Yala National Park is the island’s principle national park and offers the greatest diversity of animal and birdlife in the country. The habitats found in the park are wide-ranging, from freshwater lakes to beaches, rocky outcrops to green plains and jungle. This creates an area of immense biodiversity and is one of the world’s most popular destinations to spot the elusive leopard, who love to lounge on the huge granite boulders that dot the parkland.The home of the Sri Lankan leopards, the Yala Park is the only place in the country where these fierce creatures can roam free in their natural habitat.

 A jungle safari in this park is must for all nature and wildlife lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. On a clear rainless day, one can spot a number of animals at this park ranging from leopards, elephants, Sri Lankan sloth bear, turtles, macaques, fishing cats, etc. One can also find a number of dangerous reptiles native to Sri Lanka like monitor lizards, types of crocodiles, Sri Lankan flying snake, Fan-throated lizard, Indian cobra, Russell’s Viper, and Sri Lankan krait. A safari in Yala National Park is undoubtedly one of the cool things to do in Sri Lanka. Other than wildlife, the park is also famous for its beach and its picture-perfect fishing villages. A walk on that white sandy beach offers a refreshing respite to travelers after a tiring safari over rocky trails and dirt paths.