Yala National Park description and photos - Sri Lanka: Yala (Topic)

Yala National Park description and photos - Sri Lanka: Yala. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Yala National Park.

Photo and description

Yala combines a nature reserve with a national park, resulting in a total protected area of 126,786 hectares of scrub, woodland, grassy plains and lagoons. It is divided into five parts, the most popular of which is block 1 (14101 ha), which is open to tourists, it is also called western Yala. This block was originally a nature reserve for hunters, but was transferred for conservation in 1938.

Western Yala has one of the largest populations of leopards (over 35 leopards). It is known throughout the world as one of the best spots to watch these graceful big cats. The best time to observe leopards is between February and June or July, when the water level in the park is low. Elephants, They are also popular with tourists (they are also best watched from February to July), and if you're lucky, you may also see shaggy sloths or jackals. Indian sambars, sika deer, wild boars, crocodiles, buffaloes, mongooses, monkeys - there are hundreds of them here.

About 150 species of birds have been recorded in Yala, many of which arrive to escape the northern winter. Among them: white-winged black terns, waders and pintail, wild chickens, hornbills, orioles and peacocks.

Despite the large amount of wildlife, forests can make it difficult to observe animals. In this case, small grassy glades and many reservoirs come to the rescue, around which many wildlife usually accumulate. The best time to visit the park is at the end of the dry season (March-April).

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Topic: Yala National Park description and photos - Sri Lanka: Yala.