Travel to Yala
Yala
Extends over the Hambantota district of southern province and Monaragala district in Uva province, Yala is the second largest national park as well as the most visited national park in Sri Lanka due to its high density of leopards. Ironically, the park was initially used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule. Situated in Sri Lanka’s south-east hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean, Yala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and was designated a national park in 1938. Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park.
Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Among its more famous residents are the world’s biggest concentration of leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles. Yala National Park is rich in birdlife and around 130 species have been recorded here. Besides, Situlpahuwa, Kataragama, Kebiliththa, and Buduruwagala are the other places to visit in and around Yala.
A series of wildlife bungalows operated by the park afford nature enthusiasts to spend a night in the park. These bungalows are very basic, promote open space but give you an unforgettable experience as you experience a night in the animal kingdom. Besides, Tissamaharama and Kataragama are good bases from which to do a safari to Yala and any hotel or guesthouse would be able to arrange this for you.
Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for travel. But, like any other destination, it is always important to practice caution and take the necessary precautions. Since the end of its civil war in 2009 security and stability has improved. The government has implemented measures to ensure the safety of both locals and tourists.
The economic crisis that started after COVID has now diminished. Fuel and power availability have been restored.
We advise you to stay informed about the current situation before planning your trip. We recommend checking travel advisories and following the guidance provided by your government. Also, make sure you’re sufficiently insured for the duration of your tour.
Sri Lanka is a popular destination for families due to its beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, good food, and hospitality. There are many kid-friendly attractions and activities to experience. Hotels that cater to the needs of families as well. Sri Lanka offers a wide range of activities for kids.
When traveling with toddlers, make sure to get diapers and formula in major towns where supermarkets are available. Also, the kids should be vaccinated for rabies since there are many stray dogs around. Pack your mosquito repellents as well, since dengue is abundant. Consult with your hotel to confirm that they are baby- and child-friendly and can accommodate your special requests.
A few things to do with kids
- Boat trips
- Whale and Dolphin watching
- Seeing elephants on a wildlife safari in Yala or Udawalawe
- Visiting a sea turtle hatchery
- Visiting the Udawalwe Elephant transit home
- Discover the tea estates in Nuwara Eliya
- Visit Galle Fort
- Snorkeling in Pigeon Island
Since Sri Lanka is a small country, it makes it easier for kids as there is less time on the road.
- Tea
- Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world. The scenic tea plantations in the central highlands of Nuwara Eliya and Ella are popular tourist attractions.
- Beaches
- The country has beautiful palm-fringed beaches along its coastline. Particularly on the west coast, south coast, and east coast. There are ample surfing hotspots like Arugam Bay and Weligama. Southern beaches like Mirissa, Weligama, Tangalle, Hiriketiya are trending beach hotspots.
- Wildlife
- Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is known for its national parks, such as Yala, Minneriya, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe. Visitors can spot elephants, leopards, birds, and other wildlife. Whale- and dolphin-watching tours are also available in Mirissa, Kalpitiya and Trincomalee.
- Heritage Sites
- Sri Lanka has a rich archaeological heritage, with ancient cities and ruins. Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Cultural Events
- With a recorded history spanning over 2000 years and a diverse cultural landscape, Sri Lanka commemorates numerous religious and cultural festivals all year round. Prominent events like the Esala Perahera in Kandy, Vesak festival and the Sinhala and Tamil New Year exemplify the rich traditions of the country.
- Ayurveda and Wellness
- Sri Lanka is renowned for its traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which focuses on holistic healing and wellness. Many visitors come to Sri Lanka for Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats.
- Adventures
- Sri Lanka is embraced by captivatingly beautiful beaches, green mountains, and untouched waterways. This enchanting paradise presents an array of thrilling prospects for both adventure enthusiasts and nature aficionados. Positioned as an island sanctuary, it is encircled by the azure expanse of the ocean and intertwined with a network of rivers, lakes, and mountains soaring to heights over 2500 meters above sea level.
These natural features provide an abundance of avenues for exhilarating activities such as deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, wind and kite surfing, flyboarding, paragliding, white-water rafting, canoeing, waterfall abseiling, river kayaking, rock climbing, zip-lining, and canoeing. Moreover, boasting over 200 shipwrecks scattered around its coastline, the island offers an enticing prospect for diving enthusiasts as well.
