In the following article, we’ll share everything you need to plan your adventure in Yala and nearby areas: 10 must-do activities, the best accommodation options for all budgets, how to get there, and our favorite places to eat in the area. Let’s dive into the wilderness!
Don't skip this place when having a road trip in Sri Lanka
Kandy
Sigiriya
Yala Park
Ella
Trincomalee
Mirissa
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Unawatuna
Galle
Negombo
1. Go on a Jeep Safari in Yala National Park
One of the main reasons travelers come to this south east area is to go on a jeep safari in Yala National Park. The park is especially famous for having one of the highest leopard densities in the world, and spotting one in the wild is an unforgettable experience. But there’s a lot more to see.
During a safari, you might also come across elephants walking through the forest, crocodiles resting near waterholes, deer, wild boars, and a wide variety of exotic birds.
The best time to go is early in the morning, around 5:00 AM, when animals are most active. Tours usually include the entrance fee, a guide, and the jeep itself, and cost around 40 to 60 USD per person. we recommend booking your safari through local agencies, that you can book directly once there, or via your hotel, or by using GetYourGuide platform like we did, if often has the most reliable tours, drivers and guides, to avoid any scam
2. Relax at Kirinda Beach
After the safari, Kirinda Beach offers a quiet and relaxing break. Located just a short drive from Yala, this beach remains peaceful and largely untouched by mass tourism. Its golden sand and coastal breeze make it an ideal place to rest after a long, dusty safari and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
At one end of the beach, there is a small temple built on a rock with a panoramic view of the sea. It’s a great spot to catch your breath and take in the surroundings. we found that beach a peaceful place and also visiting it in the late afternoon, just before sunset, brings a soft light that makes the beach even more beautiful and helps avoid the heat.
3. Walk around Tissamaharama Lake
If you're spending a night in Tissamaharama, a walk around Tissa Wewa Lake is a simple and peaceful activity. The lake reflects the sky in the early morning and evening, creating a calm atmosphere. It’s common to see local fishermen casting their nets and birds like pelicans or storks flying across the water. There’s a paved path around the lake that’s easy to follow, and walking there feels like a welcome pause from the area’s more intense activities. Just be sure to bring some insect repellent if you go around dusk, as mosquitoes are active at that time.
3 weeks itinerary Sri Lanka
Famous train ride in Ella
Discover the south Coast of Sri Lanka
Visit the iconic Sigiriya rock
4. Visit the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
Tissamaharama is also home to an important Buddhist site: the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara. This white stupa stands as one of the oldest in Sri Lanka, with over 2,000 years of history. Locals still come here to pray, light oil lamps, and make flower offerings. The temple is calm and atmospheric, especially in the early morning.
When we visited, we were struck by how welcome we felt, but it’s important to be respectful. Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees, and remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds. There’s no entrance fee, though donations are appreciated to help maintain the site. If you're lucky, you may catch a festival or ceremony
5. Discover Bundala National Park
For travelers who enjoy nature and birdwatching, Bundala National Park is another worthwhile stop. Located about 30 kilometers from Yala, this park is a protected wetland and a Ramsar site. It receives fewer visitors than Yala, which makes the experience more peaceful. It’s especially known for its birdlife includung flamingos, storks, and many migratory species arrive here between November and March.
You can also see elephants from time to time, we weren't lucky.
Safaris in Bundala are a bit cheaper than in Yala and offer great opportunities for photography and spotting animals without the crowds, but do not expect to see a lot of wild animals, it is mainly for birdwatching and very closeup photography
6. Climb the Sand Dunes of Palatupana
Near the entrance of Yala, there's a place that not many people talk about, we were told by locals to visit this place, and it didn't disappoint us; the sand dunes of Palatupana. These large golden dunes stretch out toward the sea and create a unique landscape that feels completely different from the rest of the region.
Walking on the dunes in the early morning or just before sunset is not only more comfortable because of the lower temperature, but also ideal for taking photos. The area is open and free to visit, but don’t forget to bring enough water and wear a hat, as there’s no shade around.
7. Visit Kataragama Sacred City
Kataragama is a bit unique and different from other wmall towns in Sri Lanka, it’s more a spiritual crossroads. Revered by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, it’s one of the most sacred sites in the country.
We visited during an evening Puja which is a daily prayer ritual, and the energy was peaceful: incense rising in thick plumes, rhythmic drumming, and the hypnotic hum of devotion. Even if you’re not religious, it’s impossible not to feel moved.
