Yala National Park is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka.
Along with several neighbouring and adjoining reserves, this area represents the largest conservation area in the country, extending over 979 sq km (378 sq mi) and with around 60km (36 miles) of ocean beaches.
The landscape is largely comprised of undulating plains, covered by a mix of moist monsoon forests and dry woodlands, punctuated by small open grasslands, rocky outcrops and occasional waterholes. Along the coast there are extensive marine wetlands and patches of mangrove forest.
Mammal species in Yala are headlined by Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and Sri Lankan sloth bears, with a supporting cast of fishing cats, jackals, golden palm civets, red slender lorises, water buffalos, spotted deers and toque macaque monkeys.
The reserve is perhaps best known for its leopards, which are here in relatively high densities, although their total numbers probably only add up to a few dozen. They are slightly smaller than African leopards and usually have a darker coat with a tiger spot pattern. Although they can be elusive, they do love to sunbathe on various rocky outcrops.