private jeep safari tour of Yala.

Cost of a half-day Yala National Park Safari

If you decide to take a half-day safari of Yala, then the cost – including the jeep, driver, and National Park fees will be about US$50 per person.  You can opt for a morning safari tour, or an afternoon safari tour.

Morning tours are scheduled to go through the gates when they open.  Yala National Park gates open at 06:00.  This means that you’ll be sat in a line of jeeps well before that.  The plan is generally to get to the front of the line.  A morning tour will finish at around 10:00 which means you’ll be driving back to your accommodation by then.

Afternoon tours of Yala go through the gates at 14:00 and finish at 18:00. 

So you’ll be picked up at a time confirmed by your hotel or safari organizer to be sat at the gate for those opening times. 

Cost of a full-day Yala National Park Safari

A full-day safari of Yala National Park is what we opted for.  We’d have kicked ourselves if we’d only taken the morning safari and not seen leopards.  We saw our leopard in the late afternoon.  And as we planned to hang around until we saw one, we might have still been there now if we hadn’t taken the full-day tour.

We paid US$148 for a private full-day Yala National Park safari.  We paid cash, in Sri Lankan rupees. And yes we tipped our driver, Ranga, when we were done.  Sri Lanka and its people have had a really, really rough time over the past few years.  He was a great driver, he was a great guide, even though he didn’t have to be a guide to us and he prepared us a fabulous tiffin lunch too – Sri Lankan Food is truly fabulous.  He picked us up at 04:40 and dropped us off after 19:00.  And tomorrow he’ll do it all again.  So long as he can find a customer.

Costs will vary depending on exchange rates, how you pay, and if you decide to take a private or a shared tour.  There are a limited number of jeeps that are allowed into the park for each safari time.  And of course, we were traveling at a major holiday time, so I felt very lucky that we got our private jeep and such a great driver.

What to take on a Yala National Park Safari

On the basis that we took a full day safari into Yala, we’d prepared, It was chilly when we got picked up, and when the jeep is racing along in the dark the wind is quite cold.  It was hot during the day.  No matter how much you stay out of the sun, it’s relentless, so sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen were necessary.  Insects weren’t so much of a bother, although I did have mosquito spray with me.  We took water with us, but our driver had brought way more bottled water than we could have drunk during the day.

Check with your safari organizer about what they’ll be providing.  We were given a small breakfast before we left the resort, and coffee or tea, but our driver had also provided snack bars, fruit, and a fabulous lunch.  Honestly, the amount of food was way, way too much for the two of us, and it was really, really good.

Our Yala National Park Safari Experience

We had planned to visit Yala on our first trip to Sri Lanka, but we didn’t get there.  On that 28 day trip, it rained for the full 28 days and Yala was underwater then.  And so it was a long-term dream to finally get there.

Yala is the top place in the world to see leopards. This Sri Lankan National Park has the highest density of leopards in the world. There are varying counts of how many – from 40 to 120, but I guess the only relevant count to you is how many you see.

We took an all day private safari. (Probably the only place in the world we can afford that!) – left the hotel at 04:40 (yes, ouch) and didn’t get back until 19:00 for US$148 for both of us, in a safari jeep to ourselves, along with driver and guide, Ranga. This included breakfast, lunch, National Park entry fees, and all transport.

Suitably fortified by the coffee provided by the team at our hotel, and loaded with enough breakfast and lunch to feed an army we set off.

We drove fast through the dark of the morning (it was cold and windy), and then stopped at the visitor center for Ranga to sort out our entrance fees, Nigel walked off into the dark to find the toilets and we waited for the sign to be able to head to the entrance gates.

And so we joined the line to enter Yala National Park.  The gates open at 06:00 on the dot and there is something of a race as the jeeps and drivers aim to get to where the animals might be (it’s quite a distance), along the rutted, bumpy, dusty roads. 

Ranga takes it easy.  We have all day.  And to be fair some of those jeeps look particularly uncomfortable with the way that everyone is getting bounced around!

The landscape here is glorious too.  It’s very flat in this part of the park.  And the early morning light is glorious.  We see the first of many peacocks.  Which you know, I really wasn’t expecting.

And water buffalo.  Both domesticated and wild. There are spotted deer too.

