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Yala in September

As of now, it looks like your favourite park will remain open throughout 2023! While visitors may be familiar with the park usually being closed in September, no such decision to close the park this year has been made. Any decision to close the park, if at all, will be if a severe drought occurs. So, let’s hope for the best!

This is leopard country, and they are the Lords of the Jungle! With a leopard density that's higher than anywhere else on this planet, these menacing predators prowl majestically in Yala, while elephants roam in their numbers with cautious deer scampering by their side
Area 378 sq miles
Location 260km South East of Colombo
Entry points Gate1: Katagamuwa Gate 2: Palatupana
Aver.Temp 26.4 °C (79.5 °F)
Climate Dry most of the year
Nearest city Kataragama
Distance to nearest city 30km - 40 minutes drive
Best time to visit June to September
Open hours 6am to 6pm
Coordinates 6°22'22N 81°31'01E
Made a Park in 1st March 1938
Distance from Kataragama to: Katagamuwa Entrance: 14Km Palatupana Entrance: 41Km Galge Entrance: 30Km
Nearest Hospital: Debarawewa Government Hospital
Head office: Open from 9am to 6pm

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THEIR LIFE
IS IN YOUR HANDS

ARE YOU A RESPONSIBLE VISITOR?

As the number of visitors to this world-famous park increases, so does its impact on nature. While the incredible world of wildlife must be experienced, you must take it to your heart that you cannot even leave your foot print behind. So let’s take a moment to understand what wildlife is all about and how you can confidently proclaim that you are a true lover of nature.