A top tourist destination in Asia, Sri Lanka is much admired world over for its numerous pristine beaches as well as the rich variety of flora and fauna. Among the wide ranging attractions in this splendid island are various religious sites, historical sites and nature parks such as the Yala National Park.
Located about 290 km from Colombo and northeast of Tissamaharama in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is renowned for its wide variety of wildlife. Lying on the southeast coast of the charming island nation, the park mainly comprises of semi-arid thorny scrub intermingled with pockets of somewhat dense secondary forest. Boasting numerous cultural ruins that bear testimony to ancient civilizations, the park is well recognized for its picturesque coastline in addition to the precious wildlife.
The large number of elephants that inhabit the park makes it exceptionally attractive to animal lovers. These giant mammals can be seen bathing in various lakes located within the park. Visitors also may encounter mongooses, jackals, sloth bears, wild buffaloes, wild boars, spotted deer and leopards, which are an endangered species. While taking a jeep ride across the park, one can also witness the park’s great diversity of birdlife which includes Common Iora’s, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters, Crested Hawk Eagles, Paradise Flycatchers and Rosy Starlings.
According to a recent study, Yala National Park’s density of leopards is among the highest in the world. Those eager to spot a leopard should visit the park early in the morning or at dusk. The park’s male leopards are known to be quite confident, thus they are often seen walking feely on the tracks. Especially young males fearlessly roam around despite a jeep’s presence, which offers excellent photographic opportunities.
A prominent wildlife company specialising in tented, mobile camping safaris in the country is ‘Leopard Safaris’. It carries out its operations in the island’s three leading national parks; Wilpattu, Uda Walawe and Yala. Taking one of these safaris is the ideal way to experience the splendour of the park’s wildlife.
Travellers in search of a safari hotel Sri Lanka near Yala, should not look beyond Chaaya Wild Yala. Providing 4 star accommodation that is bound to exceed one’s expectations, the hotel offers unparalleled opportunities of spotting leopards and is an ideal choice for those seeking Yala chalets.