🌿 YALA LEOPARD TRAILS

WILD YALA SAFARIS

Ceylon's premier 4x4 game drives & luxury glamping.

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“

On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it

— ISAK DINESEN —

CEYLON'S PREMIER WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

YALA NATIONAL PARK & BESPOKE ECO-EXPEDITIONS

Spanning 979 sq km in Sri Lanka's southeastern dry zone, Yala National Park (Ruhuna) is world-renowned for hosting the highest wild leopard density on Earth. At Discoveryala, we craft ethical 4x4 safari jeep game drives, luxury glamping camp stays, and multi-day Sri Lanka island round tours guided by senior naturalists.

YALA 4X4 GAME DRIVES Private 4x4 Safari Jeeps

ISLANDWIDE ROUND TOURS Sigiriya • Kandy • Ella • Yala

LUXURY GLAMPING CAMPS Private Wilderness Tents

EXPRESS DWC PERMITS Gate Queue Clearance

KINGDOM OF THE SRI LANKAN LEOPARD

ABOUT YALA NATIONAL PARK & THE SRI LANKAN LEOPARD

Yala National Park (Ruhuna) is internationally famous for having the highest concentration of wild leopards per square kilometer anywhere on Earth (Panthera pardus kotiya).

Because leopards in Yala are the island's supreme apex predator with no lions or hyenas to compete against, they exhibit bold diurnal hunting behavior—often seen resting atop palu trees or lounging peacefully on ancient granite rock outcrops during early morning and late afternoon game drives.

Spanning 979 square kilometers across dry zone monsoon forests, brackish lagoons, and coastal dunes, Yala encompasses five main blocks alongside Kumana and Lunugamvehera nature reserves, offering sanctuary to Asian Elephants, Sloth Bears, Mugger Crocodiles, and 215 bird species.

EXPLORE LEOPARD SAFARIS

Panthera pardus kotiya

GEOGRAPHIC ZONING & BOUNDARIES

YALA NATIONAL PARK MAP & PARK BLOCKS GUIDE

Spanning 979 sq km along Sri Lanka's southeastern coast, Yala National Park comprises 5 distinct administrative blocks, 4 major entrance gates, and adjacent wildlife sanctuaries.

ENTRANCE GATES & ACCESS GUIDE

NAVIGATING YALA'S 4 MAIN PARK GATES

Access to Yala National Park is regulated through designated Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) entrance gates. Selecting the right gate determines which blocks and habitats your safari jeep will explore:

Palatupana Main Gate

Tissamaharama Entry

Primary entrance to Block 1 (Ruhuna). Nearest gate for lodges in Tissa and Kirinda.

Katagamuwa Gate

Kataragama Entry

Western access gate serving both Block 1 and Block 5 (Weheragala Reservoir).

Galge Gate

Buttala Road Entry

Northern entry point dedicated to Block 3 and Block 5 for low-density safaris.

Okanda Gate

Kumana Entry

Eastern entrance to Kumana National Park (Yala East) waterbird sanctuary.

MAIN GAME DRIVE ZONE

BLOCK 1 (RUHUNA) — 141 SQ KM

World's Highest Leopard Sighting Density

Block 1 is the most celebrated sector of Yala National Park. Bordered by the Indian Ocean to the south and the Manik River to the north, it encompasses dry monsoon forests, open scrublands, coastal lagoons (Buttuwa & Uraniya), and ancient granite monoliths like Patanangala.

Key Wildlife: Sri Lankan Leopard, Asian Elephant herds, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Mugger Crocodiles, and Lesser Adjutant Storks.

QUIET WILDERNESS ZONE

BLOCK 5 (WEHERAGALA) — 66 SQ KM

Reservoir Ecosystem & Birding

Located near Katagamuwa and Galge gates, Block 5 surrounds the Weheragala Reservoir on the Manik River. It offers serene, low-vehicle game drives through dense riverine forest canopy and calm waters where elephants bathe during midday hours.

Key Wildlife: Solitary Bull Elephants, Sloth Bears, Crested Serpent Eagles, Brown Fish Owls, Barking Deer, and Leopard corridors.

DEEP NATURE RESERVES

BLOCKS 2, 3 & 4 — 770 SQ KM

Untamed Jungle & Ancient Ruins

Spanning vast untouched tracts from the Kumbukkan Oya river mouth to the northern boundary, Blocks 2, 3, and 4 are strict natural reserves. They shelter 2,200-year-old Buddhist monastic ruins at Sithulpawwa and Magul Maha Viharaya.

Key Wildlife: Wild Water Buffalo, Migratory Elephant Corridors, Black-necked Storks, Fishing Cats, and Sambar Deer.

FEATURED GAME DRIVES & EXPEDITIONS

PRIVATE 4X4 YALA SAFARI JEEP PACKAGES

Private 4x4 safari jeep game drives with certified naturalists, chilled refreshments, and park clearance support.

