Highlights & route
Enter at dawn for the best wildlife activity. Scan rocky outcrops and waterholes for leopards, watch elephant herds, and look for mugger crocodiles and painted storks.
Insider tips
Choose responsible operators who avoid crowding animals. Bring binoculars and a dust cover for cameras.
Best time
February–July is typically best for sightings; parks may close briefly for dry-season recovery.
Suggested add-ons
Bundala for birding; Kataragama temple town; beach stays in Kirinda or Tangalle.
Overview
Yala’s scrub jungles and lagoons host one of the world’s highest densities of leopards, alongside elephants, sloth bears, and birds.
Why travelers love it
- High chance of big-cat encounters.
- Salt-tinted landscapes meeting the sea.
- Thrilling sunrise or sunset game drives.