South coast and safari

Tissamaharama (Yala)

Your base for Yala leopard safaris

Tissamaharama, usually shortened to Tissa, is where most people stay for Yala National Park. Jeeps leave before dawn to catch the park at its best, with leopards, elephants, sloth bears and plenty of birds. Part of the park often closes around September and October, so check the dates if you are set on it.

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Part of the island: South coast and safari
Suggested stay: 1 night
Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Things to do: Ask us

Weather

When to go

Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best months depend on the coast. This is the pattern here.

Jan: good
Feb: best
Mar: best
Apr: best
May: best
Jun: best
Jul: best
Aug: good
Sep: good
Oct: expect rain
Nov: expect rain
Dec: good

Best Still good Expect rain

Stays

Where to stay

Prices per night for two people sharing, for dates about six weeks away. Yours may differ.

Budget

Clean, simple guesthouses and small hotels

Yala Safari River View Hotel
$26
Riverside hotel with restaurant and paid shuttle.
Wi-Fi · Air conditioning · Restaurant · Parking
Elegant Lake Yala Safari House
$48
Lake-view house in Tissamaharama used as a Yala safari base.
Wi-Fi · Air conditioning · Breakfast · Views

Comfort

Mid-range hotels, often with a pool

Hotel River Front
$68
Four-star hotel with pool, gym and sauna in Tissamaharama.
Pool · Wi-Fi · Air conditioning
Animal View Point Yala
$74
Indoor and outdoor pools with lake and garden views.
Pool · Wi-Fi · Views