How to Plan a Trip to Yala

The Yala National Park is a wildlife paradise that has lots to offer. Here are of the most popular activities you can engage in when you visit the national park and don’t forget to include them in your plan or itinerary on your next trip there!

Beach Walks

Most of the coastal stretch that falls under the Yala National Park is out of reach for visitors. There are only a handful of locations that visitors are allowed to have a break in between their journey and catch a breather. One of the main beach strips that are open to the general public is a site that an old resort was built on but was washed away by the tsunami. By looking at the area you can still see the destruction and havoc that the tsunami, which claimed the lives of humans and animals alike has left behind.

Safari Rides

Yala National Park’s main attraction is obviously the safari rides which will take you on a thrill ride that you will cherish for a lifetime. But remember, you must be patient and respect the animals as the Yala National Park isn’t a zoo, but it is a place that offers you the chance to see these animals in their natural habitat. Hence, you need to plan your trip based on the animal species you want to see.

Bird Watching

The Yala national park inhabits approximately 90 different species of birds and about half of them migrate to the park from various parts of the world. Some of the migrant birds include Cormorants, Eurasian Spoonbill, Waterfowls and small waders. Pelicans, Egrets, oriental darters and flamingos are some of the other types of birds that can be spotted frequently at the Yala Lagoon. If you aren’t a bird watcher before you visited the Yala National Park, well then, here’s your chance to be one! patience and a pair of binoculars are the only things you need!

The Yala night experience

Visit the village

The Yala National Park is situated at the heart of a rural village. The main source of income for its inhabitants includes coconut plantations, paddy field plantations, dairy plantations and traditional vegetable farming. Rent a bicycle and cycle through the village to experience how the villagers who lead a very simple and charming lifestyle earn their living.

Experience the culture

The Yala National Park also houses many religious and historical landmarks that have significant value to Sri Lankans. The Sithulpawwa (which when translated means “hill of the quiet mind”) Temple is an ancient temple built on a rock, that is also a monastery which is home to over 12,000 monks. The Magul Maha Viharaya, which is situated south of Sithulpawwa temple, is regarded to be a venue that the marriage between Vihara Maha Devi and King Kavan Tissa took place. Both these temples can be visited together as both of them are located in the same vicinity. The ruins of Tissamaharama and its ancient Temple predates to the 3rd century B.C, during the time when it was the capital of Sri Lanka. The site is located a 3-hour ride away from the park and it is worth visiting if you’re a history buff.

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