Take a safari tour
Yala National Park is famous for its wildlife, so a safari tour is necessary. You can choose from a half-day or full-day tour and spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and many bird species.
Go birdwatching
Yala National Park is home to over 200 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park offers several birdwatching tours, including the early morning birdwatching tour, which is the best time to spot rare and migratory birds.
Visit the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
This ancient Buddhist temple is located in the middle of the park and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. The temple is surrounded by beautiful forests and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy safari tours.
The eatery at the Yala National Park
This restaurant offers a range of Sri Lankan and international cuisine and is conveniently located inside the park. You can enjoy your meal while overlooking the beautiful scenery of the park.
Refresh Restaurant
A five minute drive from Yala will take you to the Refresh Restaurant in Tissamaharama. Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes to suit every palate, from traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to international favorites.
Spotting leopards
Yala National Park is known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, so spotting one is a must-do activity. The best time to see leopards is early morning or late afternoon.
Visiting the Elephant Transit Home
This rehabilitation center for orphaned elephants is located near the park and is a great place to see baby elephants up close. The center is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Watching the sunset at Patanangala Beach
This stunning beach is located just outside the park and offers a perfect place to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. You can also enjoy a swim in the warm waters of the ocean.