On the extreme south-east coast of Sri Lanka lies Yala National Park – a stunning mix of lush forests, dry bushland, dunes and vast lakes. Just a few hours drive from Colombo airport, the national park is a dream destination for nature lovers and animal lovers. Our journey from Colombo to the Yala reserve along the island’s scenic coastline – a drive that reminded us of the famous Pacific Coastal Highway in California – will remain one of the many highlights of our visit to Sri Lanka.

Ruhuna National Park, better known as Yala, was declared a national park in 1938. In the chronology of such parks in modern times, Yala ranks third behind Yellowstone in the US and Baniff in Canada. Yala is an exotic wildlife sanctuary with a 22-mile-long beach adorned with dunes, dramatic rock outcrops and bush jungle. The various habitats in Yala are home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic animals. The stars of the jungle are, of course, the Sri Lankan leopards, elephants and sloth bears. The dry forests – a dense mix of shrubs, tall trees, grasslands and granite boulders – almost seem like an architect-designed leopard preserve.

The national park also has a rich archaeological heritage dating back to the 1st century BC, dating back to the Ruhuna Kingdom. The large lakes in the park are said to be remnants of an ancient civilisation that flourished here in the lap of nature. The monastic settlement of Sithulpawwa is said to have housed 12,000 inhabitants seeking solace here nearly 2000 years ago. What is now preserved and maintained as a pristine wildlife kingdom was home to a thriving civilisation dating back to the glory days of the Sri Lankan kings. Hundreds of aquariums, most of them now in a dilapidated state, are now lifelines of Yala’s thriving wildlife kingdom.

Accommodation in Yala is an experience in itself. Discreetly nestled in the forest are several nature-friendly resorts that offer a hearty blend of comfort and wilderness. Every morning we were awakened by lapwings, peacock calls and the distant sound of the ocean. Wild boars, monitor lizards and star tortoises visited us at our doorstep almost every morning of our stay. Our days began with dawn safari drives, the best time to experience the park’s abundant wildlife. The thrill of setting off in an open jeep with full breakfast baskets in the cool of the early morning and the promise of an adventure ahead is indescribable. The park, teeming with life, offered a stunning variety of nature at every corner. The weather in July was dry but cool and windy, which made it very encouraging for us to venture into the jungle. The trees were losing their leaves, making it easier to spot even small animals and rodents like mongooses and rabbits. One of the first sights that greeted us was the park’s vibrant birdlife. With over 200 species of birds, both native and non-native, Yala is a birdwatcher’s paradise. We spotted plenty of colourful bee-eaters, majestic grey-headed sea eagles, paradise flycatchers and striking painted storks.

As we ventured deeper into the park, we encountered huge herds of wild elephants moving calmly in the thickets and large males wallowing in the lakes. The park is also home to wild boars, sloth bears, water buffaloes and the shyest Sri Lankan leopard. Yala has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, but spotting these stealthy predators in its diverse landscape requires enormous patience and a lot of luck. Thanks to the keen eyes of our guide, we were lucky enough to spot a leopard resting high on a branch, its spotted fur blending seamlessly with the dappled sunlight. The leopards of Yala are the focus of conservation efforts in this conservancy. These efforts aim to protect this unique population from threats posed by habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Park authorities and various conservation organizations work tirelessly to ensure that these majestic cats continue to thrive.

Yala’s appeal lies not only in its wildlife, but also in its resilience. The park was hit hard by the 2004 tsunami, a disaster that left deep scars on the country and its people. Yet nature has an incredible ability to heal. Today, Yala is a testament to that resilience, a vibrant ecosystem once again filled with life. A poignant reminder of the tragedy and the enduring spirit of recovery, the tsunami memorial in the nearby village of Peraliya reminds us of the devastation it wreaked on Sri Lanka and the lives it claimed.

A visit to Yala National Park is a journey into the heart of the wild, a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in its purest form. It is a place where the spirit of adventure and the mystery of the wilderness come together perfectly and in the most unobtrusive way. Yala is a hidden chapter in the island’s natural history that speaks of its soul. For anyone travelling to Sri Lanka, Yala is an experience not to be missed.