While Yala is famed for its leopards, it’s also home to a thriving population of elephants. Herds often roam the park’s open plains and scrub forests, especially during dry season. Expect breathtaking scenery, high biodiversity and an action packed safari where elephants share the stage with crocodiles, sloth bears, deer and over 200 bird species.

• Second most visited park in Sri Lanka
• Known for leopards and elephants
• Elephants seen early morning and dusk
• Beautiful scrub, lagoons, coastal landscapes
• High density wildlife in small area
• Best visited February to July

Yala National Park, in the southeast of Sri Lanka, is the island’s most popular wildlife destination and for good reason. While it’s best known for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, Yala is also home to many wild elephants, who roam the park’s open plains, scrub jungle and lagoons.

Elephant sightings are most common during the dry season (February to July), especially during morning or evening safaris. You might see them feeding on foliage, bathing in lakes or calmly crossing dusty tracks, sometimes alone, often in small family groups.

Beyond elephants, Yala teems with spotted deer, crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, mongooses and an incredible variety of birds. Its varied terrain, from coastal dunes to inland wetlands makes it a visually spectacular park to explore.

Because of its popularity, some zones can get crowded, but at Sri Lanka Tailor-Made, we carefully plan safaris in quieter blocks or at less visited hours to ensure a more intimate wildlife experience. Whether you are chasing leopards or quietly waiting for a tusker to emerge from the trees, Yala delivers drama, diversity and unforgettable wild moments.