The Best Places to Visit in Yala National Park

 

Here are the top places to visit in the iconic Yala National Park. Make sure you witness these amazing places during your Yala trip.

Because of its proximity to Yala National Park, which is among the most frequented of Sri Lanka’s national parks, Yala has become one of the most well-known tourist sites in the country. The 1268 square kilometers that make up Yala are home to stunning light woods, verdant grasslands, and saline lagoons, all of which attest to the island’s abundance of species. Elephants, leopards, crocodiles, buffaloes, aquatic birds, and monkeys are among the most often seen animals in this area.

As far as leopard sightings go, the west is where you’ll have the most luck. Numerous spectacular attractions may be found around Sri Lanka thanks to the country’s varied landscapes and rich wildlife.

Must-see places in Yala National Park

The shoreline and coral reef of Yala National Park are indeed remarkable, but the park also has various historic ruins, temples, and rock carvings from as far back as the third century BC. The Kumana National Park is a common stop on the journey both Hindu and Sinhalese worshippers take to the Kataragama shrine. Some of Yala National Park’s favorite parts include:

1. The park in general

Although it may seem obvious, we just must include this magnificent national park in our article. About 305 kilometers from Colombo, the Yala National Park stretches over 97,878 acres and is divided into the publicly accessible Ruhana and Kumana National Parks to the west and east, respectively. Because a river separates the two areas, traveling between them is arduous. Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s second-biggest national park. And it has semi-arid thorn scrubs, deep forests, mangroves, and spectacular coral reefs along the coast. The largest national park in Sri Lanka is Wilpattu National Park.

In addition to its more than 250 bird species, 46 reptile species, 44 animal species, and 18 amphibian species, Yala National Park is well-known for its greatest concentration of 25 leopards. The other animals graze about in groups of 100–200, including elephants, wild buffalo, and sloth bears. The wood pigeon, black-capped bulbul, brown-capped babbler, crimson-fronted barbet, jungle fowl, and grey hornbill are just some of the other six bird species that may be found in Sri Lanka. Also abundant are populations of Toque macaque and Red Slender Loris, both of which are prosimians.

2. Magul Maha Viharaya

South of Sithulpawwa, in Yala National Park, lies the historic Buddhist temple of Magul Maha Viharaya, where Vihara Maha Devi and King Kaban Tissa were married. The temple is a “must-see” because of its attractive architecture.

On the vihara grounds, you can still see the foundations of the “Magul Maduwa,” which served as the setting for the wedding. The Viharaya complex, said to have been constructed by King Kavanthissa in the second century BC, is over 10,000 acres and has the remnants of a bo-maluwa, palace, monastery, stupas, and ponds.

3. Buduruwagala

One of Yala’s top attractions, Buduruwagala is home to some of the world’s oldest and largest Buddha statues, dating back over a millennium and standing at a staggering 15 meters in height. The huge Buddha statue features tiny carved figures on its side, and its unusual cemented robe is a vibrant shade of orange.

4. Kebiliththa

Kebiliththa, a village in the fourth section of Yala National Park, is a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful environment in which to practice their Hindu or Buddhist faiths. Many people go to Kebiliththa in search of serenity because they believe it to be the preferred place of meditation for the gods Kataragama and Skanda.

A modest and old Siyambala tree, around 9 feet high, which sprung from the branch of a giant tamarind tree, serves as the devalaya’s focal point and is surrounded by a few statues. It is often said that one must plan ahead, refrain from eating any eggs, fish, or meat, and present their sacrifices to the Kebiliththa with the highest confidence and reverence if they ever want to be granted an audience with the deity.

5. Kataragama

Kataragama, a historical village next to the park, delivers a calming mix of seriousness, purity, beautiful vegetation, and community. Kataragama is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant pilgrimage sites, and members of all faiths, including those who follow the Vedas, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, come here to pay their respects in huge numbers every July and August.

Daily rituals at the temple include making sacrifices between 4.30 and 10.30 in the morning and again at 6.30 in the evening, while the yearly procession has Kawadi dancers and fire walkers paying honor to the gods.

If you happen to be at Kataragama, look out for the many hawkers selling garlands and flowers, as well as the fruit platters piled high with coconuts, mangoes, watermelons, etc

6. Sithulpawwa

The Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, located in Yala, is 2,200 years old and is known as one of the oldest rock monasteries in the world. It is estimated that 12,000 monks formerly lived there. Located in a wide region, the Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is home to many cave temples, Buddha statues, stupas, and image homes, as well as old paintings painted on the rock’s surface using a thin plastic coating; these paintings are mostly red and yellow.

7. Okanda Devalaya

It is generally agreed that Kumana National Park’s formal entrance is located in Okanda Devalaya, a rural village. There is a common myth that God Skanda arrived in Sri Lanka in a golden boat that eventually turned into a rock. Tourists often stop for a break at the Okanda crossroads before continuing to Kumana and Yala National Parks.

 

Wrapping up

You should now have a better idea of which sites in the illustrious Yala National Park you should prioritize seeing. You should absolutely include each of these locations on your list of must-sees. What’s more, if you get an early start on your sightseeing, you can see everything on this list in a single day.