The main attraction – Yala National Park

Spread over 126,786 hectares, Yala Safari Park is also known as Ruhunu Safari Park. Situated in the south-eastern low-land dry zone of Sri Lanka, Yala Safari Park is a combination of dry-mixed evergreen forests, bushland, open greenery, water holes, briny water lagoons and seaside forest areas. Drypatus sepiaria (weera), Salvadora persica (malittan) and Manilkara hexandra (palu) overshadow the other vegetation of this incredible safari park.

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The assortment of wild life at Yala Safari Park include large mammals such as elephants, spotted barking deer, mouse deer, sambhur, wild boar, water buffalo, sloth bear (endangered) and the leopard. Other animal species such as jackal, civet, rusty spotted fishing cats, mongoose, black nape hare, grey languor and toque macaque (endemic) are resident at Yala Safari Park. A stunningly large amount of crocodiles belonging to endangered varieties frequent the massive water holes and lagoons of the safari park. The largest bird in Sri Lanka, the rare black-necked stork is among the 142 species of birds recorded at the park. The majestic tuskers and the grand leopards are some of the rare and beautiful animals of Yala Safari Park, probably the most magnificent wild life sanctuary in Sri Lanka.
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Katharagama
Kataragama is a place frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka and this city now declared a sacred city.The annual procession held in the months of July-August is the main pageant and is as colourful as any other pageant in the country.It has, as the concluding event, the performance of fire walking by the devotees. Kavadi dancing is another attraction in the pageant. There are devotees who perform this dance to fulfil vows even on other occasions.

Kirinda
Kirinda is a small but beautiful village on the southern coast of Sri Lanka . It has a beautiful beach and a Buddhist vihara built on huge round rock. The area is also close to the great and little basses reefs which provide some of the most spectacular scuba diving in the country.One of the most well known attractions in Kirinda is the statue of queen Viharamadevi. This is situated on the spot where she is said to have landed after being set adrift on the sea from Kelaniya. The rock temple mentioned above is largely believed to be the site of her landing.

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Situlpawwa
Situated within the Yala Wild Life Sanctuary this monastery is one of the most complex as well as the most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka.It was once an ancient centre of Buddhism in Ruhuna. Situlpauva had served as a centre of Buddhist meditation and had accommodated thousands of monks.

A boat ride on the Tissa Tank

Boat ride in very popular activity on Tissa tank.This ancient reservoir was constructed in the 3 rd century BC by an early srilankan king. A tout of the lake today includes a trip around ‘Bird Island’, a bird watcher’s delight with its many bitterns, herons, and egrets.

  

Bundala National park

Bundala national park is a shallow lagoon teems with colour as thousands of migratory birds seek shelter from the northern winters. Flocks of flamingos, plovers,ducks and other migrants share the wetlands with resident storks,herons.and egrets.The park also offers a chance to spot elephants , crocodile  jackal and other wildlife.

Ambalantota

Take a jungle river safari at Ambalantota at twilight and watch as playful monkeys follow the boat down the winding river. Peacocks settle in the trees for the night , birds of prey circle overhead and giant  bats take flight , as the mystery of the jungle surrounds you.

Ussangoda

Ussangoda is a legendary landing place of Ravana , the evil King of Hindu mythology who piloted his special peacock chariot across the skies. The areas landscape is unusual, and its red earth is barren – possibly the result of a meteor that struck in ancient times.

The Hunmanaya Blow Hole

This is a natural fountain, caused when sea water rushes through a submerged cavern and is pushed upwards. The spray is often as high as 25 meters, giving onlookers a sea bath on land.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular in the clear waters of Tangalle. When the seas are calm, from October to April,, beautiful coral reefs , colourful fishes , and even sea turtles can be spotted .

Turtle watching at Relwewa

It is one of the area’s most popular attractions. The beach is among Sri Lanka’s most important turtle nesting sites, and a night visit with turtle conservation project is a chance to learn more about these majestic creatures. Lucky visitors may see a female turtle as she comes ashore to lay her eggs.

Mulgirigala Rock Temple

This an ancient rock temple which has rock steps lead the visitors through a series of natural caves, with unique wall paintings and Buddha statues, and on to the summit. Guides are on site to make the visit more enjoyable.

Traditional Brass workers at Angulmaduwa

A visit to traditional Brass workers at Angulmaduwa is an interesting stop on the way to Mulgirigala.This village is famous as the place where Srilankan brass work began. Today, artisans create bells, oil lamps and other brass items using methods that are centuries old. Tour the display shop, and buy a brass souvenir of your visit.