Yala National Park Entrance Ticket with Private Safari
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Avoid waiting in lines to purchase your entrance ticket to the Yala National Park and enjoy a hassle-free start to your safari. Purchasing the park entrance ticket has never been
this easy.
Available options
Jeep Only
LK71130100: Park Entrance Ticket Only
Ticket + Safari Jeep (3-Hour)
LK50C01C01: Yala national park private safari (3-Hour)
What's included
4x4 Safari Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep)
Water Bottle Per Person
Experienced Driver (Also your tracker)
Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate
Detailed itinerary
1
Yala National Park occupies a large space on the South Eastern coast of Sri Lanka, from Okanda to Hambantota. The history of the area extends up to several centuries ago with the area being mentioned as having been abandoned three centuries before due to ‘insalubrious conditions’ according to a 16th century Spanish cartographer Cipriano Sanchez. This may have been due to the swamps and dangerous animals in the region that caused various diseases that were untreatable at the time. Later during the Yala region was made a Forest Reserve under the British Colonial Government in 1900. An area within the reserve was ordained an exclusive game reserve for the resident sportsmen to hunt in. In 1938, the law was passed to ordain Yala as a National Park.
What's not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of park entrance gate
Food and drinks.
Gratuities.
Expenses of personal nature.
Entrance fees for Jeep-only bookings (entrance fees to be paid in cash)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
3.0
4 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
Our service manager will exchange the entrance tickets at the park entrance.
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
