This blog post is all about a Yala travel guide.
When it came to planning our trip to Sri Lanka, going on safari was top of the list!
I’d never seen elephants in the wild before (only in zoos or on TV) so the idea of witnessing these incredible animals up close, in their natural habitat, felt surreal. And let me tell you, it absolutely lived up to the hype.
There are a few places across Sri Lanka where you can go on safari, but Yala National Park in the south is hands-down the best option if you’re hoping to see the elusive leopard.
It’s the most famous national park in the country and offers one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Something we were lucky enough to experience first-hand.
If you’re wondering how to plan a safari in Yala, how to get there, whether to go in the morning or evening, and where to stay, I’ve got you covered in this 24-hour Yala travel guide.
Make sure to check out my Yala travel guide vlog on YouTube if you are planning a trip which will give you an idea of what to expect when you get there!
This blog post is all about a Yala travel guide.
Yala Travel Guide: Where is Yala National Park?
Yala National Park is located in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean.
It spans over 978 square kilometres and is the country’s second-largest national park, but easily the most visited.
It’s famous for its leopard population. But you’ll also find elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, wild boars, peacocks, buffalo, monkeys, and countless species of birds.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Yala Travel Guide: How to Get to Yala from Ella
Most travellers arrive in Yala from either Ella or the south coast beaches, and trust me, getting there is an adventure in itself.
We travelled down from Ella by local bus, like we did for most of our time in Sri Lanka, and let’s just say… it was an experience.
The winding mountain roads and the bus driver’s Formula 1-level speed around the corners had our hearts in our mouths more than once. If you’re after comfort, maybe consider a private transfer. But if you’re chasing authentic, this is it.
From Ella, the bus took around 4 hours, and from the south coast (like Tangalle or Mirissa), expect a 2–3 hour journey.
Whichever way you come, try to arrive the day before your safari so you’re not rushing around.
Yala Travel Guide: Why Yala is the Best Safari in Sri Lanka
While other national parks like Udawalawe and Minneriya are great for elephant spotting, Yala is your best bet for seeing leopards.
It’s known for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, and its wide variety of wildlife makes every minute exciting.
Yala also feels more ethical and natural than some of the other parks. The landscape is vast, and the animals roam freely. It never felt like a circus show, and our guide was respectful of the animals’ space.
For me, seeing elephants walking across the road and spotting two leopards was one of the best experiences I’ve had while travelling.
RELATED Yala Travel Guide blog post to read: Epic Yala Safari: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Yala Travel Guide: What Animals Can You See on Safari?
Yala is home to:
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Crocodiles
- Sloth bears
- Peacocks
- Deer
- Wild boars
- Water buffalo
- Monkeys
- Over 200 species of birds
We saw two leopards in one morning, countless elephants, a crocodile sunbathing on the bank, and endless birds, some so brightly coloured they didn’t look real.
Peacocks strutted across the trails like they owned the place, and water buffalo lounged lazily in mud pools.
Yala Travel Guide: Morning vs Evening Safari: Which is Better?
Yala offers both morning and evening safari options:
- Morning Safari: Begins around 4:30am and lasts until midday (we were back around 12:30pm). This is prime time for spotting animals as they’re more active before the heat kicks in.
- Evening Safari: Starts around 2:30pm, ends by 6:30pm. A shorter option, and some say it’s better for spotting leopards as they emerge in the cooler hours.
We chose the morning safari, and while the 4am wake-up was very tough, it was worth it. We saw everything we hoped to, especially those leopards!
You can also book a full-day safari, but honestly, seven hours in a jeep was plenty for us.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
Yala Travel Guide: Where to Stay in Yala
We stayed at Gaga Bees Hotel, which we absolutely recommend.
Set away from the main roads, it’s peaceful, eco-conscious, and super charming.
