Ultimate Safari Guide from Tissamaharama to Yala National Park
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For your information, all these pictures were taken in January 2024.
Table of Contents
Some information about Yala National Park
Yala National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Sri Lanka. It’s located in the south of the island, bordering the Indian Ocean. In 1900, the park was assigned to be a wildlife sanctuary. Nowadays, the park is mostly known for its wide variety of wildlife, such as Sri Lankan elephants and leopards, or aquatic birds.
How to get to Yala National Park?
If you travel around Sri Lanka clockwise, the most logical place you will come from is Ella. If you do it the other way around, like we did, you probably will come from Dickwella or Mirissa. There are a few different ways to reach Tissamaharama:
1 | By bus
Buses are a common mode of transportation in Sri Lanka and it’s a easy way to travel both short and long distances. The bus network is also very extensive, where major cities and towns are well connected.
Sometimes, the information online can be a bit confusion, so it’s best to ask the locals for some help. But to take the bus, you need to know which number/line you need. Then, you need to stop this bus as it passes you by. Once on the bus, someone will come by to collect the money. Make sure you have enough cash with you!
2 | By taxi driver / PickMe
The easiest way to travel from place to place would be by a private driver, which can be stopped at the side of the road or by the app PickMe App. Just know that this will be a lot more expensive (think 10 times or even more). This is what we did as it was our first day in Sri Lanka and we arrived in the middle of the night. So, we just wanted to be at our hotel as quickly as possible.
3 | By tuk-tuk
The last way to travel around Sri Lanka would be by tuk-tuk. This small, three wheeler vehicle is perfect to travel from place to place. The only disadvantage would be the space and the top speed. You can do this with a private driver, which you can stop at the side of the road, or by renting your own tuk-tuk.
Best time to visit Yala National Park
The best time to visit Yala National Park would be between December and April, as this isn’t the monsoon season in the south-west. But know that this is high season in Sri Lanka, so everything will be more expensive and busier.
There is a south-west monsoon between May till August and September till November. This monsoon hits the south and west coast the most between this period. During these months, the weather can be somewhat unpredictable, with intermittent rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. So, if your main goal is to visit the south in Sri Lanka, it’s best to avoid these months.
Where to stay near Yala National Park?
I stayed at La Safari Inn for my 1-night stay in Tissamaharama and it was the perfect hotel for this short trip! The hotel was a bit out of the city center, but made it for the perfect walk. Also, the owners helped you with a tuk -tuk if that’s more your thing. Another great thing about this hotel, you can book your safari directly by them.
Ultimate guide for Yala National Park
The best way to visit Yala National Park is with a sunrise tour, which starts at 4:30 AM until 12 PM. A shared tour costs $55 per person and a private tour costs $130 for 2 people. In my opinion, a private tour is definitely not needed as the jeeps are with a maximum of 6 people. This tour also includes breakfast at around 8 AM.
You can also book a sunset tour, but this will be a private tour. I think that a sunrise tour is the best one, as some animals are awake by dawn like leopards.
1 | Before you go
Here are a few things you should consider before visiting Yala National Park.
- Permits and Entry Fees: Make sure you have the right permits and entry fees before entering the park. Normally, when you book a guided tour, this will be included in the price, but make sure to check it beforehand.
- Opening time: The park is typically open from October to June between 6 AM to 6 PM, with a vehicle break between 12 PM to 2 PM.
- Safari options: There are both morning, evening and full day tours. The morning tours are a bit cooler and the chances of spotting leopards are bigger.
- Accommodation: If you’re planning to stay overnight close to the national park, consider staying at Tissamaharama or Kirinda. A lot of tours leave from these destinations.
- Packing essentials: Don’t forget to pack a lot of water as there are no facilities, except for toilets. Also, bring binoculars, a camera, sunscreen and insect repellent.
2 | Exploring the parks
Once inside the park, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Wildlife viewings: There are a lot of animals inside the park so keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and numerous birds.
- Respect nature: Once inside the park, respect the nature and keep a safe distance from the animals.
- Respect park rules: There are rules for a reason, so listen to them. A few of them are to stay in designated areas, do not litter, and listen to your guide.
3 | Safety precautions
As you enter wildlife territory, it’s always best to remember some safety precautions.
- Vehicle Safety: Always follow the safety guidelines provided by your safari operator. Also, always stay inside the vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
- Health Precautions: Don’t forget to bring and apply insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites. And carry necessary medication if you have allergies or medical conditions.
4 | Animal spottings
Lastly, here is a list of the animals that you can spot during your safari in Yala National Park:
- Leopard Spotting: Yala is very famous for its leopard population as it has a high density on the island. Leopards rest a lot during the day, so keep your eyes on tree branches. Don’t worry, your guide will help you look.
- Birdwatching: The park is a paradise for birdwatchers with over 200 bird species. Look out for colorful birds like peacocks.
- Elephant Encounters: You will definitely spot an elephant inside the park as there are abundant! While there are many in Yala, always maintain a safe distance and avoid getting too close to them, especially during breeding season as they can be very dangerous animals.
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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