Full Day Shared Yala Safari Tour - Yala National Park Safari Jeep Drive

FULL DAY SHARED SAFARI $69 USD

FULL DAY SHARED SAFARI

Full Day Shared Yala Safari Tour

13.5 Hours (04:30 AM – 06:00 PM) • Comfortable Heavy-Duty Shared 4x4 Jeep

$69 Per Person. Tour Time: 4:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Full-day shared safari maximizing chances of witnessing leopards, sloth bears, and elephants. Includes park fees, breakfast, and lunch!

Package Highlights

Shared Safari Vehicle — Comfortable seating in shared safari jeep.
Yala National Park Entrance & Service Fees — All entrance fees covered.
Packed Breakfast — Breakfast included per person.

PRICING FROM

$69 USD

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SHARED YALA SAFARI

Morning Shared Yala Safari Tour

6.5 Hours (04:30 AM – 11:00 AM) • Comfortable Shared 4x4 Safari Jeep

$49 Per Person. Tour Time: 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The main focus of this shared tour is to witness leopards and sloth bears in their natural habitat. Includes Yala entrance tickets …

Package Highlights

Shared Safari Vehicle — Comfortable seating in shared safari jeep.
Yala National Park Entrance & Service Fees — All entrance fees fully covered.
Packed Breakfast — Packed breakfast included per person.

PRICING FROM

$49 USD

EXPLORE SAFARI

Morning Shared Yala Safari Tour - Yala National Park Safari Jeep Drive

SHARED YALA SAFARI $49 USD

Bundala Tour 7 hours - Yala National Park Safari Jeep Drive

BUNDALA 7-HOUR TOUR $62.99 USD

BUNDALA 7-HOUR TOUR

Bundala Tour 7 hours

7 Hours (05:30 AM – 12:30 PM / 11:30 AM – 06:30 PM) • Private Toyota Hilux 4x4 Jeep

Tour Times: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM | 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The main focus of this 7-hour tour is to witness a wonderful variety of migratory waterbirds, elephants, jackals, crocodiles, …

Package Highlights

Private 4×4 Safari — Private safari in Toyota Hilux Jeep.
Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off — Free pick-up and drop-off.
Private Safari Experience — Exclusive use of safari jeep for up to 7 passengers.

PRICING FROM

$62.99 USD

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DISCOVER THE PEARL OF THE INDIAN OCEAN

BESPOKE SRI LANKA ROUND TOURS

Immerse yourself in 2,500 years of royal ancient civilization, misty tea mountain estates, golden palm-fringed coastlines, and world-class Yala leopard safaris.

Voted among the world's top island destinations, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary blend of UNESCO World Heritage rock fortresses like Sigiriya, scenic mountain train journeys through Ella, sacred temple cities in Kandy, and thrilling wildlife game drives in Yala.

8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Scenic Ella Mountain Railways Tropical Palm Coastlines Big 4 Wildlife Safaris

14-Day Down South Sri Lanka Tour - Sri Lanka Round Tour Expedition

14 Days / 13 Nights $790 USD

14 Days / 13 Nights EXPEDITION

14-Day Down South Sri Lanka Tour

Bandaranaike International Airport → Yala

Discover the best of Sri Lanka's southern coast on this unforgettable 14-day private tour combining wildlife, golden beaches, surfing, coastal adventures, cultural heritage, and complete relaxation. Experience a Yala National Park safari, …

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Experience an exciting full-day safari in Yala National Park
Search for Sri Lankan leopards, elephants, sloth bears and other wildlife
Relax on the golden beaches of Tangalle

FULL TOUR PRICE FROM

$790 USD / person

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8 Days / 7 Nights EXPEDITION

8-Day Sri Lankan Wonders

Bandaranaike International Airport → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → Yala → Galle → Bandaranaike International Airport

Discover the best of Sri Lanka in 8 unforgettable days, from the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and the cultural heart of Kandy to the misty tea plantations of Ella, the wild landscapes …

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Explore the ancient Cultural Triangle and rural landscapes of Sigiriya
Experience a traditional Sri Lankan village tour with bullock cart and catamaran boat rides
Enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan village lunch

FULL TOUR PRICE FROM

$450 USD / person

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8-Day Sri Lankan Wonders - Sri Lanka Round Tour Expedition

8 Days / 7 Nights $450 USD

5-Day Sri Lanka Escape - Sri Lanka Round Tour Expedition

5 Days / 4 Nights $280 USD

5 Days / 4 Nights EXPEDITION

5-Day Sri Lanka Escape

Colombo → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → Colombo

Experience the best of Sri Lanka in just 5 unforgettable days featuring Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Kandy cultural heritage, Ella scenic train journeys, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and the vibrant city life of …

Tour Highlights & Inclusions

Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
Minneriya Elephant Safari
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

FULL TOUR PRICE FROM

$280 USD / person

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VIEW ALL ISLAND TOURS

DWC OFFICIAL PARK TARIFFS

PARK ENTRANCE PERMIT CALCULATOR

Calculate official Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) gate permit costs instantly with real-time LKR/USD exchange rates, 18% VAT breakdown, and jeep licensing fees.

