Yala-Nationalpark
The Yala National Park is the most famous and oldest nature reserve in Sri Lanka. The approximately 1500 km ² National Park is located in the southeast of the island on the territory of the Southern Province and Uva. In his numerous mammal and bird species are located, making it a popular destination for tourists.
History and Structure
The area of today's national parks had been inhabited already in the 2nd century BC by Buddhist monks. It was in the territory of the Kingdom of Ruhuna, which is why the park officially Ruhuna National Park is called. 1899 were first placed under nature protection areas of the present park. Founded the National Park in 1938., The then territory included the now accessible for day trippers Block 1 of Yala West. More blocks ( 2-5 ) were annexed to 1973 Yala West. In addition, located in the Park a strict nature reserve along the coast. The entrance to the eastern part of the park ( Yala East) is on between Tamils and Sinhalese disputed area and is therefore not usually open. Also in the park there were conflicts between the warring parties. So for tourists erected bungalows were occupied in the park of Sinhalese military and Tamil rebels set of fire.
Vegetation and Flora
Large parts of the park are reminiscent of an African bush savannah. The flat landscape is thereby sporadically interrupted by high outstanding rock formations such as the Elephant Rocks. The outer parts of the park other hand, are dominated by monsoon forests. Two rivers, Oya and Menik Ganga Kumbukkan, feed these forests with water and form small lakes and ponds. Next they flow through the plane and end in the Indian Ocean. The 35 km long coastal strip of the park is densely covered, especially at the lagoons provided with estuaries. Near the coast, there is also a wetland, the Kumana Mangrave Swamp. After the rainy season bloom numerous wild flowers and climbing plants. Trees in the park such as the Kumbuk ( Terminalia arjuna ), Halmilla ( Berrya cordiflora ) and the Palu tree ( Manilkara hexandra ) provide shelter and food for many animals.
Fauna
About 30 species of mammals and over 130 species of birds can be observed in the park. In Yala West about 30 leopards. This is one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Furthermore, elephants roam the plains of the park and sloth bears move through the woods in search of termites. Especially near the coast are both native bird species to be found as well in the winter months, migratory birds from North India, West Asia and Europe.
Mammals
Reptiles
Hanuman langurs
Asian Elephants
Sloth
Rotgesicht - Malkoha
Temples and Native
In the park there are several temple ruins. Lived in Situlpahuwa, it describe the inscriptions found there, up to 12,000 people in the temple complex itself or as a Buddhist hermit monks in caves around this place. Other ruins are Magulmahavihara, Akashachetiya, Thalaguluhela and Maya Gala. Just north of the park is the pilgrimage town of Kataragama. To get there, go through every year about 400,000 pilgrims, either on foot or in convoys, the western part of Yala National Park.
Tourism
Most tourists visit in the park of Tissamaharama. Between August and mid-October, the park is closed due to the dry season. Best time to visit is December to May. In Yala West is a trail network of about 100 km in length. The paths lead past especially on water and feeding sites. The park can only be visited with a local guide in a jeep with a driver provided by the park. In the park there are bungalows for overnight. Outside the park, you can stay in Tissamaharama.