Yala Safari Sri Lanka: Best Wildlife Tours and Safari Tips
Yala National Park in Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to spot the elusive leopard in the wild. With its open, Africa-like landscape, this park is home to herds of water buffalo, spotted deer, elephants, crocodiles, and even the occasional sloth bear.
In this guide, I will cover everything you need to know to plan your Yala safari, including the best time to visit, entrance fees, how to book a tour, where to stay, and what to expect.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling please— do not feed, touch, or disturb the animals while on your safari.
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Yala Safari Sri Lanka
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Table of Contents:
How to Get to Yala National Park
Mirissa & Other Coastal Towns to Yala National Park
Best Time to Visit Yala National Park
Where to Stay Near Yala National Park
Entrance Fees and Tour Options
What You Can See In Yala National Park
My Experience at Yala National Park
About Yala National Park
Two Gray Langur monkeys from my safari in Yala, Sri Lanka!
Yala National Park is the most popular safari destination in Sri Lanka—and for good reason. It has the largest number of leopards in the world for its size, along with wild elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer, and countless bird species. If you are looking for an unforgettable wildlife experience, Yala is the place to be.
Most people visit Yala National Park on a day trip from Ella or the south coast beach towns like Mirissa, Tangalle, or Arugam Bay. Others stay overnight near the park to maximize their chances of spotting leopards and other wildlife on early morning safaris.
Where is Yala National Park
The official Google Maps location is here. The closest town near Yala National Park is Tissamaharama.
How to Get to Yala National Park
A male peacock in the tree to the left and a few female peacocks in the tree to the right in Yala.
You can reach Yala National Park by bus or taxi. If you are coming from the south coast, the train will only take you as far as Beliatta Station, while from the north, the closest train stop is near Ella. You will need to take a bus or taxi to Yala from either of these points. It is always a good idea to check with your accommodation for the most up-to-date transport options, but here are the best routes I found.
Pro Tip: Haven’t booked your flight into Colombo, Sri Lanka yet? Book your flight through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner.com for the best flight deals. Unlike Google Flights, Kiwi and Skyscanner include regional flights in their search results.
Ella to Yala National Park
Option 1: Public Transport
Taking public transport from Ella to Yala is possible but can be a bit long and chaotic. Buses often brake suddenly, weave through traffic, and pack in as many passengers as possible. Some days, I was lucky enough to board early, snagging a seat by an open window for the whole ride. Other times, I stood for an hour in a crowded, non-air-conditioned bus with the windows shut tight against the rain.
If you have larger luggage, I do not recommend the bus. Storage space is minimal, with only a small section in the back for bigger backpacks.
You can check bus timetables here, but they can change, so it is best to check with your accommodation for the latest schedule and use Google Maps to find routes and track your journey in real-time. The average travel time by bus or train is between 3-6 hours.
The cost to travel between the two with public transport is likely to be between 500 and 1000 rupees (1.69-3.38 USD). I reccomend asking your accomodation what the price of each bus or train should be as many ticket sellers on the buses will take whatever you give them and provide no change.
Here are the best routes I found between the two. Please ask the bus operators for assistance, they are very good at pointing people in the right direction. If you tell them you are trying to get to Yala they will help you.
Route 1: Ella - Wellawaya - Tissamaharama
Bus 1: Ella to Wellawaya
Bus Route Number: 99 (Badulla to Colombo)
Estimated Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours+
Bus 2: Wellawaya Bus Station to Tissamaharama
Bus Route Number: 035-003 (Matara)
Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours+
Option 2: Private Taxi
The second option for getting to Yala from Ella is by private taxi. I recommend asking your accommodation for pricing and if they can arrange one for you. Local drivers on the Pick Me app (Sri Lanka’s version of Uber) often show up and ask for more money than the listed price, so it is best to avoid it. Uber can be a good option for longer distances, but in most cases, your accommodation will be able to find you a better price at a set time. I suggest a car over a tuk-tuk for a more comfortable ride.
