PROGRAMME :Yala Leopard safari
DURATION : 5 Night / 6 Days.
PERIOD :Valid till 31-October-2005

YALA NATIONAL PARK



YALA WEST (RUHUNA) NATIONAL PARK is now well recognised as one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards. The park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided into five blocks. Block one is easily the most visited part of the sanctuary as it contains the highest density of leopards in the park. However other areas of Yala such as Yala East are only now just re-opening and it will take some time to research leopard numbers in these less visited areas. Yala West consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park.
Recently there was an excellent 'Natural World' wildlife film on the 'Leopards of Yala' shot by the well known filmmaker Gordon Buchanan. Yala has well over thirty leopards within the park, probably the highest density anywhere in the world. It is also thought that Sri Lankan leopards are a distinct sub-species from their Indian neighbours as well as being the largest leopards in Asia.
Your best chance to see a leopard is generally first thing in the morning and then again at dusk. The male leopards in Yala are very confident animals and they are often seen walking the tracks during the day. Young males in particular seem to have no fear of the jeep, which can lead to some excellent photographic opportunities. But there is no guarantee that you will see one for the day. As well as leopards there is a large number of elephants living inside the park and these can be seen bathing in the numerous lakes within the park. You can also see spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The bird life is also fantastic and it is amazing how close you can get to them from the confines of the jeep, you can see Rosy Starlings, Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, Blue-Tailed Bee-Eaters and Common Iora's.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 01 – (FB)

Arrival at the park entrance around noon. Get into the 4WD Jeep at the park entrance to be driven to the Park. At the River Bank relax until lunchtime. Enjoy a typical Sri Lankan lunch and get ready for the evening safari. You will have the opportunity to see some of the prominent wild animals found in this park. For example the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal, elephants, leopard and mongoose etc. After the Safari return to the Hotel or Bunglow, which is lit, by lanterns and a campfire. Dinner & the night stay at a fully serviced Bunglow.

Day 02 - (FB)

Full day safari. Back to the Bunglow for the night.

Day 03 – (FB)

After an early breakfast leaving for a Morning Safari. Back at the Bunglow for lunch. Evening at leisure or engage you’re self for an evening safari. A very appetizing B.B.Q. Dinner around the campfire.

Day 04 – (FB)

Full day safari. Breakfast, lunch & dinner will be provided at the Bunglow. Back to the Bunglow for the night.

Day 05 – (FB)

Full day safari. Breakfast, lunch & dinner will be provided at the Bunglow. Back to the Bunglow for the night.

Day 06 – (FB)

Leaving for an early morning safari, after a grand breakfast. This will be an unforgettable bird watching experience. “Yala” is one of the best parks for bird watching too. You find some of the very rare species here. BIRDING IN YALA is very interesting because of its complex system of the forest. Sri Lankan Jungle fowl, White-bellied Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Painted Stork, Black- necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Pompadour Green Pigeon and flocks of flamingoes can be seen in this reserve. Finishing the safari, you will be driven to meet your vehicle at the entrance that will drive you back to your next destination.
- End of Programme -