Yala National Park

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned wildlife reserves, covering an area of approximately 979 square kilometres, although only the original 141 square kilometres are currently open to the public. The park was first established as a Game Sanctuary in 1894 and later designated as a national park. Yala features a remarkable diversity of landscapes, including open parkland, dense jungle, pristine beaches, freshwater lakes, rivers, and scrubland. The scrub forest areas are interspersed with dramatic rocky outcrops, creating a striking natural environment. This wide variety of habitats supports an impressive range of wildlife, making Yala one of the best destinations in Sri Lanka for safari experiences and wildlife viewing.