Deep south into the recesses of the tropical island of Sri Lanka lies a belt of natural forests, and reef gardens. The natives and indigenous people, located relatively far away from the bustle of the city, these entities enjoy the pace of a reality only known to them who are in sync with nature and who live in harmony with their neighbour – who may happen to be a leopard or deer.
Located in the Dry Zone, Kuda Oya; roughly 150 to 290 km from Colombo and the Katunayake Airport, is home to a rare touch of endemic nature, having within its grasps, Sri Lankan Leopards, Wild water Buffalos, Sloth bears, Asian Elephants, Chital Deer, Black – naped Hares, Marsh Crocs, Wild boars driving out Leopards, Mongoose, The Malabar Pied Hornbill, Changeable Hawk Eagles, Grey Headed fish eagles, Bush Larks and Green Bee Eaters are some of the easily spottable fauna with a bush telescope or binoculars. Due to the various ecosystems adopted in place in Yala, the Nature enthusiast or even a novice could observe endemic tiny butterflies to elephants thrive in the lush forest cover. Apart from the lure of the wild, places such as Sithulpauwa, Magul Maha Viharaya and Kataragama give a change of pace to bring back to life the early cultural chords that have formed the core of a part of the Sri Lankan culture. Wild life enthusiasts also have the option of visiting the national parks surrounding the areas such as Bundala, Kumana, Lunugamvehera and Yala.
Yala has been a hot spot in terms of the presence of the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), natively known as the Kotiya or Puli. Though classified as Endangered by IUCN, you get one in every 2sq. Kilometres in Yala, making this the densest population of leopards in the world.
In order to enjoy the essence of Yala it is ideal to be lodged in a Yala Sri Lanka Hotel since they make safaris and excursions convenient to easier to access, organize and fit it into a holiday itinerary. There are plenty of safari hotel Sri Lanka accommodation options and one of them located close to the national park is the Chaaya Wild Yala. This Yala hotel offers personalized trails in the wild, outdoor camping, and exotic access to the breath taking view of the coral reefs and marine life that abounds there.
