
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka: How to Reach great tips
Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserves, is located in the southeast of the island. It’s well known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species. There are several ways to travel to Yala National Park, depending on your starting point, budget, and travel preferences.
Table of Contents
1. From Colombo to Yala National Park
Distance: Approximately 300 km (5-7 hours by road)
Options:
A. By Car or Private Taxi
Duration to Yala National Park: 5-6 hours
Route: Colombo → Ratnapura → Pelmadulla → Udawalawe → Thanamalwila → Tissamaharama → Yala
Cost: Approx. LKR 10,000-20,000 ($50-100) depending on vehicle type.
Advantages:
Direct and comfortable.
You can stop at sights along the way, like the Udawalawe National Park or the Elephant Transit Home.
Disadvantages:
More expensive than public transport options.
B. By Bus to Yala National Park
Duration: 7-8 hours (longer but more budget-friendly)
Route: Take a bus from Colombo’s central bus stand to Tissamaharama (the closest town to Yala). From Tissamaharama, hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to the park (30 minutes).
Cost: Approx. LKR 400-700 ($2-4) for the bus, LKR 500-1000 ($5-10) for a tuk-tuk from Tissamaharama to Yala.
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Advantages:
Budget-friendly.
Disadvantages:
Longer travel time, less comfort, and no direct buses to Yala.

C. By Train to Yala National Park
Duration: 6-7 hours (train + car)
Route: Take the Colombo to Matara train, then arrange a taxi or tuk-tuk from Matara to Yala, which is about 150 km away (2.5-3 hours).
Cost: Train ticket approx. LKR 500-1000 ($2.50-5), car hire from Matara LKR 8,000-12,000 ($40-60).
Advantages:
Scenic train journey along the southern coast.
Disadvantages:
No direct route; requires coordination of different transport modes.

2. From Galle to Yala National Park
Distance: Approximately 180 km (4-5 hours by road)
Options:
A. By Car or Taxi
Duration: 4 hours
Route: Galle → Matara → Hambantota → Tissamaharama → Yala
Cost: Approx. LKR 8,000-12,000 ($40-60).
Advantages:
Direct and convenient.
Disadvantages:
More expensive than buses.

B. By Bus
Duration: 5-6 hours
Route: Take a bus from Galle to Matara, then transfer to a bus bound for Tissamaharama. From there, you can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Yala.
Cost: Approx. LKR 300-600 ($2-3) for the bus, LKR 500-1000 ($5-10) for a tuk-tuk.
Advantages:
Budget-friendly.
Disadvantages:
Longer travel time and transfers needed.

3. From Ella to Yala National Park
Distance: Approximately 100 km (2-3 hours by road)
Options:
A. By Car or Taxi
Duration: 2.5 hours
Route: Ella → Wellawaya → Tissamaharama → Yala
Cost: Approx. LKR 6,000-8,000 ($30-40).
Advantages:
Direct and convenient.
Disadvantages:
More expensive than public transport.

B. By Bus
Duration: 3-4 hours
Route: Take a local bus from Ella to Tissamaharama, then a tuk-tuk or taxi to Yala.
Cost: Approx. LKR 300-600 ($2-3) for the bus, LKR 500-1000 ($5-10) for a tuk-tuk.
Advantages:
Budget-friendly.
Disadvantages:
Takes longer and involves a transfer at Tissamaharama.
4. By Domestic Flight (Air Taxi)
Route: Colombo → Hambantota (Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport)
Duration: 45-minute flight + 1-hour drive
Cost: Flights from Colombo are more expensive but cut down travel time.

Advantages:
Fast and scenic.
Disadvantages:
Expensive and requires a transfer from Hambantota to Yala.
5. Safari Tour Packages
Many tourists opt for organized safari tour packages that include transportation from major cities, safari jeeps, and accommodation. This is a convenient option if you prefer an all-inclusive experience.
Cost: Prices vary based on the level of accommodation and length of the tour, typically ranging from $100-$500, depending on the package.

Key Points to Remember:
Tissamaharama is the closest town to Yala and the main starting point for most safaris.
Private transport is faster and more comfortable but comes with a higher cost.
Public buses are the cheapest option, though slower and less comfortable, with transfers required at Tissamaharama.
Safaris in Yala are typically arranged in jeeps, so regardless of how you reach the area, you will need to hire a jeep for the safari inside the park.