Welcome to Saylanka Tours
Your Journey to Paradise Begins Here
Saylanka Tours is your trusted travel partner in Sri Lanka, offering unforgettable tours, personalized experiences, and expert local guidance to help you explore the island’s beauty and culture
Reach Yala
1. How much distance from Colombo to Yala ?
Approximately 300 km by road
Takes around 5.5 to 6.5 hours by car
2. How big is Yala ?
Yala National Park covers around 979 square kilometers
It is Sri Lanka’s second-largest national park
3. Which province is Yala in?
- Located in both Southern Province and Uva Province
4. Why is Yala popular?
Famous for its high leopard density (one of the highest in the world)
Home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife
Offers incredible safari experiences and natural scenery
Features historical and cultural sites like Sithulpawwa Temple
4. What is the best time to visit Yala ?
February to July is ideal (dry season, better wildlife sightings)
Park is usually closed in September for animal breeding and maintenance
Top Location
Yala Game Drive – An Unforgettable Safari Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating Yala Game Drive, one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. Yala National Park, the second-largest and most visited park in the country, is world-renowned for having the highest density of leopards per square kilometer. A guided safari through Yala’s dry forests, grasslands, and lagoons offers a chance to encounter not only the elusive Sri Lankan leopard but also elephants, sloth bears, spotted deer, wild boars, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds.
Game drives are conducted in open-top 4×4 jeeps, led by experienced naturalists who provide insights into the park’s rich biodiversity and ecosystem. Most safaris take place either early morning or late afternoon, when wildlife is most active. The drive lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours, giving visitors ample time to spot animals in their natural habitat and soak in the rugged, untouched beauty of Yala.
Yala is divided into five blocks, with Block 1 being the most popular for sightings. The park’s vast terrain also includes coastal areas, providing unique landscapes and occasional glimpses of the ocean. For photographers and nature lovers, a Yala Game Drive is not just an excursion – it’s a bucket-list experience that captures the wild soul of Sri Lanka.
Sithulpawwa Buddhist Monastery – A Sacred Rock Temple in the Heart of Yala
Nestled deep within the Yala National Park, Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is a revered ancient Buddhist monastery with a history dating back over 2,200 years. Once a thriving center of Buddhist education and meditation, it is believed to have housed more than 10,000 monks during its peak. The monastery was founded by King Kavantissa, the father of the great King Dutugemunu, and served as a spiritual sanctuary for monks seeking solitude and enlightenment.
Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the main stupa of Sithulpawwa offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness, blending the serenity of spirituality with the untamed beauty of nature. The site features numerous caves, rock inscriptions, ancient stupas, statues, and murals, each telling stories of devotion and discipline.
Sithulpawwa is not just a religious site—it is also a significant archaeological treasure. The temple complex spans several acres, where visitors can explore meditation caves, moonstones, and ancient paintings, all reflecting the artistry and devotion of early Buddhist culture.
For travelers exploring Yala, a visit to Sithulpawwa offers a peaceful contrast to the excitement of the safari—an opportunity to reflect, learn, and be inspired by Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage.
Safari Camping – Immersive Wilderness Experience in Sri Lanka
Safari camping in Sri Lanka offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the country’s wild beauty—right in the heart of its most famous national parks like Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, and Minneriya. Unlike traditional lodging, safari camping places you closer to nature, allowing you to fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle and wake up to birdsong and fresh air.
These camps range from luxury glamping tents with en-suite bathrooms and fine dining to more rustic setups for the adventurous traveler. Most are strategically placed along the boundaries of national parks, offering immediate access to game drives, sunrise safaris, and nighttime wildlife spotting.
With professional naturalists and trackers, safari campers enjoy personalized guided tours where they can observe elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a rich variety of birds in their natural habitat. Campfire dinners under the stars, lantern-lit pathways, and the pure silence of the wild make it a serene and thrilling escape.
Safari camping is ideal for couples, families, or solo explorers looking to immerse themselves in Sri Lanka’s untamed side while enjoying the comforts of eco-conscious hospitality.
English 
Arabic