South East
Yala, Sri Lanka.
Leopard country
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Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's premier safari destination, with the highest leopard density of any park in Asia. The park covers 979 square kilometres in the south-east and is home to leopards, wild elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and around 200 bird species. A half-day jeep safari costs USD 55-75 per person shared, or USD 90+ for a private jeep. Dawn drives leaving at 5:30am from Tissamaharama are the most productive.
Why go to Yala
Yala is one of the world's great safari destinations - the leopard density is genuinely exceptional, wild elephants are close to guaranteed, and the coastal-scrub landscape gives it a character that Sri Lanka's other parks do not have. For a first-time safari in Asia, Yala is the answer.
Best things to do in Yala
- Dawn jeep safari, leaving 5:30am from Tissamaharama - four hours in the park, best chance for a leopard.
- Afternoon safari as an alternative - departure 2:30pm, slightly better for elephants than leopards.
- Book a private jeep, not a shared one, if you have any interest in photography - you control where the vehicle stops and how long.
- Combine Yala with Kataragama - the sacred multi-faith pilgrimage town 15 minutes inland.
- Extend into Bundala National Park (25 minutes) for the migratory bird season, September to March.
How to get to Yala
Base yourself in Tissamaharama ("Tissa"), the gateway town 10 minutes from the main Yala entrance. From Ella it is 110 km and 3-3.5 hours; from Mirissa 120 km and 2.5-3 hours; from Kandy 220 km and 5-6 hours. Almost no one drives direct from CMB; Yala is a mid-itinerary stop.
| From | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Ella | 110 km | 3 - 3.5 hrs |
| Mirissa | 120 km | 2.5 - 3 hrs |
| Colombo Airport (CMB) | 265 km | 5 - 6 hrs |
| Galle | 160 km | 3.5 - 4 hrs |
| Kandy | 220 km | 5 - 6 hrs |
How many days do you need in Yala?
One or two nights in Tissa. One night gets you a single safari; two nights lets you combine a dawn drive and an afternoon drive, which more than doubles your chances of a leopard sighting. Consider one of the tented camps just outside the park boundary for the experience.
Best time to visit Yala
Year-round, but the dry season from February to July is the best time for leopards - waterholes shrink and wildlife concentrates. Yala is normally closed for the whole month of September for park maintenance; check current dates. See all 12 months of Sri Lanka weather compared for a fuller picture, or browse tour packages that already sequence the seasons for you.
What to pair Yala with
Yala sits between the hill country and the south coast on almost every classic itinerary. The natural sequence is Ella, Yala (via Diyaluma Falls), then Mirissa or Galle.
The one thing that changes the visit
Include Yala in a private tour
Every stop on our itineraries is optional and re-orderable. Tell us your dates, group size and interests and we build a private route around them - with a driver from your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to your final drop-off.
Read next: 7-day itinerary (Classic Loop) · 10-day itinerary · 14-day itinerary · Private driver costs · Attraction fees
What travelers ask us this week about ask-this-week
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How much does a Yala safari cost?
A shared half-day jeep safari costs USD 55-75 per person including the park entrance fee. A private jeep costs USD 90-140 per person depending on the operator. Private jeeps are worth the difference if you value photo...
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What time do Yala safaris start?
The best drive is the dawn safari, leaving Tissamaharama at 5:30am to enter the park at first light around 6am. Afternoon safaris leave at 2:30pm and finish at dusk. Wildlife activity is highest at both ends of the da...
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Yala or Udawalawe - which is better?
Yala has the highest leopard density in Asia and a more varied landscape, but is busier and more expensive. Udawalawe almost guarantees wild elephant sightings, is quieter and works well as a shorter or family safari....
Good to know
Yala - common questions
How much does a Yala safari cost?
A shared half-day jeep safari costs USD 55-75 per person including the park entrance fee. A private jeep costs USD 90-140 per person depending on the operator. Private jeeps are worth the difference if you value photography or a quieter experience.
What time do Yala safaris start?
The best drive is the dawn safari, leaving Tissamaharama at 5:30am to enter the park at first light around 6am. Afternoon safaris leave at 2:30pm and finish at dusk. Wildlife activity is highest at both ends of the day and low in the middle.
Yala or Udawalawe - which is better?
Yala has the highest leopard density in Asia and a more varied landscape, but is busier and more expensive. Udawalawe almost guarantees wild elephant sightings, is quieter and works well as a shorter or family safari. For leopards and photography, Yala. For elephants and calm, Udawalawe.
When is Yala closed?
Yala normally closes for the whole month of September for park maintenance. Confirm current dates with your driver or on the Department of Wildlife Conservation site before booking non-refundable travel around it.
How likely is a leopard sighting at Yala?
Yala has the highest leopard density of any park in Asia and sightings are common in the dry season (February to July). On a dawn drive with a good private guide, the odds are strong but never guaranteed - it is a wild park, not a zoo.
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