Understand

In recent times, there have been concerns about the impact of tourism on the wildlife in the area. The increasing number of visitors, along with the reckless driving of safari jeeps, pose a threat to the animals. It is important for visitors to prioritize the welfare of the animals and avoid safari tours operated by companies that exploit the situation. You can read more about the Yala bear saga and the challenges faced by Yala National Park in dealing with hordes of visitors in these articles: Yala bear saga and Can Yala cope with hordes of visitors?

Get in

To explore Yala National Park, the easiest option is to take a tour from the nearby town of Tissa (Tissamaharama). If you are coming from the north, you can take a direct bus to Tangalle, Matara, or Galle and hop off at the Tissa-Punnegamuwa-Junction Stop. From there, you can hire a tuk-tuk (around 150-300LKR) to take you to Tissa, which is approximately 4km away. If you are coming from the south, you can drive directly to Tissa. Once you are in Tissa, you can find tours to the National Park at various guest houses and hotels in the city. The tours usually leave at 4:30/5:00 in the morning or at 14:30 in the afternoon, depending on whether you opt for a half-day, full-day, or overnight tour. The entrance fee to the park is currently around 3,700 rupees, but it may change. The tours themselves typically cost around 4,000 to 6,000 rupees on top of the admission ticket. If you are traveling alone, it can be expensive, so it's best to try and join forces with other travelers to increase your bargaining power. The tour guides often use tourists as bait to attract more people, so it's beneficial to meet the other travelers as soon as you arrive. Alternatively, you can choose to stay at a bungalow closer to the park, but bear in mind that it may be more costly and slightly more challenging to reach without assistance. If you are in Kataragama, you can also visit the park from the Katagamuwa entrance, which is approximately 8km away. A half-day trip from Kataragama typically costs between 4,500 and 5,000 LKR.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Hoppers, also known as appam, are a staple breakfast item in Sri Lanka. These thin, pancake-like crepes are made from fermented rice flour batter and coconut milk, giving them a unique texture and flavor. They are typically eaten savory, often accompanied by spicy dahl curry, fish or chicken fillings, and a side of lunu miris - a tangy chili sauce.

Kottu roti is a popular street food found all over Sri Lanka. It consists of flattened wheat dough, cooked on a griddle until crispy, then cut into strips. The dish is typically prepared by stir-frying the cut roti with spices, vegetables, and your choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, or fish) or made vegetarian. This hearty and filling meal is known for its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

String Hoppers, also known as "hoppers string," are another popular dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. Made from fermented coconut milk and rice flour batter, these noodle-like strands of hoppers are thin and delicate. They are usually served as a snack or light meal, accompanied by various curries, lunu miris, and sometimes with a sprinkling of sugar and grated coconut for a sweet twist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing