Frequently asked questions about Yala National Park:
- What wildlife can I expect to see at Yala National Park?
Exotic species of mammals are resident in Yala National Park, with one of the densest leopard populations on the globe. The elephant population of Yala is approximately 250-300 individuals, and is broken up into small family groups and loan males. Other mammals include sloth bear, spotted deer, Sambar deer, the occasional Mouse deer, Rusty-spotted cat, and diverse birdlife including raptors, waders, and shorebirds.
The compelling behaviour of leopards has been noted around the world, and as such has been featured on numerous occasions in animal and nature documentaries by National Geographic and the BBC. Elusive sloth bears that reside in Yala National Park have immense fun in climbing Pallu trees for the delicious Pallu fruit. Moving agilely from leafy branches to sturdy trunks as they feed on the yellow fruit between April and June, these shaggy-coasted mammals are incredible to see, if only to glimpse them for a moment.
- When is the best time to visit Yala National Park?
Travel is year-round except for September and the first half of October when the park is closed for about six weeks. The dry season is the ideal time between February and July as water levels of the park are quite low. November to February brings rain from the NE Monsoon, and a sky painted with vibrant colours with the arrival of migratory birds from central Asia and the Himalaya.
- What kind of weather can I expect in Yala National Park?
Situated in the dry zone of Sri Lanka the climate is hot and occasionally humid, and average temperatures range between Min 20°C / 68°F and Max 33°C / 91°F.
- When is Monsoon season at Yala National Park?
It receives most of its rain during the Northeast Monsoon that occurs around mid-October to late-December.
- What is the ecological diversity of Yala National Park?
The vast terrain is composed of an extensively diverse ecology and landscape, from shrub jungle, to riverine forests, moist and dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, to open planes of grassland, fresh and brackish water wetlands, and sand dunes. Block One is dominated by magnificent, and often huge rocky outcrops, many hiding seasonal pools.
- What languages are spoken in Yala National Park?
Sinhala, Tamil and English are all officially recognised languages
- What is the currency used in Yala National Park?
Sri Lankan Rupee
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