Joanna James
Yala National Park is one of the most popular attractions in the paradise island of Sri Lanka. This article gives facts about this national park so you can make your tour a lot more interesting!
Yala National Park is known to be the most popular national park in Sri Lanka. It is also the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. Many nature-loving tourists who visit the island include this iconic destination in their travel itineraries.
Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. It was designated as a national park in 1938. Of course, back in the colonial era, the national park was used as a hunting ground too!
Yala National Park is located in the Southern and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka. It can be quite easily accessed via the Southern Expressway. As the national park is one of the prime attractions of the country, there are lots of great hotels and resorts located in the region. Places such as Cinnamon Wild Yala are popular options among tourists as well as locals. If you stay at a leading Yala hotel you will be able to get a safari tour arranged with great ease. Yala National Park is located adjacent to Kumana National Park which is yet another popular destination among nature lovers.
The incredible diversity of the wildlife in Yala certainly is its main draw. The king of the jungles here is undoubtedly the stately Sri Lankan leopard. These elusive, apex predators are truly majestic to behold! Yala National Park, in fact, has one of the highest leopard densities in the world! Most often than not, you will get the chance to spot these beautiful creatures as you enjoy the safari tour.
In addition to the leopards, you will also get the chance to spot Sri Lankan elephants, wild water buffaloes, Sri Lankan sloth bears, and fishing cats when enjoying a safari tour in the national park. It is estimated that 44 species of mammals and 215 species of birds are to be found here. Yala National Park is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas in the country too.
Yala National Park is divided into 5 sections. Wildlife sanctuaries like Lahugala, Lunugamvehera, and Kumana are also considered to be a part of the Yala National Park. Only Block 1 and 5 are open to the general public. The other blocks are generally reserved for researchers.
The best time to visit Yala National Park is between the months of February and June. This is the dry season and many animals venture out of their hiding places looking for water during this period. So your chances of spotting them will surely be higher! Keep in mind that Blocks 1 and 2 of Yala are closed for 6 weeks in the months of September and October.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
