Yala National Park, National park in Southern Province, Sri Lanka
The park stretches across 979 square kilometers of wetlands, grasslands, and scrub forests along the Indian Ocean coastline of southeastern Sri Lanka.
Established in 1937, the territory transitioned from a hunting ground to a protected sanctuary, marking a shift toward wildlife conservation in Sri Lanka.
Ancient Buddhist temples of Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara within the park boundaries reflect the religious practices of past civilizations.
Visitors enter through the Katagamuwa entrance between 6 AM and 6 PM, with guided safari tours available for wildlife observation and photography.
The park maintains one of the highest densities of leopards worldwide, with 44 recorded mammal species including a herd of 350 Sri Lankan elephants.
Location: Monaragala District
Inception: February 25, 1937
GPS coordinates: 6.26667,81.33333
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:27
Sri Lanka offers diverse photography sites from ancient fortresses to national parks. Sigiriya Rock displays stone architecture amid green landscapes. Buddhist temples house cultural artifacts, while colonial structures like Galle Fort stand along the coast. National parks contain elephants and leopards in their natural habitat. Mountains, waterfalls, and beaches provide natural settings. The country features religious monuments such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Gardens, tea plantations, and forest reserves showcase the local flora.
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