Sri Lanka tour packages

The second largest national park in Srilanka, Yala national park is the most visited park in Srilanka tour package. There are five blocks in the park and only two of them are open to public which also adjoins the park. The blocks have been named for public ease- Ruhuna National park and Kumana National Park.

Yala national park is declared a wildlife sanctuary. It was along with Wilpattu first two national parks to be designated as sanctuaries. Yala is home to wetlands, freshwater reservoirs, Monsoon forests. It holds a gamut of rare bird species six of which are endemic. With highest number of leopards preserved in the sanctuary, Yala National park attracts several outdoor and nature enthusiasts to this corner of Srilanka.

Yala has been home to several ancient empires. Within the park are two pilgrims’ sites that visitors and tourists visit to offer their prayer- Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara. A major portion of the park and wildlife was destroyed during the 2004 tsunami and for a long period the park had seen decreased number of tourists. However things have gotten better and security measures have been tightened to better the rescue operations to prevent massive loss during natural calamity.

History states that the jungle area of the park between Palatupana and Yala was declared a hunting site- however the hunting was limited to the sportsmen deployed in the area. Times have changed hunting is not permitted anymore and the Game protection society of then is today known as the wildlife and nature protection society. The Flora and Fauna of Yala Park add to tourists and nature enthusiasts visiting the place.

The lagoons along the coastline of the park, the stream, waterholes, and rock pools make for an exciting watch. Some of the rock pools contain water all year round and if you are lucky you could watch a herd of elephants come to quench their thirst and that’s a sight many would die to watch in realty. The forest grasslands, mangroves, semi deciduous forests, sandy beaches and wide spread of medicinal plants all contribute to the abundant and rare flora and fauna of Yala National Park.

There are several routes from Colombo to reach Yala however Ratnapura and Tissamaharama are the shortest routes and most suggested in Srilanka tour packages. Most European tourists account to 30% of  forest economy hence despite the pollution the vehicle cause to take them for a jungle ride they are not prohibited to balance the existence and preservation of the park and increase security measures.