Yala National Park , Sri Lanka

Yala Half Day Safari from Yala

Active

3h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on a half-day safari through Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries. Known for its incredible biodiversity and the highest leopard density in the world, Yala promises a thrilling experience where you’ll witness some of the island’s most iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Highlights:

Leopard Spotting: With Yala being home to one of the densest leopard populations globally, you'll have an excellent chance of spotting these elusive big cats in the wild.

Encounter Majestic Elephants: Observe herds of wild elephants as they roam freely across the park’s landscapes.

Rich Wildlife Variety: Beyond leopards and elephants, Yala also offers sightings of sloth bears, water buffalo, deer, crocodiles, and a vast array of exotic bird species.

Diverse Landscapes: From coastal lagoons and lush grasslands to dense forests and wetlands, explore Yala’s scenic variety that creates unique habitats for wildlife.

Available options

Yala Half Day Safari from Yala

Pickup included

What's included

Safari Jeep with a English Speaking Driver

Free Hotel Pick up & Drop Off Service

All Government Tax & Charges

Mineral Water Bottle

Detailed itinerary

Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is a wildlife sanctuary renowned for its remarkable biodiversity and captivating landscapes. Spanning over 979 square kilometers, Yala is home to an array of ecosystems, from dense forests and grasslands to freshwater lakes and coastal lagoons. It’s particularly famous for its high density of leopards, offering some of the best chances to spot these elusive big cats in the wild. Besides leopards, Yala hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including herds of elephants, spotted deer, wild buffalo, crocodiles, and the endangered Sri Lankan sloth bear. Bird enthusiasts will also be delighted by the park’s abundant avian population, with species ranging from peacocks and storks to raptors and colorful kingfishers.

A visit to Yala National Park offers more than just wildlife viewing; it’s an immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, complete with scenic backdrops and ancient sites like the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

What's not included

National Park Entrance fees

Any other services not mentioned above

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka, renowned for its high density of leopards and diverse wildlife. It offers a thrilling safari experience through its varied ecosystems, including forests, scrublands, and coastal lagoons.

Top Attractions

Leopard Safaris

Yala National Park is famous for its high density of leopards. Jeep safaris offer the best opportunity to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat.

Wildlife 3-4 hours Moderate (Approximately LKR 3,500 to LKR 5,000 per jeep)

Kumana National Park

Adjacent to Yala, Kumana is a smaller park known for its birdwatching opportunities and scenic beauty. It's a great place to see migratory birds and other wildlife.

Nature Half day to full day Moderate (Approximately LKR 1,500 to LKR 3,000 per jeep)

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

This ancient Buddhist temple is located within Yala National Park and is a significant religious site. It offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (Donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, and fish.

Main Course Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan).

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti dough, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Popular Activities

Jeep safaris Hiking Birdwatching Boat rides Beach visits Nature walks Temple visits Festivals

Best Time to Visit

February to August

This is the best time to visit Yala National Park as the weather is dry and ideal for wildlife spotting. The park is open for safaris, and the chances of seeing leopards and other wildlife are high.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Yala National Park and its surrounding areas are generally safe for travelers. However, it's important to follow park rules and regulations, and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed guides and operators for safaris.
• Agree on prices before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 100 km (62 miles)

By train

Tissamaharama Railway Station

By bus

Tissamaharama Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Taxis are available for transport to and from the park but are not used for safaris within the park.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Tissamaharama Kataragama

Day trips

Bundala National Park

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Bundala National Park is a wetland park known for its birdwatching opportunities and diverse wildlife. It's a great place to see migratory birds and other wildlife.

Morawewa Lagoon

30 km (19 miles) • Half day

Morawewa Lagoon is a scenic lagoon known for its birdwatching opportunities and peaceful atmosphere. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Festivals

Esala Perahera Festival • July or August (depending on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Book your safaris in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best guides and jeeps.
Wake up early for your safaris to increase your chances of spotting wildlife, especially leopards.
Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens for the best wildlife viewing and photography experience.
Dress in neutral-colored clothing that blends in with the natural environment to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Respect the park's rules and regulations, and follow your guide's instructions for a safe and enjoyable experience.