Bring out the adventurer in you and embark on a thrilling journey to Yala, an unspoiled paradise that will attract the adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and admirers of the wilderness. Yala is a haven of natural splendour and biodiversity that is tucked away in the midst of Sri Lanka's stunning and diverse scenery. An adventure into the wild will be an amazing and memorable experience due to its extensive wilderness, historic sites, and abundant wildlife.
Embark on an adventurous and mind relaxing excursion to Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park located at Yala, the southeast region of the island. This blissful emerald green paradise combines gorgeous landscapes alongside ancient structures to create a unique fusion of natural splendour and historical heritage. As you take a breathtaking safari at this beautiful region, you'll get the chance to observe native wildlife and learn about the traces of former kingdoms that still linger around. Yala's abundant ecosystem and cultural legacy makes it an alluring and memorable experience.
Wildlife lovers, adventure lovers and wildlife photographers are most welcome to Yala National Park, also called Ruhuna National Park, as it is a great choice if you want to take in the best of the wildlife and natural splendour it has to offer. An excellent population of leopards dwells at Block I of Yala, the most visited area, and it would serve the most extraordinary opportunities for leopard encounters, along with sightings of sloth bears, Asian elephants, a variety of bird species, and several more. Established in 1938, this historical haven is home to several archaeological treasures including the 2,000-year-old Sithulpawwa monastery and religiously significant destinations like Kataragama and Magul Maha Vihara.
Located in the dryer zone of the country, Yala National Park is home to a variety of natural scenery and landscapes, including monsoon forests, brackish lakes, and coastal sand dunes. This magical wonder combines breathtaking splendour of nature with the enthralling history that lures visitors to explore its outstanding vistas and learn more about its ancient legends. Yala is a beautiful location, which can be reached within a few hours from Colombo, where wildlife, culture, and environment thrive together.
Yala National Park is made up of 5 blocks; namely Galge, Yala West, Palatupana (Block2), and Katagamuwa(Block1) with entrances. Most frequently visited Blocks are Blocks 1 and 2 which are open to the public, whereas Blocks 3 and 5 see less visitors. The park allows visitors who are interested in wildlife to spend the night in simple but comfortable wildlife lodges. With this special opportunity, you can spend the nighttime among the animals feeling like a date with nature and wildlife. You can reserve one of these bungalows for a private excursion which will offer you the chance to discover the park's solitude before the other travellers show up.
Yala National Park is the perfect camping spot for anyone who would want an onsite experience on observing wildlife. Up to 10 people can stay at the campground of Yala National Park, with the possibility of adding 2 children under the age of 6. Reservations are usually valid for only 3 days where the guests must register in advance and fill out the mandatory forms upon visit.
A 20 × 20 ft. space is offered for campers to put up your camping tents temporarily and permanent structures are not permitted. You are guided by expert trekkers through all of this and throughout your stay however alcohol and smoking are not permitted, and campers are held accountable for their behaviour. On-site restrooms are available and must be left tidy when you leave the site as well. Campers must be aware of and abide by the rules and the regulations of the park because any damages done to nature will become a major problem.
Embrace the serene affection that the variety of bird species at Yala National Park have to offer to you as they dance around the trees with their harmonious chirps. Yala National Park is a sanctuary for a plethora of wildlife and plant species, with an extraordinary 978.807 square kilometres of biodiversity. Being one of Sri Lanka's 70 "Important Bird Areas," this serene space is home to about 215 bird species, which includes 7 endemics: the Sri Lankan grey hornbill, black-capped bulbul, Sri Lanka junglefowl, crimson-fronted barbet, blue-tailed bee-eater, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and brown-capped babbler. For anyone who loves bird watching, Yala is one of the top destinations in Sri Lanka for bird watching, so you should add it to your travel bucket list today. The park offers glimpses of uncommon species of birds as well which includes the peach-and-rust-breasted lesser whistling duck, the small cormorant, and the spot-billed pelicans.
