Everything there is to Know about Yala National Park

Yala is in a hot, semi-arid environment despite its lush greenish look, especially during the monsoon season. Temperature ranges from 260C to about 300C. The North-east monsoon season is when Yala gets most of its rainfall from September to December, and the park will most likely be closed during this period. For the most reliable wildlife sightings, it’s best to visit Yala during the dry season from February to June. With the water levels lower, it’s easier to spot animals coming out to quench their thirst.

What is The Terrain at Yala Like?

The vast terrain is composed of an extensively diverse ecology and landscape, from shrub jungle, to riverine forests, moist and dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, to open planes of grassland, fresh and brackish water wetlands, and sand dunes. Block One of the five, is dominated by magnificent, and often huge rocky outcrops, many hiding seasonal pools.

What Wildlife Can You Expect to See at Yala?

Many exotic species of mammals reside in Yala National Park, with one of the densest leopard populations recorded worldwide. The elephant population of Yala is approximately 250-300 individuals, and is broken up into small family groups and lone males. Other mammals include sloth bear, spotted deer, Sambar deer, the occasional Mouse deer, Rusty-spotted cat, and diverse birdlife including raptors, waders, and shorebirds.

The compelling behavior of leopards is an amazing sight to behold, and is often regarded as the main attraction on safari rides at Yala. Elusive sloth bears are known to exhibit their playful fun personalities, as they climb Pallu trees in forage of its fruit. Keep an eye out for these agile fur creatures, as they move swiftly from one tree branch to the next.