It is a little known fact that bird watching can be done in Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka as the region is better known for its leopards and elephants. If the enthusiastic ornithologists select the route and time period with care, Yala can be as rewarding as any other bird watching hot spot in Sri Lanka. Another place that one can add to the list is the Palatupana area and one can be sure to see a large number of flurrying friends in these two spots.
Early in the morning one can often spot Black-hooded Orioles, Red-vented Bulbuls, Blue-winged Leaf birds, Magpie Robins and Common Ioras in the massive trees. What is more there will be loads of colourful bee eaters in the vicinity.
Another bird that one can catch a glimpse of here is the White-bellied Sea Eagle. There will also be flocks of Black-headed Ibis and also Spot billed Pelicans. Keen bird watchers believe that this is one of the best countries in the world to spot these species. If you are lucky you may even get to see flocks of more than hundred birds in number at waterholes in Yala National Park.
Yala is also famous for its many peacocks, that are considered fairly common. It is indeed an added bonus if one gets to see the peacock dance performed in order to attract a mate. It is not just a perfect exotic holiday photograph but a delightful feast for the eye.
At the many waterholes in Yala, the traveller can spot large Egrets, Pintail Snipes and even Gull-billed Terns who are all looking for food. Since the sea is close by once in a while enthusiastic bird watchers can also catch sight of a Lesser Crested Tern.
These are just a few of the myriad varieties of birds that one gets to see at Yala. In addition to birds there are of course the leopards and elephants as well as deer, sambhur and many other wildlife that can be spotted here.
If one is interested in going bird watching, there are a large number of
Yala Sri Lanka hotel in the vicinity. Almost any
Yala hotel will have easy access to the national park but the Chaaya Wild Yala provides one of the best wildlife experiences to its guests.
