Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

About Yala (Ruhuna) National Park

Yala (Ruhuna) National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park covers an area of 151,778 hectares comprising of five blocks, which includes a strict nature reserve. Currently only Block I, covering 14,100 hectares, is open to the public.

It is situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region of Sri Lanka's South East region which extends from Trincomalee to Hambantota. Yala contains the remains of a once-thriving human community. A monastic settlement, Situlpahuwa, appears to have housed 12,000 inhabitants. Now restored, it's an important pilgrimage site.

Park Highlights

• Highest Leopard density in the world
• Over 215 bird species including 6 endemic species
• Large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants
• Sloth Bears and unique mammals
• Diverse ecosystem from forests to marine wetlands
• Rich biodiversity with many endemic species