Places to Explore

in Sri Lanka

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Yala

Southern Province

Yala, home to Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, is best visited from February to September when the weather is dry and ideal for wildlife spotting. The region experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year and a monsoon season from October to January, which can bring heavy rains. During the dry season, visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to spot a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and various bird species. Yala’s extensive parklands, picturesque coastal scenery, and rich biodiversity make it a premier destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Excursions while you stay in Yala

Popular places to visit​ in Yala

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its diverse and abundant animal populations, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Visitors can embark on guided safari tours through the park's varied habitats, which include dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands, in search of a wide range of fauna, such as elephants, spotted deer, wild boar, and an impressive array of birdlife. The park's strict conservation efforts have helped to protect its delicate ecosystems, making Yala a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and eco-tourists seeking an immersive encounter with Sri Lanka's remarkable biodiversity.

Kumana National Park

Kumana National Park, situated adjacent to Yala National Park, is a protected area that showcases a unique and vibrant wetland ecosystem. Visitors can explore the park's network of lagoons, marshes, and mangrove forests, which are home to a rich diversity of avian species, including rare and migratory birds. Kumana National Park is renowned as a premier birdwatching destination, offering travellers the opportunity to spot a wide variety of resident and migratory birds in their natural habitats. The park's diverse wetland habitats and its commitment to conservation make it a valuable ecological resource and a captivating destination for nature lovers.

Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

The Sithulpawwa Rock Temple is an ancient and revered Buddhist shrine located within the Yala National Park region. Visitors can explore the temple's intricate rock-cut architecture, which features elaborately carved statues, murals, and other religious artifacts that showcase the region's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The Sithulpawwa Rock Temple serves as a testament to the enduring significance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and offers travellers a chance to connect with the country's enduring religious traditions and the natural landscapes that have shaped them.

Kataragama Sacred City

Kataragama Sacred City is a revered pilgrimage site that holds deep spiritual significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and indigenous Vedda people. The city is centered around the Kataragama Temple, dedicated to the warrior deity Skanda-Murugan, where devotees from various faiths gather to offer prayers, perform rituals, and seek blessings. The annual Esala Festival, featuring vibrant processions and traditional dances, draws thousands of pilgrims from across the island and beyond. The sacred city is also home to other religious sites, including the Kirivehera Stupa, adding to its spiritual ambiance.

Kataragama Devalaya

The Kataragama Devalaya is a renowned and sacred multi-religious site located in the town of Kataragama, within the Hambantota District. The complex is unique in that it is revered by Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims alike, reflecting the island's long history of religious pluralism and syncretism. Visitors can explore the various shrines, temples, and other structures that make up the Kataragama Devalaya, and participate in the vibrant festivals and rituals that take place throughout the year, gaining insights into the region's diverse spiritual traditions.

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is a unique and ecologically significant protected area located in the southern region of Sri Lanka, renowned for its diverse wetland habitats and rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore the park's network of lagoons, marshes, and sandy beaches, observing a vast array of migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, and other wildlife in their natural environments. Guided safaris and birdwatching tours offer opportunities to immerse oneself in the park's natural wonders, while also learning about the importance of conserving these fragile coastal ecosystems. 

Lunugamvehera National Park

Lunugamvehera National Park is a protected area situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka, notable for its diverse array of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, which support a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can participate in guided safaris and wildlife-watching activities, where they have the opportunity to observe elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species in their natural environments. Lunugamvehera National Park provides an exceptional opportunity for nature lovers and eco-tourists to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka's remarkable natural heritage and to appreciate the importance of conservation efforts in safeguarding these precious ecosystems.