Explore the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka
Yala is situated in the southeast region of the country and is touched by two provinces southern province and the Uva province. Yala is the second largest and most visited national park in Sri Lanka. In 1990, Yala was nominated as a wild sanctuary, and in 1938 it was nominated as a national park among the first two national parks in Sri Lanka.
There are some more places to visit in Yala. However, the jeep safari in Yala National Park is a famous thing to do in Yala. The Yala National Park consists of five main blocks. Among them, only two blocks Ruhuna National Park and Kumana National Park are now open to the public. Some tourists especially visit due to staying leopards in Yala.
What kind of climate in Yala
Yala is situated in a dry zone of Sri Lanka, so the climate in Yala is hot and humid. The middle of the national park is 100-125 meters above sea level. Generally, the average annual climate in Yala National Park is 29°c. The hottest time in the year is March when the average temperature goes up to 30°c. The lowest average temperature in the year is January, which takes around 28°c. The greatest amount of rainfall occurs in November and the least rainfall occurs around July.
Best time to visit Yala
With the climate and all, August October, and December are the famous and busiest months among tourists. Due to having a sunny mood in the sky. Also in July tourists are unlikely to visit Yala. But if you need a leisurely and less expensive tour in Yala, then July is the best time to visit Yala.
Best Places to Visit in Yala
1. Katharagama Temple
Katharagama temple is one of the most valuable sacred sights for pilgrimages of Buddhists, Hindus, and other religious communities in Yala. Kataragama is the main sight that tourists look for when visiting Tissamaharama or Yala. It is also named as Ruhuna Maha Kataragama Devalaya. This temple is dedicated to the Buddhist guardian god Kataragama. There are a few other shrines that are dedicated to Hindu Gods and a Mosque for Muslims. You can see, as a country, all the pilgrims Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim people are definitely coming to this place.
2. Kiri Vehera Stupa
From 800 m North to the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya situated the Kiri Vehera stupa it is 95 feet in height and 280 feet in circumference. Kirivehera is the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimages in Sri Lanka and it was done by King Mahasena in the 6th Century BC. In history, this stupa is named Magulmahasaya. Also it a one of among 16 most sacred pilgrimage sites known as “Solosmasthana” in ancient Sri Lanka.
3. Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala is a famous sight in Yala. Due to cutting Buddha-related figures on a huge rock, which belief held from the 10th Century. It is located 9 km away from the scenic side road from Wellawaya. The name Buduruwagala is formed from the words, Buddha (BUDU), images (RUVA), and stone (GALA). The main figure among them is 15m in height, a huge standing Buddha, and the left and right hands of a standing Buddha figure. And also the Mahayana Buddhist figure Avalokitesvara figure. Avalokitesvara’s wife Tara figure, Prince Sudhana, the future Buddist Maitreya Maitreya. Vijrapani figure and Vishnu or Sahampath Brahma figure.
4. Sithulpawwa
Hill of the quiet mind is named Sithulpawwa. Which is located in the middle of Yala National Park with a collection of rocky outcrops and cave sights. That belief is situated from the 2nd century BC. The ancient texts mentioned that it was called by another name Chilththala Pabbatha. Also, Sithulpawwa is known as a location where thousands of Arhaths lived long ago.
5. Magul Maha Viharaya
Among the major tourist attractions of the Eastern province situated on the north edge of the Lahugala National Park is Magul Maha Viharaya, which dates back to the 2nd century B.C. Magul Maha Viharaya was formed from the wedding of King Kavantissa of the Magam Ruhunu kingdom with Princess Viharamaha Devi. Accordingly, he is the one who built this venue. The word “MAGUL” is known as a wedding.
Best Things to Do in Yala
6. Yala National Park Jeep Safari
The main activity among tourists and locals in Yala is the jeep safari in Yala National Park. It is the second-largest wild sanctuary in Sri Lanka, situated southeast region of the country. You can find a variety of wild animals in Yala National Park, especially the leopards. And also to take a great experience is a jeep safari to the national park. We can arrange this safari jeep tour for you to have a memorable time inside the national park.
