Yala, situated within the southeast corner of the island, is home to the best sort of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. The Yala National Park contains diverse habitats that comprise of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, water lakes, rivers, and beaches, providing a home to the greatest diversity of Sri Lanka wildlife.

Safaris at the break of dawn or evening safaris with an expert guide are the perfect times to visit the park when animals visit the waterholes. Yala is closed during the dry season, generally in September. The Lunugamvehera National Park, situated within the same district, acts as a gateway for elephants traveling from the Yala National Park to the Uda Walawe area.

Kumana also referred to as Yala East National Park can only be visited through Arugam Bay on the South East Coast. The swamp lakes of Kumana is resting sites for water birds. During the nesting season beginning towards June, large colonies of pelican, spoonbills, herons, painted storks, and egrets can be spotted here. Bundala is also prominent and the beautiful Wetland Sanctuary combines the beach, lagoons, and scrub which is home to almost 150 bird species. These wetlands are home to winter migratory birds and large flocks of flamingoes.