Foreign Adult Ticket

$25.00 USD

Foreign Child (6-12)

$15.00 USD

SAARC Adult Ticket

$20.00 USD

Jeep Entrance License

LKR 300

OPEN PERMIT CALCULATOR

DWC TAX FORMULA SUMMARY

Mandatory Gate Tariff Formula

Entry Tickets: $25 Foreign Adult, $15 Child, $20 SAARC Adult.
Vehicle Fee: LKR 300 per Jeep / Van entry.
Service Charge: $10 USD equivalent per foreign vehicle.
Taxes & Surcharges: 18% Government VAT + 2% gateway processing.

Pre-reserve your permits online to skip ticket queue bottlenecks at Palatupana gate!

VERIFIED GUEST TESTIMONIALS

WHAT TRAVELERS SAY ABOUT YALA LEOPARD TRACKS

With over verified 5-star reviews across Google Maps and TripAdvisor, discover why international wildlife enthusiasts, families, and photographers choose us for their Yala game drives.

5.0 / 5.0 Average Rating Google Verified Reviews 100% Sightings Guarantee Focus Senior Certified Naturalists

Google Maps

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An absolutely magical and unforgettable experience at Yala National Park! Visiting Yala National Park was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip to Sri Lanka. The incredible landscapes, …"

Google Maps Verified Reviewer • Yala National Park Safari Drive

Google Maps

"(Yala National Park): * Jeep rides can be windy and dusty, so bring a mask/sunglasses. * You won't be getting out of the vehicle the entire time, so binoculars are …"

Google Maps Verified Reviewer • Yala National Park Safari Drive

Google Maps

"It's fantastic, home to so many different animal species, and we had the opportunity to see them all up close. We did our safari tour for 39,000 LKR, excluding entrance …"

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Google Maps Verified Reviewer • Yala National Park Safari Drive

READ ALL 800+ GUEST REVIEWS

WILDLIFE FIELD LOGS & INSIGHTS

LATEST STORIES & ARTICLES

Immerse yourself in authentic field reports, expert leopard tracking techniques, telephoto wildlife photography guides, seasonal Palu fruiting guides, and Yala National Park conservation news written by senior naturalists.

Whether you're planning your first 4x4 game drive or seeking professional camera settings for low-light leopard sightings on Sithulpawwa rocks, our senior naturalist field journal provides invaluable insider advice.

Wildlife Photography Tips Leopard Behavior Logs Best Weather & Safari Seasons Nature First Conservation

DESTINATION COMPARISON

Sri Lanka vs Maldives Comparison | Complete Guide & Which to Choose

Aug 04, 2026 • By Yala Leopard Tracks Naturalist

Sri Lanka vs Maldives comparison 2026 costs, activities, beaches, wildlife. Complete comparison, pros/cons, which destination to choose.

READ FULL ARTICLE

SAFARI GUIDE

Leopards & Blue Whales How to See Both on One Sri Lanka Trip in 2026 (The Complete Yala + Mirissa Guide)

May 08, 2026 • By Discoveryala Naturalist

Sri Lanka is the only country where you can see wild leopards and blue whales on the same trip. The complete 2026 guide to combining Yala Na...

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Leopards & Blue Whales How to See Both on One Sri Lanka Trip in 2026 (The Complete Yala + Mirissa Guide) - Yala Wildlife Journal

SAFARI GUIDE

PRICE GUIDE & BUDGET

Yala National Park Safari 2026 The Honest Guide to Leopards, Costs & avoiding Crowds

Feb 04, 2026 • By Discoveryala Naturalist

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife sanctuary? Search trends for early 2026 show that travelers are asking three mai...

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

YALA NATIONAL PARK SAFARIS FAQ

Everything you need to know about planning, booking, and enjoying private 4x4 game drives and luxury camping stays in Yala.

What is the best time of day for a Yala National Park leopard safari?

Early morning game drives (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and late afternoon game drives (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM) offer peak wildlife activity. Leopards are boldest at dawn and dusk, actively patrolling territory or resting atop granite rock outcrops.

Which entrance gate is best for Yala Block 1 game drives?

Palatupana Gate (near Tissamaharama) is the main entrance for Block 1 (Ruhuna), which holds the world's highest leopard density per square kilometer. Katagamuwa Gate serves guests staying near Kataragama or accessing Block 1 & 5.

How much does a Yala National Park entrance permit cost?

Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) gate tariffs are $25.00 USD for foreign adults, $15.00 USD for foreign children (ages 6–12), $20.00 USD for SAARC adults, plus LKR 300 vehicle entry licensing fee, vehicle service charge, and 18% government VAT.

Are Yala Leopard Tracks safari jeeps private or shared?

All our safari jeep packages are 100% private. You get a dedicated 4x4 safari jeep with elevated cushioned safari seating, experienced driver-trackers, chilled bottled water/refreshments, and park clearance support.

What animals can I spot in Yala National Park besides leopards?

In addition to the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), Yala shelters Asian Elephants, Sloth Bears, Mugger Crocodiles, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar, Sambars, Water Buffaloes, Fishing Cats, and over 215 resident and migratory bird species.