Into the Heart of the Jungle: Exploring Yala National Park

Yala National Park is one of the most recognized, most popular and one of the best-known wildlife parks in Sri Lanka. It’s the second largest national park after Wilpattu national park. It is situated in the southeastern region of the country, in meeting points of the Southern Province and Uva Province. The reserve covers an area of 389 square kilometres between the great rivers of Menik and Kumbukkan, and it is divided to 5 sections that stretch from the jungle inland to the Southern coastal beaches of the Indian Ocean.

The Yala National Park is home to many types of fauna with around 200 species of birds like the national bird of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Crimson-fronted barbet and the Black-capped bulbul and 40 types of mammals like the Spotted deer, Asian elephants and the Golden jackal. But its considered popular among people due to the population of leopards. They are very introvert creatures so it’s a 50/50 chance to spot one. It’s considered best to visit Yala between the months of January to July to have a quick glance at these magnificent creatures.

Water is abundantly found in this reserve after the northeast monsoon, but during the dry season, surface water is considered as an important factor. The bodies of surface water appear in the different forms like streams, tanks, waterholes, etc. For many deers, elephants, birds and water buffaloes natural waterholes are ideal source to quench their thirst.

The park has a variety of ecosystems including moist monsoon forests, grasslands, sandy beaches, etc.

Due to the 2004 tsunami in Sri Lanka the park was affected as many trees and endemic plants were taken away. But due to the great hearing sensation of the mighty elephants the animals hid away even before the tsunami came.

This place is a well-known tourist attraction and is considered as the most visited park in Sri Lanka. They gather around during the evening and morning to capture an amazing sunrise and sunset with the wildlife surrounded them. The weekend calls for a huge traffic commotion due to the many vehicles entering the park. It is best to visit the park during a weekday when the traffic is much less as the park is less crowded during that time.

The park is not only popular among people due to the splendid fauna and flora but also to its wonderful history as well. During the colonial period Yala became a popular hunting ground and was reserved only for the resident sportsmen.

The park is a place that is a must to visit as it will create a special unforgettable experience within you.