Total Cost: 50+ USD
Estimated Travel Time: 2-2.5 Hours / 100-110 KM
Option 3: Day Tour
The final option is to join a day tour from Ella, which includes transportation to Yala National Park. Keep in mind that these tours usually depart very early to reach the park by opening time—sometimes as early as 2 AM. Alternatively, you can choose a safari later in the day. Also, the park entrance fee (31-36 USD) is often not included, so be sure to check what is covered before booking.
If you want to visit the national park from Ella in 1 day you can join a tour like this one, which includes transport.
There are also some tours which include transport from Ella to Yala, a safari, and then transport to your next destination.
Mirissa & Other Coastal Towns to Yala National Park
Option 1: Public Transport
Your first option for traveling between these two destinations is by train and public bus. The bus ride can be a bit chaotic, so be prepared for that. Drivers often brake suddenly, swerve through traffic, and cram in as many passengers as possible. On some days, I was lucky enough to board at an early stop, getting a seat and an open window for the ride. Other times, I stood for an hour in a crowded, non-air-conditioned bus with the windows shut tight against the rain.
If you have larger luggage, I would not recommend taking the bus. There is only a small storage area in the back for bigger backpacks.
You can find bus timetables online, but your best bet is to check with your accommodation for the best route and use Google Maps to check timetables and track your journey. Below are some routes I found between the two.
Route 1: Mirissa/Any Coastal Town - Tissamaharama
Bus Number: 32 (Kataragama)
Estimated Travel Time: 3.45 - 5 hours
Cost: 1-4 USD depending on the ticket seller
You can also catch this bus from Weligama, Unawatuna, Ahangama, Galle, etc.
Option 2: Private Taxi
If you do not feel like taking public transport, you can always hire a private taxi or try to find 1–3 other people heading to the national park and split the taxi with them. It is a much more comfortable and stress-free option if you are not up for the bus. You can grab taxis from anywhere in Sri Lanka to Yala.
Cost: I am not sure as I was traveling from Udawalawe to Yala, but I would guess a minimum of 50 USD.
Estimated Travel Time (From Mirissa): 2-2.5 Hours / 120 KM
Option 3: Day Tour
The final option is joining a day tour from places like Mirissa, Tangalle, or Dickwella, which includes transportation to Yala National Park. Just keep in mind that these tours usually leave super early (before 3 AM) or get you to the park around midday. Also, the park entrance fee (31-36 USD) is often not included, so double-check what is covered before booking.
This 1-day tour could be a great option. Just bear in mind it will be a long day.
This tour can take you from Hikkaduwa/Galle/Mirissa to Yala for a safari and then to Ella. But again, be prepared for a long day ahead.
Best Time to Visit Yala National Park
Yala National Park is open year-round, but the best time for spotting wildlife is generally from February to September. The driest months, June to September, make it easier to see animals gathering around the few remaining water sources, and this is also one of the best times to spot leopards. The northeast monsoon usually brings more rain from November to February, while March to May is a transition period with some rain but warmer temperatures.
Despite these trends, I visited Yala at the end of January and had a full day of sunshine during my safari. I still saw SO many animals.
Where to Stay Near Yala National Park
A view of the rice fields and a wild peacock in Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka. Near Yala National Park.
For the best safari experience, I highly recommend staying near Yala National Park, in the neighboring town called Tissamaharama. This gives you easier access to the park, making your ride there more enjoyable and less stressful. This also means you can wake up later in the morning to head to your safari!
Most accommodations near the park offer guests delicious but inexpensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overall, staying close to the park greatly enhances your experience. I cannot imagine staying in Mirissa or Ella and enduring a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the park, followed by 4-7 hours in the jeep and another 1.5-2 hours driving back.
These accommodations also offer flexible tour times, allowing you to choose a morning, midday, or early evening safari. Additionally, you can easily adjust your tour time if you are concerned about weather or rain. Because these accommodations run their own safaris, rather than going through larger companies, the prices tend to be lower since they do not have to pay commission to anyone.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:
Backpacker/Hostel Option: La Safari Inn Tissamaharama
Best Low-Budget: Ariya Tissa
Best Mid-Budget: The Coconut Gardens Hotel & Restaurant or My Village
Best High-End Budget: Yakaduru (Villa) or Wild Lotus Yala or Cinnamon Wild Yala (Booking.com) (Expedia)
Best Luxury All-Inclusive: Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Booking.com) (Expedia)
Best High-End Budget (Luxury Glamping): Leopard Nest (Booking.com) (Expedia) or Tribe Yala
Best Chain: Hilton Yala Resort
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda, Expedia, and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!
