Yala

Located in the south east part of the Island, the total protected area covers 98,000 hectares. Certain parts are strict natural reserves. Yala west with its scrub jungle, rock outcrops, tanks and lagoons is the area for Jeep safaris. Wild Elephant, sloth Bear, Leopard, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Buffalo, Wild Boar, Monkey, Porcupine and Jackal can be sighted here. Many migratory Birds frequent this area, over 135 species have been recorded in Yala. The remains of an ancient settlement are also evident in its vicinity with ruins dating back as far as 1st century BC. Situated around the Uda Walawe reservoir south of the central hills of the island this park spreads over an area of 30,800 hectares. Consisting mainly of grassland this park is famous for its Herds of Wild Elephant, with an estimated population of over 500 living within the park. Sambar, Wild Buffalo, Sloth Bear, Crocodile as well as Leopard are the other larger animals that live here. It is also abundant in its Bird and Reptile variety.