Yala National Park – brimming with flora and fauna

About 300 kilometres from Colombo, Sri Lanka – is one of the country's most visited national parks. The Yala National Park also known as the Ruhuna National Park is situated in the southeast region of the tropical island. Deemed the second largest wildlife park in the country, this sanctuary boasts an abundance of flora and fauna.

With a list of credentials to its name, Yala is a wildlife preserve that attracts thousands of locals and foreign visitors every year. The park houses six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries within its vicinity. The park that was damaged due to the devastating Tsunami in 2004 saw over 250 people die. However, with an excessive amount of work and restructuring the park was restored. Access to the park was made even easier, with the cease of the recent civil war in the country.

By being one of the 70 Important Bird Areas in the country, Yala is home to 215 species of birds that include six endemic species. Bird watching enthusiasts will find Yala the perfect location to spot the Sri Lankan grey hornbill, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, jungle fowl, whistling duck, spoonbill, spot-billed pelican, rock pigeon, flamingo, sea eagle, orioles, peafowl and paradise fly catchers are among the many others here.

Yala also boasts 44 species of mammals that include the Sri Lankan elephant one of the country's most treasured animals. A visitor can also come across herds of them scattered all over the park. The park is further known as one of the most densely populated leopard sanctuaries in the world. Sri Lankan sloth bear, leopards, water buffalo, fishing cats, loris and crocodiles are among the other animals in the park.

An assortment of butterflies and reptiles can be seen within the thick jungles of the park. Visitors to Yala are offered a comprehensive safari around the park in a four wheel driven automobile, which can be rented. A number of lagoons, watercourses and streams that are home to a number of wildlife can also be seen.

A traveller's adventure at this prestigious national gem will be without a doubt a voyage to remember. Hiring a chauffeur or self-driven vehicle from a Sri Lanka car rental service would be the most recommended when exploring the island on your way to the park. The Malkey Rent A Car Company offers a comfortable and suitable Sri Lanka travelservice for the ardent traveller looking to visit key destinations in Sri Lanka.