Entrance Fees & Tour Options
An adorable mongoose in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
The safari line to enter Yala National Park in Sri Lanka around 6 AM.
Yala National Park Entrance Fee: The entrance fee is around 43 USD per person (29 USD for the ticket, 1 USD vehicle fee, VAT, and an 11-12 USD service charge). However, people rarely pay 43 USD per person because most people either join a shared tour or have a minimum of 2 people and end up splitting the vehicle fee, VAT, and service charge.
Tickets can be paid in either Sri Lankan rupees or USD (credit cards are not accepted).
For groups, the ticket price decreases with each additional person. Here's the breakdown:
1 person: 43 USD
2 people: 71 USD total (35.50 USD per person)
3 people: 100 USD total (33 USD per person)
4 people: 129 USD total (32 USD per person)
5 people: 158 USD total (31.60 USD per person)
6 people (jeep capacity): 186 USD total (31 USD per person)
The more people in your group, the cheaper the cost per person! This includes if you join a shared jeep tour.
Special rates apply to children aged 6-12 years and SAARC citizens. Children under 6 years old enter for free.
A designated safari car and guide are required to enter Yala National Park. Tour prices depend on the number of people in your group and whether you choose a private or shared tour. There are both full-day and half-day tour options available. Safari costs can also vary based on high and low seasons.
A private half-day tour typically costs a minimum of 60-80 USD, while a shared half-day tour is around 25-50 USD per person. All excluding entrance fees.
A private tour is not necessary unless you are looking for a more relaxed and personalized experience.
You can also choose between a morning, afternoon, or evening tour!
The Best Safari(s) In Yala From:
Please note the entrance fees do change. These fees are for 2025.
What You Can See in Yala National Park
A crocodile hiding near the bushes, to the right of the tree in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
Two beautiful Bee-Eater birds hanging out in a tree in Yala, Sri Lanka.
A large stork standing on a tree in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka.
Here is a list of some of the animals I saw while visiting Yala National Park in January. Your tour guide should have a big book of all of the creatures you may see, so they can identify them for you.
Leopards—of course, but prepared to wait in line to see it. We sat in a line for one hour before seeing it quite far away in a tree. Our guide told us there are only 40 total in the park.
Elephants—we got lucky and saw a lot! However, we say many more in Udawalawe National Park.
Water Buffalo—we saw herds of them running wild across the plains and swimming in the reservoirs.
Peacocks
Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl—looks like a chicken/rooster
Ruddy Mongoose— so adorable up close!!
Birds—Painted Storks, Green Bee Eater, White Breasted Kingfisher, Herons, Malabar Pied Hornbills (so cool), Changeable Hawk Eagle, Owls, and so many more.
Mugger Crocodiles—they are MASSIVE in Yala.
Spotted Deer-so many families of deers and some with long antlers
Bengal Monitor Lizards
Toque Macaque (Monkey)
Gray Langurs (Monkey)
You can also see sloth bears, jackals, and more!
My Experience at Yala National Park
The leopard I saw at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka. You can see its legs and tail dangling from the tree where it is sleeping.
The line to see the leopard in the far off tree in Yala National Park Sri Lanka. We waited for around 1 hour and then had around 60 seconds to see the leopard.
For Yala, I opted for a shared safari! My safari, like many others, began with a 4:30 AM pickup, followed by a 45-minute ride in the safari jeep to the Yala National Park entrance. We were the fifth jeep in line, but all the jeeps had to wait until 5:30 AM for the ticket counter to open. Thankfully, there is a restroom in this area, so it is the perfect opportunity to go while you wait!
Once our driver/tour guide purchased our tickets at 5:30 AM, we continued to the entrance point, where we waited in line until about 6:00–6:15 AM to enter the park. I used this opportunity for a power nap! By the time we got in, I could see at least 50 jeeps lined up behind us.
