Your Travel Experience with Finest Journeys
Full-Day Wildlife and Heritage Experience in Yala
Today you return to Yala National Park for another safari, giving you more time to appreciate its wildlife and varied landscapes. This area is especially rewarding for birdwatchers, with more than 130 recorded species, including several that are found only in Sri Lanka. Keep an eye out for the Sri Lankan junglefowl, the national bird, as well as peacocks displaying their colours along the open plains. Your guide will help identify other species commonly seen in this region, from raptors circling overhead to smaller birds moving through the trees. Yala is known not only for its wildlife but also for its cultural significance. Local traditions link the region to stories of King Ravana, whose ancient stronghold, Ravana Kotte, is believed to lie beneath the waters of a reservoir in the park. As you travel through different sections of Yala, you may notice the remains of old tanks and irrigation structures scattered across the landscape. These archaeological features reflect an advanced hydraulic system that supported agriculture as far back as the 5th century BC, showing how long people have lived in and adapted to this environment. Your time in Yala offers a balanced look at both the natural and historical elements that define this well-known national park.