The island of Sri Lanka, located just south of India, is known for its thriving ecosystems and wildlife. Sri Lanka has many beautiful forests, pristine beaches, and lush terrains, making it an ideal destination for wildlife and safari lovers. One of Sri Lanka’s largest national parks is the Yala National Park. Home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, the Yala National Park is a popular tourist attraction. There are also many hotels in Yala, such as The Secret Yala, which offer luxury accommodation and amenities.
Located in between the Southern and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka, the Yala National Park spans over an area of over 97,000 hectares. In size, this national park is second only to the Wilpattu National Park. However, the Yala National Park is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka, due its wide range of wildlife and lush forests and plains.
A safari through this national park is assured to be a truly amazing experience as the rich ecosystem of the park is home to 215 species of birds, 44 different species of mammals, and 26 species of reptiles. The various forests and terrains of the Yala National Park are home to over 300 species of vegetation, including several rare trees and plants. Visiting the park gives you the opportunity of witnessing wildlife such as Asian elephants, wild water buffaloes, golden palm civets, Sri Lankan flying snakes, mugger and saltwater crocodiles, sloth bears, and fishing cats, in their natural habitats. Birds such as grey hornbills, crimson-fronted barbets, purple herons, Oriental darters, and Eurasian curlews, can also be witnessed at the park. One of the most fascinating features of the Yala National Park is that it has the highest leopard concentration in the world. Hence, you can also observe these majestic and elusive creatures in their natural habitats. All these features, combined with the beauty and serenity of the forests, makes the Yala National Park a must-visit place in Sri Lanka.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.