Yala National Park Full Day Safari - Ceylon Safari Tours

Yala National Park , Sri Lanka

Yala National Park Full Day Safari - Ceylon Safari Tours

Active

12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the untamed beauty of Yala National Park on a truly unforgettable wildlife adventure filled with excitement and natural wonder. Journey through a stunning mix of dense jungle, wide open plains, rocky terrain, and peaceful lagoons as experienced local guides lead you deep into the heart of the park. Along the way, you may spot leopards resting in trees, elephants roaming freely, sloth bears searching for food, crocodiles basking by the water, and a rich variety of colorful birdlife.

Enjoy relaxed and carefully paced game drives that allow time for photography, observation, and quiet moments in nature. Witness the park come alive during golden sunrises or dramatic sunsets, and gain fascinating insights into wildlife behavior, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. This immersive safari experience blends adventure, learning, and authentic encounters—book now and create lasting memories in one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife destinations.

Available options

Yala National Park Full Day Safari

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Soda/Pop

Bottled water

Lunch

Breakfast

Luxury safari jeep

Detailed itinerary

Discover the untamed beauty of Yala National Park with an unforgettable wildlife experience designed for adventure and wonder. Travel through breathtaking landscapes of jungle, open plains, and lagoons while expert local guides help you spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife in their natural habitat. Enjoy peaceful game drives, stunning sunrise or sunset views, and fascinating insights into wildlife behavior and conservation. This immersive safari offers excitement, authenticity, and lasting memories—book now and experience the true wild side of Sri Lanka at Yala.

What's not included

Yala National Park entrance tickets (Guests are required to purchase their park entrance tickets directly at the Yala National Park entrance gate. This cost is not included in the safari price.)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Important notes

Yala National Park entrance tickets
(Guests are required to purchase their park entrance tickets directly at the Yala National Park entrance gate. This cost is not included in the safari price.)

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.