Located about 18 km from Yala, Kataragama is easy to reach bu hiring a Tuk Tuk and free to explore. Dress conservatively and be prepared to remove your shoes at temple entrances. If you’re there in July or August, you might witness the vibrant Esala Festival a blend of firewalking, parades, and music.
8. Tree of Life and Giant’s Bath
Just a short drive from Kataragama lies a serene and mystical place: Sella Kataragama. Nestled among trees and small shrines, this site is known for its ancient stone bathing pool, locals call it the "Giant’s Bath", believed by many to possess healing powers. It’s not widely known to tourists, which gives it a quiet, almost enchanted feel.
We recommend visiting with a local guide or asking someone in town for directions, as signage is limited. It is hard to follow the path by yourself.
This place offers a powerful pause from the more touristic trail.
9. Enjoy Birdwatching at Debarawewa Wetland
For a peaceful morning in nature without the crowds of Yala, head to the wetlands of Debarawewa, just outside Tissamaharama. This quiet village area is dotted with marshes and ponds that attract dozens of bird species. On our early morning visit, I saw some purple herons, kingfishers, and even a few water buffalo wading lazily through the shallows.
There’s no entrance fee, and it’s a beautiful spot for a reflective walk, we visited in the morning and were the only one there, which made it feel like a personal discovery, and made us more connected to Sri Lanka's roots and nature
10. Visit a Local Village for Traditional Cooking
Another experience worth trying is a local village cooking session if you have enough time. Some homestays and eco-lodges around Tissamaharama offer cooking classes where you can prepare traditional rice and curry using wood-fire stoves.
You’ll learn to cook with fresh ingredients like jackfruit, eggplant, and lotus root, often picked directly from a nearby garden. It’s a fun and hands-on way to experience local culture and cuisine. These classes usually need to be booked in advance, and the hosts are often happy to explain each step in simple English.
Expect to pay around $10 to $20 USD per person
Where to Stay in Yala / Tissamaharama
We’ve carefully selected a mix of accommodation options to suit all budgets and comfort levels:
👉 Nature Resort - Yala Safari Village ($) – Budget-friendly safari village accommodations
👉 Lake Edge Safari Resort ($) – Budget-friendly rooms near the lake with great safari packages
👉 Thaulle Resort ($$) – Beautiful lake views, spa services, and nature-focused design
👉 Cinnamon Wild Yala ($$) – Mid-range resort inside Yala buffer zone, often visited by wildlife
👉 Jetwing Yala ($$$) – A luxury resort on the beachfront with a pool, top dining, and safari access
How to Visit Yala National Park
Yala is usually the third or fourth stop on a typical Sri Lanka itinerary, often visited after exploring Ella or the southern coast. There are several ways to reach the park, depending on your budget and travel style.
The most convenient option is to hire a private driver, which costs between $60 and $100 USD for the ride from places like Ella or Mirissa. The journey takes around 2 to 4 hours depending on your starting point, and it’s especially practical if you plan to do a morning safari. And this was our choice to make most of our time in this area
There’s no direct train to Yala, but you can take a train to Matara or Ella and continue the rest of the way by taxi. This option combines low-cost rail travel which is around $1 to $5 USD with a taxi that usually costs between $30 and $50 USD. Booking second or third class seats in advance is a good idea if you're coming from Colombo or Ella.
Buses are the cheapest way to get there, tickets cost between $1 and $3 USD, and buses run regularly to Tissamaharama from towns like Ella, Matara, or Colombo, though they tend to be slow and crowded, but the local immersion and experience is guaranteed
Another option is to join a shared shuttle or book a full safari tour that includes transport from Ella. These are usually arranged through hotels or hostels and cost between $30 and $60 USD. Be sure to ask whether the entrance fee for the national park is included in the package.
Where to Eat in Yala / Tissamaharama
Sri Lankan food here is flavorful and often home-cooked. Try local dishes like dhal curry, coconut sambol, and crispy hoppers. Here are our top picks:
Refresh Restaurant – Local rice & curry buffet, affordable and authentic
Calorian Restaurant [VEG] – Vegetarian-friendly and lots of Sri Lankan dishes
Chef Lady Restaurant – Cozy place for a family-style lunch or dinner
Yala Waves Restaurant [VEG] – Near the beach, great for curries and fresh juices
Tissa Inn Restaurant – International options plus Sri Lankan staples
Smoky Kitchen [VEG] – Vegan and veggie-friendly with roti, lentils, and fresh salads
Hotel Chandrika Restaurant – More upscale, good for a relaxed dinner post-safari
