Southern Province
Yala National Park
One of the highest leopard densities anywhere in the world.
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Yala is Sri Lanka's most visited national park, and the reason most people come: elephants in loose family herds, crocodiles along the tank edges, and — if you're patient and a little lucky — a leopard crossing the track at first light.
The park is split into blocks; Block 1 is the busiest but also the most reliable for sightings. Early morning and late afternoon drives are noticeably quieter and cooler than midday.
Worth knowing
- Highest leopard density in Asia
- Large elephant herds year-round
- Coastal lagoons with crocodiles and waterbirds
Best time to visitFebruary–June is driest and best for sightings. The park closes for maintenance most Septembers.
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