Yala (Ruhunu) National Park in southeastern Sri Lanka protects dry-zone forest, scrub, grassland, lagoons and coast. Explore by permitted 4x4 safari with a mandatory tracker. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions; no animal is guaranteed.
Access depends on the open block and gate; gate hours are 06:00–18:00. Checked 25 September 2026: Blocks I and II are closed through 15 October due to drought; Blocks III–V are reported open. Confirm the current block, gate and permit with DWC or your operator. Stay in the vehicle except at designated stops, keep noise low and do not feed wildlife.
Prices vary by group, nationality, route and provider. Published DWC example for foreign visitors: LKR 16,000 for one adult or LKR 26,500 total for two (not per person); add a LKR 150 driver ticket per jeep. One operator’s 2026 benchmark for Blocks IV/V is LKR 19,900 per cozy jeep for a half-day or LKR 33,900 for a full day; park tickets and fees are extra. Confirm the total before booking; rates and access can change.
Photo: Plpm2021, CC BY 4.0 (resized): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20211030_061328_Yala_National_Park,_Sri_Lanka.jpg
Access depends on the open block and gate; gate hours are 06:00–18:00. Checked 25 September 2026: Blocks I and II are closed through 15 October due to drought; Blocks III–V are reported open. Confirm the current block, gate and permit with DWC or your operator. Stay in the vehicle except at designated stops, keep noise low and do not feed wildlife.
Prices vary by group, nationality, route and provider. Published DWC example for foreign visitors: LKR 16,000 for one adult or LKR 26,500 total for two (not per person); add a LKR 150 driver ticket per jeep. One operator’s 2026 benchmark for Blocks IV/V is LKR 19,900 per cozy jeep for a half-day or LKR 33,900 for a full day; park tickets and fees are extra. Confirm the total before booking; rates and access can change.
Photo: Plpm2021, CC BY 4.0 (resized): https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20211030_061328_Yala_National_Park,_Sri_Lanka.jpg
