Yala is a national park and wildlife reserve located in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its diverse range of flora and fauna, including several species of rare and endangered animals. The park is home to a variety of large animals such as elephants, leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, and wild boar. It is also a great place for bird watching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park.
Yala is a great destination for safari lovers, as it offers some of the best wildlife viewing in Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore the park in 4x4 safari jeeps, or on foot accompanied by an experienced guide. The park is also great for camping and a number of campsites are available within the park.
Yala is also an ideal place for nature lovers, with a wide variety of plants and trees, including mangroves, palms, and ferns. The park is also home to a number of natural springs and waterfalls.
The area around Yala is home to some beautiful beaches, including the pristine Nilaveli Beach. There are also several Buddhist temples and ruins located nearby.
Whether you're looking for a wildlife adventure or a relaxing beach getaway, Yala is a great destination to explore in Sri Lanka.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Yala National Park: Yala National Park is the most popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka and is known for its variety of wild animals, such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. It is also home to some beautiful beaches and is a popular spot for birdwatching.
2. Kataragama: Kataragama is an important pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka and is home to some of the country's oldest temples. It is also known for its vibrant markets and stunning scenery.
3. Tissa: Tissa is a small town in the southern province of Sri Lanka and is home to some of the best beaches in the country. It's also a popular spot for water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
4. Pasikuda: Pasikuda is a picturesque beach resort located in the eastern province of Sri Lanka. It is known for its white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and coral reefs.
5. Kirinda: Kirinda is a small fishing village located in the southern province of Sri Lanka. It is known for its beautiful beaches and is a great spot for whale watching. It is also home to an ancient temple and a lighthouse.
1. Yala National Park: Located in southeastern Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is the country’s most visited and second largest national park. Home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bear, wild boar, and more than 180 species of birds, Yala is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. Kumana National Park: Located adjacent to Yala National Park, Kumana National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to hundreds of species of migratory birds. It is also home to many species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.
3. Kataragama Temple: This ancient temple is located in the small town of Kataragama, about 20 km from Yala. The temple is dedicated to the four-faced Hindu deity, Lord Murugan, and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus alike.
4. Magul Maha Viharaya: This ancient Buddhist temple is located in the nearby town of Hambantota. It was built in the 2nd century BC and is known for its unique architecture and large sculptures of the Buddha.
5. Situlpahuwa Raja Maha Viharaya: This temple is located in the town of Tissamaharama and is dedicated to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is also home to a large Buddha statue and several other ancient artifacts.
1. Kottu Roti: Kottu Roti is a Sri Lankan street food dish that consists of chopped roti bread, stir-fried with vegetables and spices. It is usually served with a side of curry and a spicy chutney.
2. Kukul Mas Curry: Kukul Mas Curry is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made with chicken, onions, garlic, chilli and spices cooked in coconut milk. It is usually served with rice or roti.
3. Hoppers: Hoppers are a Sri Lankan breakfast dish made from a fermented batter of rice flour, coconut milk and a hint of toddy. The batter is cooked in a special pan to create a thin pancake-like base, and topped with an egg and/or spicy curry.
4. Lamprais: Lamprais is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from rice, curried vegetables, and a boiled egg, all wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. It is usually served with a side of sambol.
5. Seeni Sambol: Seeni Sambol is a traditional Sri Lankan condiment made from caramelized onions, chilli, curry leaves, and Maldive fish. It is usually served with rice, roti, or as a side dish.