Yala National Park , Sri Lanka

Yala National Park Safari Tours

Active

(10 reviews)

13h

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 the best of Sri Lanka’s wilderness on a guided adventure through Yala National Park, one of Asia’s top wildlife destinations. Led by an officially licensed Yala Safari Jeep Driver, this tour offers a safe, ethical, and immersive journey in a 4x4 open jeep designed for excellent visibility and photography. Choose from Full-Day, Morning (7-Hour Leopard Focus), or Evening safari options to match your schedule. Your expert guide uses responsible tracking and deep knowledge of the park to help spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, buffalo, deer, monkeys, and over 200 bird species. Yala’s diverse landscapes—lakes, forests, grasslands, and rocky viewpoints—create a stunning backdrop throughout the tour. All experiences follow strict park regulations and Viator’s Animal Welfare Policy, ensuring respectful, non-intrusive wildlife viewing. Enjoy a comfortable, informative, and unforgettable safari into the heart of Yala.

Available options

7hrs Safari (Leopard Focus)

Duration: 7 hours<br/>Pickup included

Evening Safari (2:00PM–6:30PM)

Duration: 5 hours<br/>Pickup included

Full-Day Safari(4:30AM–5:30PM)

Duration: 13 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

4x4 open safari jeep (comfortable seats & elevated view)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

All fuel & park-approved driving routes

Official licensed Yala National Park safari jeep driver

Wildlife-spotting guidance

Detailed itinerary

Experience the best of Sri Lanka’s wilderness on a professionally guided adventure through Yala National Park, one of Asia’s top destinations for wildlife viewing. Operated by an officially licensed Yala National Park Safari Jeep Driver, this tour offers a safe, ethical, and immersive experience in a 4x4 open safari jeep designed for clear visibility and photography.

What's not included

Yala National Park entrance tickets

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Travelers must purchase the Yala National Park entry ticket at the main entrance gate. Your safari driver will assist you with the ticket process upon arrival.

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.