The Wild Heart of Yala National Park
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Yala National Park
Today you’ll head to the famous Yala National Park. En route, you’ll stop at the Elephant Transit Home where injured babies and orphans are cared for. Watch as herds of elephants bustle their way to the gates at feeding time. You’ll continue to Yala, where you’ll take a jeep safari into the park to spend the next couple of hours scanning the landscape for wildlife. Hold on tight as you’re driven across winding roads in search of elephants and crocodiles on the lake’s banks. After an exciting afternoon, you’ll arrive at the campsite to spend the night in a tent with a private bathroom and a comfy bed.
Day 2 – Departure & Kataragama pilgrim site
After breakfast, you’ll meet your driver again to continue to your next destination. If you fancy another dose of culture, you can visit the Kataragama Temple which is North of Tissa and, along with Adams Peak, is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims too.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
The Wild Heart of Yala National Park with lake eco-lodge upgrade
If you’d like to spend more time in this beautiful green area, we’d recommend spending a few nights at a charming eco-lodge by the Weerawila lake. You’ll start your adventure with the private jeep safari in Yala, and in the late afternoon check-in to your accommodation, surrounded by the forest and overlooking the lake. Next morning you’ll head to the local village and feel a part of the community while making curd and enjoying freshly-made farmer’s brunch with the local family. Upon your return back to the lodge, you can laze around by the pool, head into the woods to spot numerous birds or book another wildlife spotting activity if you’re feeling adventurous.
Bundala National Park jeep safari
Bundala National Park is close to Yala and home to 197 different species of bird; it really is a paradise for twitchers! We can arrange for you to take an early morning jeep safari after your stay in Yala. Spotting birds in the morning light is ideal for getting those impressive snaps.
