Joanna James
Yala is a highly-sought city in Sri Lanka, particularly due to housing the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Apart from that, there are many points of interest in the city including places of archaeological and historical value as well as sentimental locations
When speaking of Yala, one may simply think of Yala National Park, which has become quite synonymous with the city that houses it. This national park is one of the oldest and also the second-largest of its kind to be designated as a national park in Sri Lanka. It is truly a haven for many species of animals - native and immigrant – adding colour and life to the depths of its semi-deciduous forests and other types of habitats that provide its animals with the necessary conditions for their survival. The dry season of the area usually starts in February and lasts until June, which is when you should visit in order to get a proper glimpse into the lives of these animals.
With a history of over 2200 years, Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya still stands as an eminent place of Buddhist worship in Sri Lanka. It is an ideal place to go exploring if you're hoping to observe the Buddhist relics and some ancient constructions in the country. The name of the place, Sithulpawwa, is said to be derived from the word "Chiththala Pabbatha" that can be translated into "the hill of the quiet mind" accurately describing the serene atmosphere of this location. This monastery is believed to be constructed during the reign of King Kawanthissa during the 2nd century B. C.
Now, this would be an ideal opportunity for all the bird watchers out there! Kumana National Park is quite famous for being a paradise acting as a home and resting place for various species of the avifauna of every colour imaginable. The park does offer an idyllic setting for birds from near and far with adequate water supply, lush green vegetation, and even an abundance of food from insects to other critters and crawlers. Kumana National Park can be described as a thorny tropical forest, which provides all the right ingredients for nesting birds to build their nests in all the right ways. This is indeed a fantastic place to cross the paths of some of the amazing birds in Sri Lanka. Wildlife sightings such as golden jackal and Asian elephant can also be expected during a safari here.
Kebiliththa is a place located in the heart of Yala National Park. Here, one may come across a shrine that is nestled amidst such ethereal ambience – the surrounding old and earthy fragrances of the trees and marshes only work towards intensifying this surreal atmosphere. It is hailed as one of the most sacred of the places, which is worshipped by the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims of Sri Lanka. The place is believed to be the meditating ground of the deity of Kataragama. For more information on this travel destination, one can refer to internet sources such as Truly Sri Lanka.
Well, we do seek places that would inherently bring us joy during our travel expeditions; unfortunately, nature strikes sometimes, and the Tsunami Memorial at Yala National Park is one such place of that emanates nostalgia imbued with sadness. Yala is one of the regions that was severely impacted by the disastrous waves of Tsunami on the 26th of December 2004. Many people including safari drivers, tourists, and guides were killed in Yala and the memorial here commemorates this sad event during which many families lost their loved ones.
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.
