Yala National Park is the most extensive and popular of Sri Lanka’s many beautiful national parks. This vast protected area is a haven for local wildlife, and within the almost 400 square miles of wilderness, you can find an enormous diversity of different animals.
Among the species calling this land home are Sri Lankan elephants, leopards (sadly, we didn’t see any since there are only around 50 in the entire park), crocodiles, water buffalo, and even the rare Sri Lankan Sloth Bear. The national park is also teeming with different bird species and is one of the best places in the world for bird watchers and enthusiasts to visit.
We arrived in Tissamaharama, just around 20 km from the park entrance, where we set our base for the next two days in this beautiful spot called Avonil Resort. We stayed in the lower part of a beautiful villa overlooking the pool. Avonil Resort was our first stop after a drive from Haputalle, and it was quite a different experience compared to the cool mountain temperatures.
We’ve decided to take a full-day safari (5 AM – 6 PM), including lunch. Now that we have done it, we can recommend taking just a morning safari. You’ll likely see enough animals in the morning, and many animals are also not active in the afternoon, instead staying away from the scorching sun. The roads in the park are also very dusty and bumpy, so be prepared for that. We liked Kaudulla NP and Minneriya NP in Sigiriya more, and Udawalawe NP was very nice, too. And, of course, it is not as crowded as Yalla NP since this is the most famous park in Sri Lanka.
YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARI – FULL DAY:
The driver picked us up at 5 AM, so we picked up our breakfast packs and went off. It was still dark, but we could see many jeeps picking customers in front of their accommodations and heading in the same direction.
Jeeps are allowed to enter Yala National Park twice daily: at 6 AM and 2 PM. According to the rangers, there is no perfect timeframe to choose from. A Yala tour takes about 4 hours.
✓ Tip:
- Take a half-day safari – it’s less demanding, and you can see all the animals in 4 hours. It’s also less expensive (70 USD/person)
As most visitors came from Tissa, we used the southern Palatupana gate. Our first stop required us to queue and register for permits, allowing us to spend the morning exploring the park and watching the wildlife as we encountered them.
Immediately upon arriving at Yala National Park, you’ll be immersed in the wild beauty of Sri Lanka’s southern wilderness.
Your knowledgeable safari guide will ensure your family’s safety while providing fascinating insights into the park’s flora and fauna. Remember to bring your binoculars and cameras, as every moment in Yala is a potential photo opportunity.
Encourage your kids to keep a wildlife journal or checklist, documenting the animals and plants they encounter. It’s an educational and fun way to engage with the environment.
✓ Tips:
- Safety First: Follow the guidelines of your safari guide and ensure your children remain seated and quiet during wildlife encounters.
- Snacks and Water: Pack snacks and plenty of water to energize your kids during the safari.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen, wear hats, and have sunglasses on hand to protect your family from the intense Sri Lankan sun.
- Respect Nature: Teach your children the importance of respecting the park’s rules and maintaining its natural beauty.