And it’s not long before we find our first elephant.  There are mongooses.  Reptiles.  Crocodiles. And Ranga’s book of birds comes in handy.

Elephants, deer, water buffalo, macaques, birds of all types, and yes, leopards were spotted. 

Spending a full day in the park means that we get to have our lunch inside the park and don’t need to take the time to drive back out, and that means we actually get a LOT longer on Safari than the half-day folks.  It’s 12:30 before we’ve arrived at our lunchtime.

Ranga has brought a set of tiffin boxes and we stop at (what the map says is) the Yala Mobile Leopard Camp for lunch.  There’s little more than a space under the trees, some concrete walls to sit on.  Well, there are toilets, which are basic (and responsible for the only insect bites I get all day).  And we tuck in.  Lunch is fabulous.

And then we chatted with an extended Indian family who are here for the Christmas break and having a great time.  We avoid the monkeys desperately trying to out-maneuver us to get at the remnants of lunch.  And then after a break, we’re back in the jeep for the afternoon session of our Yala National Park Safari.

The afternoon is more of the same.  Although it’s much warmer now.  There’s an elephant that we find on a massive rock, more deer, lots of birds. 

And then we stop for what seems like an age as another driver says he’s spotted a leopard at a distance.  We have binoculars, but none of us are sure.  Even Ranga says “Maybe”.  Which is Sri Lankan for “not a chance”.

And so as we head towards the exit, we’re rapidly getting towards sunset.

We come across an elephant on one side of the dirt track that all the jeeps are driving on.  It clearly wants to be on the other side of the track, but no one is willing to let it pass.  I want it to ram the jeeps.  This feels wrong the way it doesn’t have right of way and they’re not willing to let it pass as visitors glamour for photos.

Eventually, it finds a gap and I feel dirty, soiled, and voyeuristic.  And sad.  Very sad.

So I’m not in the best frame of mind when a few minutes later we stop.  And there is it.  Our leopard for the day.  It’s about 300 meters away.  My phone is my camera.  But it’s a leopard.  In a tree.  At dusk.  A leopard in Yala National Park.

Had I been willing to lug a proper camera with me, then the photos would be better, but these photos are from my Google Pixel. Not bad for the leopard being nearly 300 meters away. In a tree. At dusk.

And as we drive, through the increasingly darkening night, I realize that I adore this country, the landscapes, its food, and its people.

Please do come to Sri Lanka. This country needs you, they are struggling for tourism business in the wake of the pandemic and the financial crises of recent years.

History of Yala National Park

Cipriano Sanchez, a Spanish mapmaker noted the area that is now Yala in 1560, stating that it looked abandoned.  Under British rule, the forest here was used for hunting, and Yala finally became a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and then became a Sri Lankan National Park in 1938.

Yala National Park and the 2004 Tsunami

Yala National Park was hit directly by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004.  I remember the devastation of the 2004 Tsunami from disjointed TV pictures. From videos that don’t seem real, where the water seems to flood so slowly and unrealistically. I remember, that my concern was for the Chairman of our company at the time, who was on vacation in Thailand (he was fine). The reality of this disaster, I truly don’t believe hit me until I arrived in Sri Lanka.

There were perhaps 50,000 people who died in Sri Lanka. I say perhaps because numbers are uncertain, thousands are still missing, and bodies have never been found. That number pales into insignificance when you consider the more than 200,000 Indonesians who died on the same day.

250 people died here in Yala National Park, where the waves were reported to be more than 6 meters high (20 feet).

This disaster is real to me because I opened a book – Wave – as I arrived for the first time in Sri Lanka.  Sonya Deraniyagala – a Cambridge-educated native Sri Lankan, married to an Englishman, with two sons lost her husband, both sons, her parents, and, for a while, her mind. The family was spending the Christmas holidays in Yala. Sonya wrote of her experience, her despair, and her desire to die. The book is a brutal, but enthralling read and I do recommend it whether you come to Yala or not.

Weeks after reading her account, my throat still clenched, and my hand still automatically went to cover my mouth when I think of it.  Her voice still, now, bounces off the inside of my head. And even now, 9 years after first reading the book I still feel her despair in the bottom of my stomach as I gaze out at the flat ocean off the beach on the coast here in Yala.

If you’re looking for other Sri Lanka National Parks to visit, then head to Horton’s Plain National Park and hike to World’s End. I wrote about it here.

