Yala National Park

Yala National Park Entrance Tickets

Here is the Yala National Park entrance fee -

• Cost of entry to Yala National Park: Adults - USD 15 (INR 1240), Children - 660 (INR 661)

Note:

• This cost does not cover the safari charges.
• The price is subject to change at the time of booking.

About Yala National Park

Once an abandoned land, Yala National Park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. It was also called Ruhuna National Park in the 1940s and was less famous than it is now.

Starting with 14,101 hectares of land, the park expanded. It has a mythological significance also. People believe that Ravana established his kingdom here called the Ravana Kotte, which is under the water today. When the Britishers came, Yala became their hunting ground. Today, settlements of Sithulpawwa, water tanks that Sri Lankan kings made, still can be seen in this national park, even after hundreds of years.

Coming to the wildlife of Yala National, it is diverse. The park aims to strike a balance between man and nature, celebrating all life forms. The most significant animal seen during Yala National Park tours is the leopard. You can also see elephants playing and walking, followed by buffaloes, deer, golden palm civets, fishing cats, sloth beers, and more. 

The lagoons of Yala are filled with crabs and prawns along with over 20 kinds of fishes like orange chromide, olive bard, and stone sucker. In addition, crocodiles can be found in shabby water areas.

Turtles and endangered species like green, olive ridley, and hawksbill turtles are found here. As far as reptiles go, Yala National Park has Indian Cobra and Russel, two highly venomous snakes. There are about 215 species of avifauna chirping, like the hornbill, wood pigeon, jungle fowl, etc. Many migratory birds are sheltered here, like egrets, painted storks, and Asian hornbills.

Yala National Park location is vast. Thus, there are many things to do in Yala National Park to make your visit more enjoyable. Safari rides in Yala National Park are a must to witness wildlife at its best. Pre-booking facility is available. You can choose from half-day tours and full-day tours. Individuals have the option to choose their own tour if budget and time allow.

Beach walks, birdwatching, camping, and sightseeing at a 2200 years old Buddhist monastery called Sithulpawwa are other things to enjoy on a trip to Yala National Park.

Interesting Facts about Yala National Park

• Yala East National Park area comprises metamorphic rock from the Precambrian era.
• Yala has been an important place for past civilizations.
• The park has a pilgrimage site that about 400,000 pilgrims visit annually.
• It is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka.
• The park has five blocks.