Yala, A Nature Sanctuary Bordering the Indian Ocean
Yala, Sri Lanka refers to the famous Yala National Park near the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is now home to a vast variety of wildlife and local flora, although it was once a thriving civilization in the past. About 2,000 years ago, the area was settled in by 12,000 residents. They built temples and homes in the area, some of which are still well-preserved till this day. The community primarily lived off of agriculture. Today, Yala is a strict nature reserve featuring a national park.
Best Time to Visit
February and July are two of the best times to drop a visit to Yala as during these months, the park’s water levels are particularly low, and animals can easily graze in the open. However, tourist population is also high by this time, so book your Yala, Sri Lanka hotels early. The weather in the area is hot despite the lush vegetation around. The rainy season begins in September.
What to Do & Area Attractions
The Yala National Park Yala is easily the most popular and second-biggest national park in the country. It houses a massive population of leopards, jackals, elephants, and crocodiles, among others. Visitors also come by the Patanangala Tsunami Memorial, which is a commemoration of the destructive 2004 tsunami that hit the area. The cheapest hotels around Yala, including the Big Game Camp and the Elephant Reach, all of which are just outside the borders of the Ruhuna National Park, one of the national parks in Yala.