Transport & Popular Routes in Sri Lanka

• Here’s our guide to travel and transport in Sri Lanka
• Here’s how to buy train tickets in Sri Lanka – online, on the phone and in person
• Want to know what Sri Lankan buses are like? Here’s our guide.
• How to go from Colombo to Galle
• Going from Galle to Yala National Park
• How to go from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
• How to go from Colombo to Kandy
• How to get from Ella to Nuwara Eliya
• How to go from Jaffna to Anuradhapura
• How to go from Colombo to Jaffna

FAQS about taking a Yala National Park Safari

We had so many questions about taking a safari to Yala.  This was, after all the second time we’d planned it.  Thankfully, this time it came off.  So here’s our consolidation of all those questions.

Do I need a guide on a Yala National Park Safari?

It depends on the experience that you want.  A driver will point out what you’re seeing, or what you’re missing if you don’t see it. If you want to know more about the animals and the environment, then a guide will be invaluable.

Can I drive myself into Yala National Park?

Yes.  If you have a 4×4 you can drive yourself into Yala National Park.  However, most foreign visitors will neither be driving nor have a 4×4, and the roads are rutted, often underwater and not on a map.  Do yourself a favor and take a driver and jeep into the park.

Which Entrance Should I use for Yala National Park?

To be fair you probably won’t know which entrance you go in to the park.  Plan your accommodation near Yala, then book your safari and they’ll take care of all of that.

What animals will I see on a Yala National Park Safari?

You’re most likely to see water buffalo, deer, and elephants in Yala.  Everyone wants to see leopards, and you may be lucky to see them.  There are 44 species of mammals here and 215 species of birdlife.  However, this is the wild.  They don’t come out on demand.

How long do you need in Yala National Park?

If you’re short on time a half-day safari is the shortest trip that you can take into Yala.  You can take a full-day safari too.  We planned to stick around until we saw a leopard.  We were lucky and saw a leopard – at a distance – at the end of our full day Yala Safari.

What are the opening times of Yala National Park?

Yala National Park opens from 06:00 to 18:00.  All jeeps are supposed to be out of the park by 18:00.  This time is slightly flexible.  We left the park exit very late (!), as our driver had spotted a leopard in a tree at a distance and we were waiting to see if it moved.  So too were other jeeps. 

Are there toilets in Yala National Park?

Yes, there are toilets in Yala National Park, but they are few and far between.  You’ll only really get to use them if you’re taking a full day Yala National Park Safari, and when you stop for lunch.  They were really basic, and I blame using them for the numerous bites I got “on my lower body” that day.

Final Words on Taking a Yala National Park Safari

This trip has been more than 8 years in the making and I’m so glad we got there this time. Coming to Yala is the primary reason we came back to Sri Lanka. Wait, no, maybe it was the food. Or the people. Well, let’s say it was a big part of the reason we returned to Sri Lanka and it was a great decision. Our private Yala National Park Safari was a fabulous, extremely long day, we saw so much wildlife and birdlife, and, yes we saw our leopard too.

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Sarah Carter

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How Much does a Yala Safari Cost?

When it comes to experiencing the wonders of nature and encountering wildlife in their natural habitat, a Yala Safari in Sri Lanka is an adventure of a lifetime. However, one question that often arises for travelers planning this exciting journey is, “How much does a Yala Safari cost?” In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the various expenses associated with a Yala Safari, helping you budget and prepare for an unforgettable wildlife expedition.

Understanding Yala National Park

Before diving into the cost details, it’s crucial to understand what Yala National Park has to offer. Located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, Yala is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. It’s home to a vast array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and numerous bird species. The park consists of five blocks, with Block 1 being the most popular for safaris due to its high leopard population.

Factors Affecting Yala Safari Costs

How Much does a Yala Safari Cost? Several factors influence the cost of a Yala Safari. Let’s explore these factors in detail

1. Type of Safari

Yala National Park offers different types of jeep safaris, including Driver Guiding Safaris, Ranger Guiding Safaris, Wildlife Photography Tours and Camping Safaris. Driver Guiding Jeep safaris are the most common and convenient option for tourists. Walking Safaris are not allowed in Yala National Park.

