A Day in Yala National Park – Exploring Block 1

I’m currently in Sri Lanka on a family holiday, soaking in the warmth, flavours and colours of this beautiful island. Tomorrow we are setting off early for a day safari in Yala National Park, one of the country’s most famous wildlife destinations.

Our focus will be on Block 1, the most popular section of the park and home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Just the possibility of seeing one of these magnificent cats in the wild is always a reason to be excited for both me and the family. Yala also offers elephants, exotic birds, crocodiles and a landscape that shifts from grassland to forest to lagoon. Tip! Leopard or Cheetah? Can you see the difference? Check out this guide!

For me, this is more than a family adventure. It is a chance to immerse myself in the kind of wild beauty that inspires my nature photography prints and large wildlife art prints. I do not have my professional camera gear with me this time, so any photos will be more about capturing personal memories than creating fine art. Even without the big lenses, I know the experience will be just as rewarding.

This is Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and one of its most visited. Covering almost 1,000 square kilometres, it is made up of five blocks, each with its own landscapes and wildlife. Block 1 is the most popular area for visitors and is world famous for having one of the highest leopard densities recorded anywhere. The park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild boar, deer and over 200 species of birds. Its habitats range from dry monsoon forest and open grasslands to wetlands and coastal lagoons, creating a rich environment for wildlife and nature photography alike.

Let's see what Yala National Park delivers.

##### UPDATE #######

Yala national park did deliver! We managed to see a leopard on our mini-safari. This was the 2 year old female cub of the famous Yala female 'Strawberry'. Always a privilege to spot a leopard. The kids were excited too! Thank you Yala!