Covering a vast expanse of 979 square kilometers, Yala National Park stands as the largest in Sri Lanka and the second-largest in the Indian Ocean region. Situated approximately 300 kilometers away from Colombo, the park features five entrances, with only Ruhuna National Park (Block 1) and Yala Estonia open to visitors. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, including Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, and aquatic birds, the park encompasses six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in its vicinity.

Lunugamwehere National Park, the largest among the neighboring parks, stands out with its dry, semi-arid climate and serves as a haven for over 70 bird species, including 215 migratory birds. Yala boasts a remarkable 44 mammal species, hosting one of the world’s highest leopard densities. As the most visited park in Sri Lanka, it welcomed over 156,867 foreign visitors in 2002, with 30% originating from Europe. A visit to Yala National Park promises an unforgettable and awe-inspiring experience, showcasing the diverse and captivating wildlife of this remarkable region.