Yala National Park
Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. It’s home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha ViharaClick Hereya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.
Yala Block 1 & 2 closed, 4 & 5 open:
From September 1st to as it is now decided, end October, parts of Yala National Park will be closed for visitors. Namely Palatupana & Katagamuwa, the mostly visited entrances leading into Block 1 & 2 will be closed. This is largely due to the drought experienced in these areas with water available for animals greatly reduced.
The Galge and Yala West gates in between Buttala and Kataragama will remain open covering Block 3 & 5.
4 Entry Points to Yala:
There are four Gates to the Park. Gates at Palatupana and Katagamuwa leading to Blocks 1 & 2 remain the most visited. However, the two Gates at Galge on the Buttala-Kataragama Road, covering Blocks 3 & 5 are becoming known among visitors who do not want to contribute to congestion. There are reports of frequent sightings of leopards on these routes, too.
Elephants on the Road:
If you are traveling on the Buttala-Kataragama Road, watch out for wild animals, especially elephants. This road literally runs through the park and some elephants are in the habit of soliciting fruits from motorists by standing across the road, allowing passage once appeased. However, elephants will give way when a vehicle approaches and are known to be well-mannered. Don’t assume every elephant venturing on to the road to be people-friendly. Drive cautiously; never alight your vehicle.