The ideal times for the safaris in Yala National Park are 5.30 am to 8.30 am. And during the morning tour or 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm on the afternoon tour. The safari times are bound to be morning and afternoon only. Because these are the times that animals come out from the jungle. But if you are especially seeking Leopards in Yala, the best time to visit leopards is in the afternoon. Also, Full-day safaris also conducted by Sanki Leisure.
You may take a private jeep for the safari and a safari guide will help you during the tour, by explaining the inside of the park. You will be provided with a custom open-air 4WD jeep. Safari drivers will take you to the places where the animals are mostly strolling. It’s important to stay on alert, so you don’t miss the captivating creatures around.
7. Bundala National Park Jeep Safari
The national park famous among tourists for exploring birds is Bundala National Park. Bundala National Park consists of mainly dry thorny scrublands, marshes, and four brackish lagoons. The land is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline. You can find around 200 species of birds, out of which 58 species are migratory species. And also, It also has a habitat for 32 species of mammals and with few amphibians and reptiles.
Only a small population of elephants around 25 to 60 depending on the season can be seen in Bundala National Park. Rarely a leopard also be seen in Yala. Normally leopards are inside the jungle in Yala. The people who go on Jeep safari in Yala National Park, definitely go for a travel to Bundala National Park too.
8. Famous Beaches Near Yala
Kirinda Beach is famous among the tourists who visit Yala. This is situated 20 minutes away from Yala town and located in between 2 national parks, Yala and Bundala National Park. It is best for a beach holiday and a starting point for jeep safaris in Yala National Park. And also for the Kumana National Park. The climate in Yala and Kirinda is the same.
Hambantota Beach is very attractive among the beaches on the southern coast. It is located 7 miles away from the Bundala National Park. Also, it is a great beach for people who like snorkeling and diving. And also, Hambantota is a historic town that dates to 200 BC.
Have a Tour Around Sri Lanka Including Yala
If you are willing to do a round trip around Sri Lanka. Then definitely recommend you include Yala or Tissamaharama as one destination of your tour. As we have told you about the importance of travel to Yala, is the national park with the leopards and other animals. Definitely you also be interested in a safari in Yala National Park. Throughout the year the climate in Yala would be equal, so it is also a specialty in Yala. However, we have some good tour packages including this Yala as one destination for your tour.
- Sri Lanka highlights tour package: This is a 06-day/05-night round tour. If you are a person who is interested in the history of Sri Lanka, the hill country as well as wildlife. So this is the best tour package for you.
- South Coast tour package: This is a 07-day/06-night round tour. If you are interested in beach leisure with some travel to wildlife like Yala, then this package is for you.
- Sri Lanka grand tour package: This is a 14-day/13-night round tour. If you are interested in traveling visit all the interesting places in Sri Lanka leisurely with Yala. Then this is the best tour package for you with more leisure and interesting sights.
By selecting the above links you can find some more packages according to your preference. Also, above all the packages can be customized according to your likes and dislikes.
Where to Stay in Yala
Luxury: Experience true paradise on the east coast of Sri Lanka at the luxurious and intimate. Wild Coast tented lodge, Cinnamon Wild Yala, Laya Safari, Grand Tamarind Lake.
Medium hotels: Good availability and great rates. Read hotel reviews and choose the best hotel deal for your Yala to stay. Hotel Chaarya Resort and Spa, Magampura eco-village resort, Mandara Rosen Kataragama.
Budget: Best budget accommodation with a pool. Nice areas to relax, The Wild Heaven, Hotel Tamarind Tree Tissamaharama, Blue Turtle Hotel, and Hotel Nilketha.
Yala Travel Guide Summary
Explore and have a great experience by having a sighting safari in the second-largest national park in Yala Sri Lanka. That lies in two provinces named the Southern Province and Uva Province. This wild sanctuary was nominated as a natural park in 1938. Later on, Yala was considered one of the largest leopards residents in the world. Yala National Park consists of five main blocks, two of which are open to the public for travel.