Yala transforms into a safe haven for many waterfowl species during the northeast monsoon. These species include northern pintails, Eurasian curlews, and ruddy turnstones. Yala is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, therefore made up of monsoon forests, wetlands, grasslands, and beaches, providing a number of habitats for the birds. This makes it possible for a diversity of birds to coexist, such as the forest birds like the stunning Indian paradise flycatcher and the colourful orange-breasted green pigeon. Ensure to take top-notch binoculars with you to take in the greatest views if you want to take full advantage of this exceptional opportunity of birdwatching.
Take the perfect chance to take a leisurely stroll along the stunning golden shores of the pristine beach at Yala where you can take some time to stretch your arms and legs as well. Yala Beach, which is situated within Palatupana settlement, is 2.7 km from the settlement's centre and 188.6 km from Colombo. Even though the broad coastal region that borders the conservation area is mostly off limits and inaccessible to people, certain areas are accessible. This place is alluring to lone travellers and those looking to unwind with a brief, straight coastline that offers azure ocean waves and golden shores. Considering its charm, it is rarely crowded which creates a tranquil setting.
A bungalow that was cruelly damaged by the Asian Tsunami and where lives were lost was originally located near the main accessible beach area. As you take a look at the ruins and while you reflect upon honouring the memory of the victims, a thoughtful and peaceful state of mind is produced at this picturesque setting of a tranquil atmosphere. The beach offers gorgeous scenery and a variety of activities, such as swimming and sunbathing, considering how less convenient it is. Yala Beach, a popular spot in Palatupana, is conveniently situated along the road and has beachside parking. Step into the smoothness of the beach and its serene setting and leave your mind at peace.
Embark on a spiritual journey at the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, also referred to as the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, which is a religious region that was established in the 2nd century BC, most probably by King Kavantissa, that lies within an hour's drive from Yala. Known to have been a shelter to a large number of monks, this temple structure contains over 160 caves where some of them were enormous.
Its name translates to "the hill of quiet minds," which is a reflection of its main purpose of serving as a tranquil place for meditation, that gathered arhat monks who reached enlightenment. The stupa of the temple sits on a summit and is encircled with Sigiriya-style murals of Lord Buddha and Bodhisattva statues. Sithulpawwa continues to be a welcoming place for pilgrims and those looking for peace because of its tranquil atmosphere and centuries-old structures that date about 2,200 years back.
People from all religious backgrounds flock to Kataragama to witness the interesting legends and the unique culture of Sri Lanka. It serves as a "pilgrimage town" for Buddhists, Hindus, Veddas, and Muslims. Kataragama, close to Yala National Park, is about 228 km from Colombo was originally a very small town. It became very significant as a cultural heritage and that made the Sri Lankan government expand it to manage the increase of tourists and visitors for that region. Kataragama shines as an exceptional religious centre where numerous communities from all across Sri Lanka join together.
The Kataragama Devalaya is a temple that is devoted to the mysterious Kataragama Deviyo which stands as the main religious attraction of the region. It is yet unknown as to how this place originated and when it originated, but it is thought to have been existing throughout the 12th and the 15th centuries.
The Esala Perahera is a yearly celebrated festive occasion of worship, and it attracts people in large groups throughout the season of July to August. There is a highlight of the event which is done for two weeks as a journey of devotion and it ends in an exuberant celebration that resembles a "perahera." Ensure the modesty of how you choose your outfits when you visit this place as it is of religious importance and should dress accordingly to show your respect.
Make sure to visit the museum as well in addition to the Kataragama Devalaya.
Magul Maha Viharaya is an old archaeological site located at Lahugala which is about a 4 hours' travel from Yala. Take a leisurely one day trip to explore this ancient monastery. Lahugala was formerly known to be a component of the mediaeval Ruhunu Kingdom and it is said to have had a connection to King Kavantissa from the 2nd century BC. The name given to the temple means "wedding" or "an auspicious event," which is given due to the marriage of King Kavantissa and Maha Vihara Devi that took place at this place. All the glory and the credit goes to King Kavantissa usually due to the identity of the original designer remaining uncertain. Over time, other kings have repaired it while maintaining its aesthetic value.
