Why Yala in Sri Lanka should be on your travel bucket list /

After several previous visits to the enchanting island nation of Sri Lanka, we finally visited Yala National Park in the southeast of the island. Considered the most important national park in Sri Lanka, it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 before being granted national park status in 1938. Not only is it home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna (did someone say elephants and leopards?), its national park status ensures its vast 1,000-square-mile area is protected from poaching, gemstone mining and illegal logging, problems that plague areas of outstanding natural beauty throughout the region.

Feel good about the impact of your journey

The national parks in Sri Lanka are managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the park entry fee you pay is one of their main sources of income. These revenues are used to ensure that the flora, fauna and natural resources are protected and in turn remain untouched for future generations. Yala National Park is home to over 300 of the remaining Sri Lankan elephants, of which there are an estimated 2,500 in total. However, when you consider that there were over 20,000 wild elephants in the 19th century, it becomes very clear why they and their habitat need to be protected.

Experience your Yala safari with an expert guide

There are many operators offering safari day trips to Yala National Park and as with any choice you make it is always best to do your research. We read multiple reviews, in addition to asking friends and colleagues for recommendations. Your Yala safari will likely be the highlight of your trip, so ‘investing’ in a knowledgeable guide is essential in our opinion. They are sure to enhance your experience with their ability to identify, track and locate many of the park’s harder to find residents.

Get up close (well, not too close) and up close and personal with elephants and leopards

The magnificent wildlife that calls Yala National Park home includes the Asian elephant and leopard. Although Yala is one of the places in Sri Lanka where you have the best chance of seeing leopards, there is of course no guarantee. But with a lot of patience, an excellent guide and a bit of luck, you may be able to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Yala National Park has the highest densities of leopards in the world with an estimated 60-80 leopards calling the park home, so your chances are quite high that you could indeed meet one of these graceful and powerful big cats.

Stay at the perfectly located Jetwing Yala

Perfectly located near the Palaputana entrance to Yala National Park, Jetwing Yala is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to explore the area. This eco-conscious luxury hotel features a 75-metre swimming pool and is set in extensive grounds with direct access to the dramatic dune-lined beach. This unique location, with both the Indian Ocean and the magnificent Yala National Park as neighbours, makes Jetwing Yala an excellent option for anyone spending time in this enchanting corner of southeastern Sri Lanka. At the end of an exciting day of exploring, there’s nothing better than soaking in the expansive pool overlooking the ocean, or pampering yourself with a treatment at the blissful spa, before heading off for a lavish Asian fusion culinary adventure in Thambapanni ,

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Admire Sri Lanka’s rugged and wild coastline

The majestic plains and forests of Yala National Park have an equally illustrious neighbor, the Indian Ocean. Separated by seemingly never-ending dunes carried by the wind, they exist harmoniously. In this area of ​​southeastern Sri Lanka, not only can you be amazed by the beauty of Yala, but you can also marvel at Sri Lanka’s rugged coastline. It’s no surprise that at certain times of the year, surfers travel from far and wide to hone their skills on nearby beaches. This is the Indian Ocean at its wildest; prepare to be impressed.

Enjoy a range of delicious Sri Lankan dishes

While guests from all over the world expect a varied culinary offering, the Jetwing Yala team has ensured that Sri Lankan cuisine is at the forefront throughout the resort. We were able to enjoy a wide variety of Sri Lankan dishes and we were perfectly catered for as vegan guests during our stay. Trust us when we say that the simple sounding ‘rice & curry’ in Sri Lanka is far from simple. Instead, it’s an explosion of flavors and mini curries served with local rice. Sri Lankan ‘Rice & Curry’ is colourful, exciting and delicious, making it one of our favorite meals on the planet.

These are just some of the reasons why Yala in Sri Lanka should be on your travel bucket list. Going on a safari is often on your bucket list and a visit to Yala National Park offers the perfect opportunity to make one of your dreams come true. We feel blessed to have ‘checked off’ another of our travel dreams. Thank you Yala and thank you Sri Lanka for your warm welcome and great hospitality.

Paul Eyers is founder of Vegan Food Quest. Vegan Food Quest have become luxury vegan travel specialists as they continue to find, eat and write about the best vegan food in the world.

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