Leopard Full Day Safari Yala National Park

Yala National Park , Sri Lanka

Leopard Full Day Safari Yala National Park

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(2 reviews)

10h - 14h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience an exhilarating full-day safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its dense population of leopards. This safari offers the best chance to spot these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. Starting with an early morning hotel pickup, you’ll enter the park as the sun rises, increasing the chances of spotting wildlife.

Travel through diverse landscapes in a 4x4 jeep, from scrub jungles to lagoons, while your experienced guide helps you track leopards and other iconic wildlife, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. Enjoy a mid-day break at a scenic spot inside the park, where you can relax and have lunch amidst nature.

The afternoon brings another exciting safari round, ensuring you maximize your chances of spotting Yala’s famous wildlife. After an unforgettable day, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.

Available options

Rate Per Person

Pickup included

What's included

English Speaking Safari Guide

4WD Confirtable Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep).

All Government taxes and service charges

Free Pickup/Drop off from/to Tissamaharama and Yala Hotels.

Detailed itinerary

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destinations, famed for its diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife. The park is best known for its high density of leopards, making it one of the best places in the world to spot these elusive big cats.

Apart from leopards, Yala is home to large herds of elephants, sloth bears, and water buffaloes, as well as a thriving population of mugger crocodiles and monitor lizards. The park’s wetlands and lagoons attract a variety of birdlife, including peacocks, painted storks, flamingos, and pelicans, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

The changing landscapes, from dense forests to open grasslands and coastal lagoons, provide unique settings for wildlife sightings. Each safari through Yala offers a chance to witness nature’s raw beauty and diverse species in one of Sri Lanka's most picturesque settings.

What's not included

Food and Drinks.

Gratuities.

Entrance Fees

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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.