News| From the wild
Park closes this September, too!
Yala National Park is expected to be closed again this year, from September 1 to October 15. It is the height of the annual drought in the area but Park officials also use the time to attend to development work.
Much effort is made during this time to build make-shift water holes; ferry water to animals as many tanks in the park go dry and to look into their well-being. As always, the Park Management keeps a close eye on all factors before making final announcements on closing and opening dates.
Well-earned rest for the animal kingdom
The time the park closes to the public happens to be the breeding season for leopards; so it helps not just these majestic animals but allows greater time and space for park officials to focus on the animals.
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 |
First comprehensive tourist map
