Yala National Park is situated in the southeast region of the island
in the dry zone boarding the Indian Ocean. Park area is belonging to
two provinces namely South and Uva Provinces. The total area of the
park (which is of 5 blocks) is 97,881 ha but only Block I and Block II
are open for visitors.
The park was initially established in 1938 only with block I and
other blocks were included later.Rainfall is highly seasonal. Main
source of rainfall is Northeast monsoons (December – February) and
inter monsoonal rains during March-April. Mean Annual Rainfall: 900 –
1300 mm. Area is experiencing drought during June –October. Mean
annual Temperature 27o C. Daily temperature above 30oC is not
uncommon.Vegetation is mainly consists of Secondary lowland dry
monsoon forest & semi arid thorny scrublands. Small patches of
riverine forest, mangroves, sand dunes and dry grasslands also
presented.
Forest area is dominated by Palu (Manilkara hexandra), Weera (Drypetes
sepiaria), Malitthan (Salvadora persica), Ehala (Cassia fistula),
Divul (Limonia acidissima) and Kohomba (Azadirachta indica). Thorny
scrubland is dominated by Eraminia (Ziziphus.sp) and Andara (Dichrostachys
cinerea). Sonneratia, Acanthus, Rhizopora and Lumnitzera species
dominate the mangrove vegetation.
All the big game mammals of the country are found within the park.
Elephant, Leopard, sloth bear, Spotted Dear, Wild Boar and sambhur.
Apart from them small mammals such as Black naped hare, Grey, Ruddy &
Striped necked mongoose, Grey Langur & porcupine are common small
mammals.
Park is also famous for its abundant bird life. Over140 species have
recorded so far within the park. Changeable Hawk Eagle, Crested
serpent Eagle, Malabar pied Hornbill, Jungle fowl, painted Stork,
White Ibis and Black necked Stork are commonly seen
How to get there
You can reach yala from South coast via Tangalla and Hambantota or via
Udawalawe from Ratnapura, Haputale or via Bandarawela, Tanamalwila
from Nuwaraeliya. Yala is close to
Udawalawe national park
