How to Enjoy a Full-Day Leopard Safari at Yala With Picnic Lunch in Sabaragamuwa Province

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sabaragamuwa Province is the full-day leopard safari at Yala National Park. This protected area is home to majestic leopards, as well as many other species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. With plenty of activities to enjoy, including wildlife sightings, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the park with a picnic lunch in hand. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your full-day leopard safari at Yala National Park.

Getting to Yala National Park

The first step in planning your leopard safari is figuring out how you will get to Yala National Park. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or take public transportation to make the journey. If you are driving your own car, you can start by navigating to Tissamaharama town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The road trip from Colombo is approximately three and a half hours, but it will depend on traffic and road conditions. If you decide to hire a taxi, be sure to ask the driver to help you with your plans, as they may have experience with this route before.
Once you are in Tissamaharama, you will follow the Mahawalatenna Tank Road on to the northern side of Yala National Park for about 10 km. There will be signposts along the road indicating the route, so it should be relatively easy to find your way. Once you have made it to the entrance, you must purchase a ticket. The ticket costs around 800-1000 LKR ($5-$6 USD) plus an additional conservation fee of 100 LKR ($0.60 USD) per person.

What to Expect at Yala National Park

When you enter Yala National Park, you will have the chance to observe some of the native wildlife up close. The most famous animal residing here is the Sri Lankan leopard, so be sure to keep an eye out for them as you explore. Apart from that, there are also sloth bears, elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, grey langurs, peacocks, and many more species to spot during your visit.
Once inside the park, you can either choose to explore the area on foot or by car. We recommend driving your own car or hiring a jeep for the safari as it will give you more control over your journey and keep you out of danger from any wild animals. Of course, there is also the chance that you may not see any animals at all due to their shy nature and the openness of the area.

Tips for Your Full-Day Leopard Safari at Yala National Park

To ensure that you have a successful and enjoyable full-day leopard safari experience at Yala National Park, here are some tips that you should consider:

• Make sure to arrive early as possible, as you will have a better chance of spotting animals during the cooler morning hours
• Dress appropriately for the safari by wearing loose and comfortable clothing, as well as closed shoes
• Bring enough water and snacks for yourself and those with you, since there are limited food options available within the park
• Safety is vital during a leopard safari. Stick to your vehicle and do not leave it for any reason, even if there is an animal nearby
• Stay within your vehicle during safari drives and do not try to feed or approach any wild animals
• For those travelling with children, bear in mind that it can get hot during the safari due to the lack of shade from trees and bushes
• Lastly, remember that you are visiting a protected wildlife area and so please do not litter or disturb any natural habitats.

Picnic Lunch at Yala National Park

If you’re looking for a more exciting way to experience Yala National Park, why not plan a picnic lunch? It’s a great opportunity to enjoy your time in nature, as well as appreciate local Sri Lankan cuisine while surrounded by stunning views of wildlife. To ensure that your picnic is a success and safe from any wild animals, make sure that you select a suitable picnic site before your safari begins. Many visitors tend to prefer Balapitiya Rock due to its magnificence and view overlooking the park.
Preparing your own picnic can be fun and it’s relatively easy. You will just need some portable coolers for food storage, reusable lunch boxes for each person in your party, some plates and cutlery sets for each person, as well as napkins or paper serviettes that are eco-friendly. Once your supplies are ready and packed in your car, it’s time for the picnic itself! You can either bring packed food with you or buy it locally; it all depends on what you prefer. Popular Sri Lankan dishes that make great picnic foods include pol roti (coconut roti), hoppers (pancakes) with string hoppers (rice noodles) and curries, as well as different kinds of cutlets.

Conclusion

Spending a full day at Yala National Park leopard safari is an incredible experience and one not to miss if you’re visiting Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka. The key lies in planning ahead and preparing everything necessary for your journey. Whether on foot or by car, with careful planning and sensible safety precautions (e.g. don’t go too far away from your vehicle), a day at the park is sure to be remembered forever. And don’t forget to pack a picnic too! Now that you know how to enjoy a full-day leopard safari at Yala National Park with a picnic lunch, why not book your adventure today? Visit GetYourGuide now for more information!