- Private eco huts built with natural materials
- On-site pool to cool off post-safari
- Delicious food available for lunch and dinner
- Super helpful staff who helped us book everything
- You can organise your safari directly via WhatsApp: +94 71 620 5343
We booked a private morning safari through them before we even arrived, and it couldn’t have been easier.
Yala Travel Guide: Things to Do in Yala (Besides Safari)
If you’re spending more than one night in Yala, or just want to fill your afternoon after your safari, here are a few things worth checking out in this Yala travel guide:
1. Relax at Your Hotel
Most hotels in Yala are built for rest. After a 4am safari start, trust me, you’ll want to spend the afternoon by the pool or napping in a hammock.
2. Visit Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
An ancient Buddhist monastery located deep inside Yala’s jungle. The temple is perched on top of a rock, offering stunning views of the forest. You can organise a tuk-tuk from your hotel.
3. Bird Watching
Even outside the national park, Yala is filled with wildlife. Bring binoculars or ask your hotel about local birding spots.
4. Explore Kirinda Beach
If you have your own transport or a driver, head to nearby Kirinda Beach. It’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spot with a beautiful temple and ocean views.
Yala Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Yala
Most travellers tend to eat at their hotel, as Yala is fairly remote and spread out. But if you’re looking for extra options:
1. Gaga Bees Hotel Kitchen
Home-cooked meals, delicious Sri Lankan rice & curry, and Western options too. We had both lunch and dinner here and were very happy.
2. The Flavours Restaurant (near Tissamaharama)
A short drive away, this local spot is great if you want to venture out. They serve up authentic Sri Lankan food in a laid-back setting.
3. Refresh Hotel Restaurant
Also in Tissamaharama, this is a popular choice among safari-goers for post-tour dinner or drinks.
Most places will offer vegetarian and vegan options, and if you’re staying somewhere nice, your hosts will often go out of their way to prepare something fresh and special.
Yala Travel Guide: How Long Should You Stay in Yala?
Two nights is the sweet spot. You’ll want:
- One night to settle in after your travel day
- A super early start the next morning for safari
- A second night to relax and recover
- A smooth check-out the next morning before heading to the coast
Anything longer and you might feel like you’re just waiting around, unless you’re planning multiple safaris.
Where to Go After Yala: Head to the Beach
After dusty roads and animal-spotting, it’s time to hit the beach. You’re perfectly placed to head to Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
From Yala, you can get to:
- Tangalle (chilled out, fewer crowds)
- Hiriketiya (great food and surf)
- Mirissa (whales, nightlife, and beach clubs)
- Weligama & Ahangama (surf towns)
- Unawatuna & Galle (colonial charm and cafés)
We spent the rest of our trip beach hopping town to town, and it was the perfect way to wind down after safari.
For all the details, download my Sri Lanka Travel Guide here!
Yala Travel Guide: A Safari Worth Travelling For
Yala wasn’t just a box-tick experience, it was one of the most magical parts of our entire Sri Lanka trip.
Seeing wild elephants walk beside our jeep, watching a leopard cub in a tree, and soaking up the stillness of sunrise in the jungle is something I’ll never forget.
If you’re thinking of squeezing in Yala for just a day, do it.
Book a safari, stay two nights, and then treat yourself to the coast. You won’t regret it.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
If you’re planning a safari in the jungle or surfing the south coast, make sure you’re covered with travel insurance.
I use SafetyWing travel insurance and recommend it to anyone on a long trip or working remotely abroad.
It’s affordable, flexible, and you can sign up in minutes (we did it while waiting for coffee!).
Want More Sri Lanka Tips?
Check out these additional Sri Lanka blog posts:
- Ultimate 10-Day South Coast of Sri Lanka Itinerary
- Best Surf Spots in Sri Lanka
- Kandy to Ella Train: Everything You Need to Know
- Sri Lanka Bus Travel: What to Know
- 2 Days in Colombo Itinerary & Travel Guide
Or download my Sri Lanka Travel Guide packed with tips, routes, and foodie favourites.
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