Yala National Park - A Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Lanka

A Wildlife Sanctuary of Sri Lanka

Yala National Park, also known as Ruhuna National Park, is a protected area located in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. Covering an area of 979 square kilometers, the park is the second largest in the country and is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a wide variety of bird species.

The park was initially designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was later upgraded to a national park in 1938. Yala National Park is divided into five blocks, of which two are open to the public: the Ruhuna National Park (block 1) and Kumana National Park (block 5). The other three blocks are used for research and conservation purposes and are not open to visitors.

Geography and Climate

Yala National Park is situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka, and as such, the park's landscape is predominantly composed of dry semi-arid forests, grasslands, and scrublands. The area is dotted with rocky outcrops, and the park's coastline is marked by sandy beaches and rocky cliffs.

The park's climate is tropical, with two distinct monsoon seasons. The northeastern monsoon occurs from December to February, while the southwestern monsoon takes place from June to September. The park receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 1,000mm, with the wettest months being November and December.

Wildlife

Yala National Park is renowned for its diverse range of wildlife, with the park being home to over 44 species of mammals and over 200 species of birds. The park's most famous inhabitants are its leopards, with Yala National Park having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.

Apart from leopards, the park is also home to a variety of other carnivores, including the Sri Lankan sloth bear, jackals, and wild dogs. The park's herbivores include Asian elephants, spotted deer, sambar deer, and wild buffalo. Reptiles such as crocodiles, monitor lizards, and various species of snakes also call the park home.

In addition to its impressive range of mammals and reptiles, Yala National Park is also a birdwatcher's paradise. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the Sri Lankan junglefowl, painted stork, woolly-necked stork, and the endangered lesser adjutant.

Tourism

Yala National Park is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The park offers a range of activities for visitors, including jeep safaris, birdwatching tours, and camping trips.

Jeep safaris are the most popular activity in the park, with visitors able to hire a jeep and driver/guide to take them on a tour of the park. The safaris are typically conducted in the early morning or late afternoon, with visitors having the opportunity to spot a range of wildlife, including leopards and elephants.

Birdwatching tours are also a popular activity in the park, with visitors able to hire a guide to take them on a tour of the park's birdlife. The park's wetlands and water bodies are particularly rich in birdlife, with visitors having the opportunity to spot a range of species, including migratory birds.

Camping trips are also available in the park, with visitors able to book a camping site and spend the night in the park. The camping experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the park's wildlife and natural surroundings.

Yala National Park is a protected area, and as such, a range of conservation efforts are in place to protect.