RUHUNU NATIONAL PARAK

                   Yala National Park

yala national park (also known as Ruhuna National Park) is located in the south eastern region of sri lanka and extends  over two provinces of Hambantota district of Southern province and Monaragala district in Uva province. The entrance to the park is at Palatupana , 12km from Kirinda. The distance from colombo to the entry point of palatupana is 305km..

Yala national park is the most visited and second largest national park in sri lanka.yala was designated as a wildlife with Willpattu it was one of the first two national parks in sri lanka, having been designated in 1938. Among the species calling this land home are sri lankan elephants , leopards, water buffalo and even the rare sri lankan sloth bear..

There are six national  parks and three wildlife sanctuaries in the vicinity of yala. Among the largest is Lunugamvehera national park. yala forest 215 bird specious including six endemic specious of sri lanka.. The area around yala has hosted several ancient civilizations.  Two important pilgrim sites, Sithulahuwa and Magul vihara, are situated within the park.

The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44 and it has one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

 Seeing a leopard in yala national park is possible and one of things the park is well known for however as big cats go they tend to be elusive  so it is still a chance of luck when entering the park whether you will actually see one or not. While in peak leopard season( february, march) you should keep in mind that you will not be the only jeep around and that seeing leopards cannot be guaranteed.

Yala is home to considerable population of elephants which varies seasonally. Dry season of May to August  is the best period to see elephants.

Being located is one of the arid regions of sri lanka, the climate of Ruhuna National Park is usually hot and dry. The mean annual temperature is 27 celsius, although in the dry season the temperature could go as high as 37 celsius. The number of visitors has been on the rise since 2009, after security situation in the park improved. In september the park is located for maintenance.

 The park is worth visiting at all times of the year, however, planning your visit during peak season(December to April) is recommended..