Sri Lanka, the stunning tropical island has plenty of wildlife that makes safaris the most thrilling experience! From majestic leopards to giant elephants, animal lovers will find paradise here!
Yala National Park
The entrance to the Yala National Park | Img. Courtesy: [By Dan arndt, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons]Yala National Park located in the south east of the country is the second largest and most popular wildlife park. Designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1990, you’ll be able to spot many animals here!
Safari jeep
Tourism Yala National Park | Img. Courtesy: [By Adbar, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons]There are a number of safari tour providers around Yala which visitors can make use of. However, as most Yala hotels offer wildlife safaris such as WildTrails Yala, it’s best to book with them instead – to avoid any unsafe or scam tours.
Mammals
Sri Lankan Leopard – Yala National Park | Img. Courtesy: [By Thimindu Goonatillake from Denver, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons]Yala Park is most famous for spotting elephants and leopards. You’ll see herds of Sri Lanka’s magnificent beasts in the larger open plains of the park while leopards are often harder to spot and can usually be seen resting in the shade.
Birds
Eagle in Yala National Park | Img. Courtesy: [By Schnobby, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons]
You gotta have a hawk’s eye (pun well intended) when you’re at Yala Park. From the proud peacock to the island’s national bird; the jungle fowl, bird types are diverse and colourful!
Reptiles
File:Crocodile in Yala National Park| Img. Courtesy: [By Schnobby, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons]Yes, there are crocodiles and snakes. Plenty of them! Crocodiles can be spotted lurking the murky waters around the rivers and swamps.
Things to remember
File:Sign advising not to feed the animals | Img. Courtesy: [By Tess McBride, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons]Avoid making loud noises when you’re inside the park, as this will scare or aggravate the wild animals, especially since you’re in their territory. Don’t feed any wild animal nor throw your thrash out of the jeep!
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
