Yala National Park

Yala National Park

With trumpeting elephants, monkeys crashing through the trees, peacocks in their finest frocks and cunning leopards sliding like shadows through the undergrowth, Yala National ParkThe Jungle Book brought to glorious life. This vast region of dry woodland and open patches of grasslands is the big draw of this corner of Sri Lanka, and though it’s far from Kenya, a safari here is well worth all the time, effort and cost.

The entrance fees are payable at the main office, which is near the entrance, some 21km from Tissa. There are a few displays here of the pickled and stuffed variety. The road from Tissa is rough but passable, although a 4WD is necessary once in the park. Realistically the only way to visit the park is as part of a safari. Part of the entrance fee includes the services of an animal tracker – quality varies. Tips are both expected and usually earned; about Rs 200 each for the tracker and driver is average.