2. Entry Fees

Visitors to Yala must pay an entry fee, which varies for foreigners and locals and SAARC Countries. Foreign tourists usually pay a higher fee, so it’s essential to check the current rates before planning your trip.

3. Accommodation

Accommodation near Yala National Park ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Your choice of lodging will significantly impact your overall expenses.

4. Guide Fees

To ensure a safe and informative safari experience, it’s advisable to hire a local guide. Their fees may vary, so inquire in advance.

5. Duration of the Safari

Safaris can last from a few hours to a full day. Longer safaris typically cost more due to increased park entry fees and guide charges.

6. Group Size

Even the ticket price stays the same, when the number of guests increase the overall price per head goes down as the guide fee and jeep cost is divided by the number of heads.

Breaking Down the Costs

Let’s break down the costs associated with a Yala Safari for a better understanding:

Jeep Safari

• Entry Fee (Foreign Tourist): Approximately $30 – $40 per person (Guests from SAARC counties get special prices)
• Jeep Rental: $50 – $80 per jeep (accommodating up to 6 people, Depending with the Safari provider)
• Guide Fee: $20 – $40 per safari (Depending with the guest)
• Total Cost: Approximately $120 – $170 (for 2 people)

Accommodation

• Budget Guesthouse: $20 – $50 per night
• Mid-Range Hotel: $60 – $150 per night
• Luxury Resort: $200 and above per night

Tips for Saving Money

• Travel in a group to share expenses.
• Consider visiting during the off-peak season for potential discounts.
• Book your safari and accommodation well in advance to secure the best rates.
• Pack snacks and drinks to minimize food expenses during the safari.

A Yala Safari is a thrilling adventure that allows you to connect with nature and witness incredible wildlife. While the costs may vary depending on your preferences and choices, the experience is undoubtedly worth every penny. By planning ahead and making informed decisions, you can ensure a memorable and affordable Yala Safari.

1. Is it necessary to hire a guide for a Yala Safari?

While it’s not mandatory, hiring a guide is highly recommended for a safe and informative experience. They can help you spot wildlife and provide valuable insights.

2. Can I book a Yala Safari online in advance?

Yes, many tour operators offer online booking services, allowing you to secure your safari and accommodations before your trip.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Yala National Park?

The best time for wildlife sightings is from February to July when the weather is dry, and animals gather around water sources

5. How long should I plan for a Yala Safari to fully enjoy the experience?

A full-day safari is recommended to increase your chances of spotting a wide variety of wildlife in Yala National Park.

For more information and bookings, Contact us on our website here .

Contact us:

+94 77 736 1010, pre book your safari.

There are several safari options to three entrances from which you can pick. Please fill in the form and send it to us.

Safari Payment Mode

Pre-book your safari with a trusted source. This can save you whole lot of time and trouble. When you book a safari, we assign a jeep and experienced driver for you who will coordinate your safari. Just fill the Form on this page and once your request is processed and then confirmed by you, we will give you a secure CREDIT CARD PAYMENT LINK. Also please take a look at the Terms & Conditions of this service.

• The above rates are for 1 jeep and your group can include up to 6 people for this cost.
• The rates quoted are for Mahindra/Tata cabs.
• Additional surcharge of US$ 10 per cab will be added for Toyota or Mitsubishi.
• The time duration of the safari may vary according to the ground situation.
• The above rates do not include entry tickets to the park which you may purchase at the gate.
• Above rates include hotel pick-up within the Tissamaharama area.
• Once booked, no refunds can be made.

Tickets to the Park

Ticket Price per: Single – LKR 6,050.00 Net Two Tickets – LKR 9,720.00 Net Kids (6-12 Years)– LKR 2,000.00 Net --> Important The ticket prices shown are an indication of rates that may change depending on the dollar periodically and will also include taxes and service charges.Please seek assistance at the park ticketing counter. Paid in LKR at the gate, which may vary as per exchange rate. The service charge also means the higher the number of individuals in a jeep, the lesser the amount of the ticket price.

Pick Up Point

Pick up from Tissamaharama area is free. We can arrange for pick-ups and drop-offs at other locations outside of Tissamaharama. Details available on request at [email protected]

Tree for Safari

Personal Information

Tour information.

NOTE: Please note that this is only a facilitation of a service we provide and you undertake to bear the responsibility of your safari including any insurance/liabilities etc.