Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife destinations and is particularly famous for its leopards. Its varied landscape of dry forest, grassland, lagoons and rocky outcrops provides habitat for elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer, buffalo and a remarkable variety of birds. A safari through Yala is as much about exploring the landscape as spotting individual animals, with every drive bringing the possibility of an unexpected encounter. The park is generally most suitable for wildlife safaris from February to July, while Yala Block I traditionally closes during part of the year for the annual dry-season break. Exact opening arrangements can vary, so travellers should check current park conditions when planning their visit.
