Wildlife

Yala National Park

South Coast 4.5
06:00 to 18:00 (AM/PM game drives) $42 to 45 $$$ Family-friendly

Yala National Park is sri Lanka’s flagship safari park, with one of the world’s highest leopard densities alongside elephants, sloth bears and lagoons full of birds. Getting there: Gates near Tissamaharama; 1.5 hrs from Tangalle. Open 06:00 to 18:00 (AM/PM game drives).

Best on a dawn or dusk safari. Book a jeep and keep a respectful distance.

Good to know

Hours06:00 to 18:00 (AM/PM game drives)
DressNeutral colours for game drives.
Getting thereGates near Tissamaharama; 1.5 hrs from Tangalle.
Get around Trains, buses & Metro · Journey times

Make a day of it

2 stops nearby · ~23 km · approx $24/person

  1. 1 Yala National Park You’re here
  2. 2 Uga Chena Huts 16.8 km

Rough per-person estimate from sourced rates (PickMe/km, meals, entry). Confirm locally.

Directions Open the route in Google Maps

Nearby

Katagamuwa Wildlife Sanctuary12.6 kmKatagamuwa Wildlife SanctuaryYala National Park Safari16.3 kmYala National Park SafariYala National Park Sri Lanka16.4 kmYala National Park Sri Lanka Uga Chena Huts ★ 4.8 · 16.8 km away Resort Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais & Chateaux ★ 4.7 · 17.3 km away Resort Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya20.9 kmRuhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya

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Common questions

How do I get to Yala National Park?

Gates near Tissamaharama; 1.5 hrs from Tangalle.

What are the opening hours at Yala National Park?

Yala National Park is open 06:00 to 18:00 (AM/PM game drives). Hours can change on poya days and public holidays, so confirm before you travel.

Is Yala National Park suitable for children?

Yes. Yala National Park works well for families, though younger children will need supervision and shade breaks.

Is Yala National Park wheelchair accessible?

No. Yala National Park involves steps or uneven ground and is not step-free, so it is difficult for wheelchair users.

Is there a dress code at Yala National Park?

Neutral colours for game drives. This is enforced at the entrance, so carry a scarf or sarong if in doubt.

How current is this information?

These details were last verified in 2026-06. Time-sensitive details such as fees and opening hours should always be confirmed with the official source before you travel.

Last verified: 2026-06 Source ↗