Yala National Park by the Indian Ocean, loaded with lush green forests, wetlands, grassland, and sandy beaches, makes it perfect for wildlife habitat. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular in Sri Lanka. A river flows through this park, and several beautiful riverside spots to step out of your safari vehicle, enjoy nature, stretch out, or have breakfast. The Road Trip from Udawalawe National Park to Rock Wild Yala hotel was scenic.
Hotel Experience
My room at Rock Wild Yala was just a few yards away from the Indian ocean and a beautiful beach right there; overnight, the sound of the waves breaking against the shore directly below the room was magical and worked very well towards a sound sleep. It was well worth every penny spent on this relatively expensive hotel. Our stay was great, perfect for relaxing should have planned a few extra days here. However, after a long day of driving and spending quality time at the beach, I was sleepy; moreover, we needed to get up at 5 am and get ready by 5:30 am. Our tour guide will pick us up early because the entrance to the park gets crowded as most tourists try to enter the park at the same time.
Our Safari Starts Before Sunrise
The tour guide was right on time with a 4WD safari jeep at 5:30 am (Picture above) along with the driver dressed in a lungi (Lungi, also known as a sarong, is a traditional garment worn around the waist in many south Asian countries including Sri Lanka). So I was ready with my backpack, camera, gear, power bars, and water.
As We Entered The Park
It was still dark outside. So I climbed into the back of the 4WD with my as-usual companion daypack, camera, and gears, along with a few goodies in case I got hungry or thirsty. The hotel was only a few minute’s drives from the Park entrance but still way behind many others who were already waiting. Can you believe at 5:45, at least 15 – 20 Jeep loads of enthusiastic tourists have lined up already for the permit? The counter will open at 6:00, so let’s just wait and enjoy the beautiful Sunrise on the eastern horizon (banner image).
Inside the Park
Having collected our permits, we hopped back in the truck and went into the heart of the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka, where they have the highest concentration of Leopards worldwide. Still, even after trying our best, we were unlucky to spot one.
Saw a fox get chased by a Leopard and found his refugee around the humans. For him, it was the safest place for the cunning fox. We had no difficulties spotting hard deer who were also running away from the threat of a few Leopards.
I have also seen many water Buffalos, elephants, lizards, and birds. There were plenty of colorful high flyers in Yala. White butterflies are also something to enjoy. We had traveled miles through the winding, bumpy unpaved roads and passed by lakes, rocks, and rivers. The roads inside the park were muddy and often submerged in water but our 4WD Safari truck made it through.
Then, finally, we ended up at a beautiful deserted beach, where we could get off the truck. I was excited and happy to walk around, relax, take pictures, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Indian ocean.
The experience of a safari in Yala National Park was a memory I’ll treasure forever, the best experience ever. If you happen to be in the area, don’t hesitate to plan a trip and do some exploring for yourself. Our stay at Rock Wild Yala was perfect here is more details.
Where to stay in Yala, Sri Lanka
Rock Wild Yala, Yala
Located in Yala, a 7-minute walk from Nidangala Beach, Rock Wild Yala provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a shared lounge. Guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a safety deposit box. In addition, each room is equipped with bed linen and towels at Rock Wild Yala. Kirinda Beach is a 7-minute walk from the hotel, while Tissa Wewa is 9 miles away. The nearest airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International, 25 miles from Rock Wild Yala, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Cinnamon Wild Yala – Yala, Sri Lanka
Only a 5-minute drive from the famous Yala National Park is Cinnamon Wild Yala. It features chalets with private balconies and an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. Nestled in the south of Sri Lanka, the property is a 6-hour drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located in Kirinda, a village well-known for its wildlife. Chalets offer spectacular views of the beach or jungle. All chalets come with private bathroom facilities. Cinnamon Wild Yala’s restaurant enjoys a prime location, providing beautiful landscapes and serving Asian and Western dishes. Meals can also be enjoyed in the privacy of guests’ rooms.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Yala, Sri Lanka? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Yala, Sri Lanka, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit Sri Lanka.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
Was this travel guide helpful for you?
If you’d like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:
- Share This Guide – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Your Support would definitely help me make more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!
Affiliate Link – This post in Dizzy Traveler contains affiliate links, which means I receive a referral commission if you purchase after clicking at no additional cost to you. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.
Book your Sightseeing Trip
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit and do some exciting sightseeing activities. Definitely bring unforgettable memories back home. Please click on our below affiliate link to see your options.
Relevant information …. there are plenty of things written in this blog that are important to remember. With basic information, this blog has also put effort into mentioning small details.
Thanks for the details.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and appreciate your nice motivating comments. Best wishes!