My initial reaction to the safari was not the greatest—I felt like everyone was rushing and racing to be the first inside, cutting each other off, which kind of took away from my morning (especially because it was so early, and I am easily irritable lol).
From there, we started our very bumpy ride through the park (probably because of the recent rainfall, but who knows). And again, everyone was racing to pass one another—eye-roll.
Beware of the branches! Sometimes, your driver has to tilt the jeep to one side of the road, leaving you vulnerable to getting smacked by tree branches. Keep an eye out and lean to the opposite side to protect yourself!
Not even 10 minutes in, we were rewarded with herds of buffalo swimming in ponds and the reservoir, spotted deer families grazing, wild peacocks calling to one another from the trees, and then—a MASSIVE crocodile. This one was much closer to the Jeep than the ones we saw in Udawalawe, which made it even more exciting!
Not long after, we spotted two elephants deep in the jungle, barely visible—until one crossed the road right in front of us. Our guide mentioned that seeing elephants in Yala is not as common as Udawalawe, so we felt lucky to see one so soon!
As the sun rose, the weather warmed up quickly, and we had to peel off layers to stay cool. We spotted a changeable hawk-eagle, more water buffalo, and another elephant standing out in a vast plain—it looked like something straight out of an African safari. We also saw two hornbills flying, a large owl, a few monkeys, more crocodiles, and much more. However, many of the animals were far off in the distance, so we had to use the binoculars our guide provided. He brought a pair for each group—three in total, which was amazing!
Nearly three hours into our safari, our driver got word that a leopard had been spotted. We rushed to the site, only stopping briefly when we saw a family of five elephants. There were quite a few jeeps gathered, so our view was somewhat blocked, but it was still cool to see.
When we arrived at the leopard sighting, we pulled into a long line of jeeps waiting their turn. There was a line in both directions, and we waited nearly 45 minutes before it was finally ours. Do not get me wrong—seeing a leopard in the wild was incredibly cool, and I am grateful we even saw one, as I know many do not. BUT it was quite far away, partially blocked by tree leaves, so we had to use binoculars to get even a small glimpse. Even then, it was difficult to see. You can probably tell from my photos—I had to zoom all the way in on my phone just to capture the moment.
Although a bit underwhelming, we still appreciated the experience. Our guide explained that Yala only has about 40 leopards, and since they love to nap, they can be tough to spot. Finding one awake and walking is even rarer!
By the time we finished our leopard spotting, our safari was at an end and we headed back out for our journey home. Overall, it was a great safari. Yala felt huge and wild, like we were deep in the jungle. It was definitely a cool experience, even if a bit chaotic at times. I had never seen such large herds of animals before, which made it all the more rewarding.
Tips for Visiting Yala National Park
A mother elephant and her baby on my Yala National Park Safari in Sri Lanka.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Yala National Park:
Stay Close to the Park: The closer your accommodation, the more you can sleep in before your safari and the less time you have to spend in a jeep outside of the park.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: The jeep ride can be bumpy. Go for breathable, comfortable clothes and closed shoes. Be prepared for sun or rain with sunscreen, hats, and rain gear.
Dress in Layers for Early Morning Safaris: Mornings can be chilly, especially on the way to the park. I wore long pants, a T-shirt, and a light coat to stay comfortable. Yala was warmer than Udawalawe was.
Bring Water: Your tour might provide water, but I always prefer to have my reusable water bottle.
Binoculars: Some tours provide them, but it is nice to bring your own (so you do not have to share) to capture every moment up close.
Camera/Smartphone: For those wildlife shots—duh. A zoom lens is ideal for capturing animals that are farther away.
Sunscreen: If your tour is midday, sunscreen will be essential. A hand fan could also help if you tend to get warm.
Choose the Right Tour Length: A half-day tour (around 4-5 hours) is usually perfect. Longer tours can feel too long, and shorter ones can feel rushed.
Arrive Early: The entrance line gets long and the park gets extremely crowded. Get there early for the best experience!
Private Tours for More Attention: Group tours can be crowded. If you want a more focused, relaxed experience, a private tour is the way to go.
Clarify Pricing: Ask about the total cost of the tour upfront to avoid any surprise fees for park entry or guides.
