How to Plan a Trip to Yala National Park – A memorable safari vacation

Sri Lanka is a stunning island destination with a plethora of natural attractions. The thriving wildlife, coupled with excellent biodiversity, is one of the main draw cards for tourists who love nature. The island country is home to a number of national parks, including Yala National Park. Read on to find out more about the park and things you should consider when planning your trip. 

Yala National Park | img by Patty Ho via flickr

About Yala National Park 

Sitting on the southern edge of Sri Lanka and bordered by the Indian Ocean on one end, Yala National Park is home to a diverse number of wild animals. In the beginning, the area occupied by the park was used by the British elite for hunting. But in 1900, the park became a wildlife sanctuary, and in 1938, the park was redesignated as a national park. 

The park nurtures a diverse variety of wild animals and birds: 44 mammal types and 215 species of birds.

Is Yala National Park worth visiting? 

Yes! Yala National Park is one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka. This beautiful wild tract features varied landscapes, rich biodiversity, and rare wild animals that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. 

The park is synonymous with safari journeys. So, you’ll find a huge number of tour operators willing to tailor-make tours for you, 

Accommodation 

Yala National Park is a popular tourist attraction, so you will find a long list of accommodation options that include the likes of Kithala Resort. You’ll also find a number of safari lodges. 

The park is located in the south, about 195 km from Colombo, the capital. Tissamaharama is the nearest town to the park, so staying at one of the Tissamaharama hotels is the best option. 

Keep in mind that if you decide to visit during the peak season, the accommodation rates will be pretty high. 

The costs and types of tours 

Visit in the morning to see animals heading out of their habitats in search of food and water. The late afternoon is a great time to visit if you want a chance at spotting one or two nocturnal animals. 

Safari tours usually start at 4 AM and 2.30 PM. You’ll need to pay for the jeep separately and the guide. Getting in touch with a tour company is the best thing to do, but you can also get your hotel to arrange a tour for you. 

Do your research before choosing a tour package. An all-inclusive package is the best option, even if they seem to cost a pretty penny. If you choose a pay-as-you-go package, you’ll end up paying way more than you’d pay for a complete safari package. 

Yala National Park has its own website that offers an array of tour packages. The park also offers holiday bungalows within the parameters of the park for those who want an authentic experience. 

What to expect 

The park provides a home for a number of animals, from birds to mammals to amphibians. However, leopards are the star of the show. They are the reason the park is popular across the world. Leopards are known to be elusive, so seeing them is a rare chance, but if you are accompanied by an experienced guide, your chances are better. 

In addition to leopards, you’ll also see herds of elephants, deer, and sloth bears. 

What to wear

 The park is found in the dry zone of the country, so you need clothes made of breathable material. Cotton garments are the best choice of clothing. 

Pack some shorts and t-shirts, and you need your sunglasses and sunhat. And do not forget your sun lotion; the sun blazes down hard in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. Also, you need a backpack to carry your snacks and water. And make sure you drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.