The stupa, Bodhi tree, image shrine, main gate, and its encircling barrier are still standing tall amidst the debris. You need to ascend 3 sets of staircases to reach the stupa and when you reach it you are able to witness guardian stone lions standing at its entryway. Among several unusual characteristics, you can find a moonstone at the shrine that features elephant riders. The enormous Magul Maha Viharaya complex, which spans for about 10,000 acres boasts impressive historically architectural structures which is an awe-inspiring sight that is to not miss for anyone who is interested in learning more about Sri Lanka's fascinating history.
Kebiliththa is a spiritual location considered to be highly valuable and sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Tucked away at Block 4 in Yala, it is very popular among visitors from around the world who desire to meditate. It is tradition for visitors to undertake a week-long fast from meat and alcohol, and this tradition has been carried out for centuries. It is thought that the Kataragama Deviyo practises meditation here on specific days, thereby explaining the spirituality of the destination. The Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya is also located on the premises and is titled after a tamarind tree that is thought to be a branch from the original tree that is connected to the monastery. There is a Bodhi tree which stands adjacent to the monastery that is encircled by the ruins and arches, therefore Kebiliththa is said to be a deeply spiritual location.
Kebiliththa isn't as bustling as Kataragama Devalaya therefore given its strict requirements, only a small number of devoted guests are accepted every day. You must possess a pure heart and firm trust, which necessitates spiritual purity and self-discipline in you which would be the greatest requirement to enter the premises. The location becomes more widely recognized during religious celebrations and Poyas because legends say that the Kataragama Deity is more likely to be around during those times of the year. Kebiliththa is the perfect getaway for anyone seeking to embark on a spiritual journey, but according to local beliefs, only those who come here with sincere intentions can find the spiritual strength, so you must make sure you are ready by performing the necessary preparations before you make a visit.
The Okanda Devalaya (Ukanthamalai Murugan Kovil) is a well known religiously significant destination which is only a five hour trip from Yala. It is situated at Okanda, a tranquil town at Ampara District which is on the East Coast. Tucked away amidst the verdant woodlands and rocky cliffs, the monastery is a sacred destination for benediction and repentance. Legends say that the deity Skanda landed on the sandy beach of Okanda and that his golden boat became the well-known "Ran Oru Gala" rock so that is how the religious significance of it was given. The colourfully painted shrine bestows blessings on mariners both prior to and following their boat trips. The temple is still a noteworthy destination for pilgrims despite its almost fading stupa relics that sits upon its sinking rock.
Throughout the duration of Esala, pilgrims engage in Pada Yatra (pilgrimage) to Kataragama via the Okanda Devalaya by taking a walk with their feet, in order to receive Lord Skanda's grace prior to resuming on their journey. Hindus admire this monastery just as much as the Buddhists do as they offer their prayers at its sylvan shrine, despite the site having particular value for Buddhists. People from many different cultures travel there to take in its outstanding splendour of the sightings because of its reputation for holding an ethereal power. Visit Okanda Devalaya for an insight into Sri Lanka's heartfelt devotion, but make sure to dress modestly to show your respect for the religious place and its believers' values.
As you say goodbye to Yala National Park, make sure to remember that the worth and the grandeur it holds are entwined into something more than simply its picturesque surroundings. The essence of it will also be present in the recollections that you've made with the secrets that nature has taught you throughout your journey. The adventures you have at Yala are bound to remain engraved in your soul, from the resounding roar of the majestic elephants to the short glimpse of a leopard among the bushes. This pristine environment makes an ever-lasting impression on us by bringing back the intricate balance we enjoy with the inhabitants of the earth and thus reminds us of the value of maintaining these treasured ecosystems for future generations.