Hire a Knowledgeable Guide: A guide can make a huge difference in spotting wildlife and understanding the park. A great guide will point out hard-to-see wildlife and show you a guidebook to help identify the animals.
Respect the Wildlife To Sustain Life: Keep a safe distance from animals. Do not feed or disturb them.
Specify Your Wants: If your goal on the safari is to strictly see as many leopards or elephants as possible, then tell your guide! They cannot read your mind.
Mistakes can happen, even on a safari, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—to help you navigate the buses, trains, etc. when you do not have wifi! I always use Airalo.
Can’t decide which to visit? Find the Udawalawe National Park VS. Yala National Park guide here!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a safari in Yala National Park?
The entrance fee ranges from 31 to 36 USD, with an additional cost of $25 to $100 depending on whether you choose a private or shared half-day or full-day tour.
How long of a safari should I do—half day or full day?
It depends on your interest, attention span, and how much time you are comfortable spending on a BUMPY Jeep ride. I found that a half-day tour was the perfect amount of time—long enough to see plenty of wildlife without feeling drained or bored. A full-day tour could get tiring, especially if you are not used to long jeep rides. A full-day tour might be worth considering if you are up for a longer day. I do not know how much more I could have seen in a full day—I felt like I had seen it all.
Do I need a private safari or is shared okay?
This depends on if you want a more personalized experience without any background noise or if you want a cheaper price and a full jeep!
Which safari is better, Yala or Udawalawe?
Ah, the classic question! For me and my boyfriend, Udawalawe was the best experience. It felt less crowded, had just as much wildlife as Yala, and offered more of a jungle vibe. Plus, there are way more elephants in Udawalawe. We essentially saw the same wildlife in both parks. Yala, however, has stunning landscapes and the chance to see leopards (although they are often far away and spotted through binoculars). The downside is that Yala can get crowded—when a leopard is spotted, everyone rushes over, creating a line of jeeps. If you are after epic landscapes and a leopard sighting, then Yala is for you. But if you want a quieter, more intimate safari with more elephants, Udawalawe is the way to go.
Do I Need A Visa For Sri Lanka?
Yes, you do. Americans, the UK, Australians, and many other citizens can get a 30-day tourist visa for Sri Lanka online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or on arrival.
Is Sri Lanka SAFE?
I felt very safe during my entire time in Sri Lanka, the people here are some of the nicest and most welcoming I have ever come across during my travels. I did not travel alone, I was with my boyfriend. However, I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:
Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue. There is a vaccination available now as well. Mosquitos are everywhere in Sri Lanka— I constantly had so many bites every day.
Be careful with the street dogs. Most are kind and well-fed in touristy areas, but rabies does exist in the country (in more animals than just dogs). I highly reccomend getting the rabies vaccination before traveling. The disease is fatal.
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas or surfing, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you have data in Sri Lanka. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 119 | Ambulance: 110
You can find a complete list of Sri Lanka’s Emergency #’s by location here.
THERE ARE SO MANY STRAY DOGS IN Sri Lanka, HOW CAN I HELP?
The easiest thing you can do is feed them. You can give them plain white rice and boneless chicken or any other boneless meat, as well as dog food. Many grocery stores sell dog food, but keep in mind that some dogs are picky eaters—do not take it personally if they do not eat what you offer. Of course, a starving dog will eat just about anything. Leaving out some water in a plastic bowl or even an empty coconut can also be helpful. Coconut water is highly hydrating and can benefit dogs as well.
Many dogs, especially those further from tourist areas, are afraid of human interaction. If a dog seems hesitant, simply place the food and water nearby and step away to give them space. I promise they will eat once you leave!
If you come across an injured or sick dog, you can notify Animal SOS, a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes stray animals in need. They currently have over 2000 dogs!! WECare is another incredible group providing veterinary care and sterilization programs to improve the lives of street dogs.
If you notice a dog with fleas or ticks and plan to stay in the area for a while, you can reach out to either organization for help in getting medication to distribute.
If you have more time, consider volunteering with one of these organizations to make an even bigger impact. I volunteered with Animal SOS, and it was a truly amazing day that left my heart even fuller.
