The worlds largest collection of leopards is in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka has the world's largest collection of leopards and the Yala National Park is the best place to see them in the wild. The park is situated 24 kilometres northeast of Tissamaharama, 290 kilometres from Colombo, and covers almost 100,000 hectares of the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka accommodation around the park is plentiful and varied and includes treetop lodges, luxury camping and bungalows.

The best months to visit are between January and May when the water holes are low and the animals are competing for the same piece of water. Sightings of leopards and elephants are commonplace during this time. The park is closed in September and October as this time of year represents the leopard's mating season. Newborn cubs may be seen in November and December. There is an abundance of other animals to see in this premier park; buffaloes, crocodiles, monkeys, sloth bears and up to 130 species of birds can be seen in their natural environment.

To get the most from Sri Lanka holidays a visit to Yala is almost obligatory, and the best way to tour the park is by 4x4 jeep with a guide.

However, as the park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., tourists should be prepared to make an early start in order to make the most of the experience. Once inside the park there is a huge diversity of landscape from dense jungle, open plains, lagoons and a coastline with a great beach for a picnic lunch.