Faraway 2024 | Page 196

Getting there : Driving time to Yala is about 2 hours from Tangalle , 2½ hours from Galle , 3 hours from Ella , or 5 hours from Nuwara Eliya . Colombo airport is 3½ hours drive , however it is not advisable to visit Yala from an international arrival or departure .

Best time to go : Yala is best from February-July when water levels are low , bringing animals into the open . The park closes annually for about six weeks during Sep-Oct ( exact dates advised nearer the time ). Block 5 of the Park stays open but is 1½ hours drive from our hotels . All hotels stay open year-round . Temperatures hover around 29 º C all year with most rainfall in September-December .

Wildlife Experience prices : Include accommodation at your chosen lodge with meals as shown , morning & afternoon jeep safaris in open sided vehicles ( unless otherwise stated ), and park entrance fees . For complete flexibility , prices do not include transfers . Supplements are available to / from a variety of destinations within Sri Lanka .

Yala National Park

Experience Sri Lanka ’ s untamed wild side

Yala National Park , located in Sri Lanka ’ s dry zone on the south east and hugging the panoramic Indian Ocean , was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and became a national park in 1938 . The park is divided into five sectors , of which two are currently open to visitors on guided 4x4 jeep safaris which give the opportunity to view wildlife . Yala ’ s terrain is very diverse ranging from dense jungle to grasslands , lakes , wetlands , flat plains , rocky outcrops and sandy beaches ( although these are not recommended for swimming ). This varied environment supports one of the richest and most varied collections of wildlife in the country , with 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species . Among its more famous residents are a substantial elephant population , elusive sloth bears , sambars , jackals , spotted deer and , a significant leopard population – the densest concentration of these cats anywhere in the world . As you drive through the park you may also see a number of crocodiles in both the rivers and pools . Around four hours drive from Yala , Sinharaja Rainforest is Sri Lanka ’ s only remaining primeval rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Its many layers of vegetation , which are similar to those of the Amazon or Congo , include rare orchids blossoming . There is a huge range of endemic wildlife , including leopards , elephant and deer , although the density of the forest makes it difficult to spot them . You are most likely to see lizards , snakes ( most of them are harmless ), birds , monkeys , lots of butterflies , wild plants and insects . Other than the sound of cicadas chirping , the only other noise is that of rain !

2 night wildlife experience from £ 499pp

2 night wildlife experience from £ 549pp

CINNAMON WILD

4H Yala

This rustic and biodiverse forest lodge sits on the border of the Yala National Park close to the town of Kirinda and is set by a massive lake with crocodile , pelicans and deer living in perfect harmony with the hotel . The close proximity to Yala means that elephant , wild boar and other wildlife often visit from the park next door . The wild exteriors and plush interiors combine for a memorable and comfortable stay .

JETWING YALA

4H Yala

Proudly emerging out of the coastal wilderness , this eco-friendly hotel , on the edge of Yala National Park , is an exclusive wildlife property with beach access ( although swimming is not recommended due to high waves ). A refreshingly large swimming pool , spa , gym and tasteful contemporary accommodation all complement the remote landscape . There is something for everyone with the ocean one side and awe-inspiring wildlife , including leopards , on the other .

196 SRI LANKA prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !