Visit Yala National Park

The Yala National Park in the south of Sri Lanka is the country's second largest and most popular national park. A diverse landscape is made up of wide-open plains, thick forest and a beautiful coastline with towering sand dunes. The area is an important one for conservation and a visit to Yala National Park offers fantastic opportunities to see some of Sri Lanka's unique wildlife.

Yala National Park is the best place in Sri Lanka to see leopards. The park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and though sightings are rare, the park's 30 or so leopard residents are bolder than most and can often be spotted roaming the tracks and open plains. Other wildlife - including elephants, sloth bears and buffalos - is easier to spot and the coastline is frequented by no less than five species of sea turtle.

Yala National Park is also a birdwatchers paradise, with upwards of 200 bird species, six of which are found here alone. All of which make a safari trip of the Yala National Park a real highlight during a Sri Lanka holiday.

Best of Sri Lanka

15-day tailor-made holiday from £5,695 pp incl. flights

From sweeping tea plantations to UNESCO-listed treasures and the wildlife of Yala National Park, spend two memorable weeks exploring the history, culture and beaches of this Indian Ocean gem.

Elephants in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Wildlife and Whales

9-day tailor-made holiday from £4,290 pp incl. flights

Experience the best of Sri Lanka's natural world as you explore the Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park, and go whale and dolphin watching off the palm-fringed south coast.

Top places to stay in Yala National Park

Chena Huts by Uga Escapes, Yala National Park

Small & intimate hotel

This luxury boutique hotel by Uga Escapes is located just minutes from Yala National Park, overlooking a spectacular beach where sea turtles come to nest and elephants play in the surf.

Jetwing Yala, Sri Lanka, Yala National Park

Jetwing Yala, Tissamaharama

Contemporary hotel

This gorgeous property offers a fine stretch of shoreline and sleek modern design in a peaceful corner of Sri Lanka's glorious south coast.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala, Sri Lanka

Traditional lodge

Wild Coast Tented Lodge promises an unforgettable stay in Yala National Park, where you can wake up to the sound of the ocean or the rustling of the jungle from your spacious, elegantly appointed tent.