Yala Elephants and Majestic Tuskers – A Guide to Spotting Giants in the Wild
Yala National Park is world-renowned for its leopards, but few know it’s also home to some of Sri Lanka’s most awe-inspiring creatures — the Yala elephants. Among them roam the elusive and powerful Yala tuskers, whose ivory tusks make them a rare and majestic sight in the wild. If you’re planning a wildlife safari, witnessing these elephants in Yala is an unforgettable experience.
The Sri Lankan elephant (Elephas maximus maximus), a subspecies of the Asian elephant, plays a key role in the ecology of Yala. These elephants are often seen roaming open grasslands, bathing in waterholes, or moving in small herds near Buttala Road and Block 1 of Yala National Park.
– Males tend to be solitary or move in bachelor groups.
– Females and calves are usually seen in matriarchal herds.
– Their diet consists of grass, fruits, leaves, and bark, shaping the park’s vegetation.
Unlike African elephants, only 7% of male Sri Lankan elephants have tusks. This makes spotting a Yala tusker a special moment for any wildlife lover or photographer.
Famous Yala tuskers include:
– Gemunu – Once known for walking up to safari jeeps.
– Kublai Khan – A magnificent, tall tusker often seen near Sithulpawwa.
– Parakrama – A powerful bull known for dominating watering holes during dry months.
Due to poaching threats, tuskers are extremely protected by park authorities. Seeing one is a rare privilege and a top highlight of any Yala safari.
There is no single best time to see elephants in Yala. Water sources shrink, drawing elephants — and the occasional tusker — to accessible waterholes and open areas. Early morning and late evening safaris offer the best chances of sightings.
– Block 1 (Palatupana Entrance): Most popular area for elephants and tuskers.
– Katagamuwa Entrance: Quieter, better for serious photographers and naturalists.
– Sithulpawwa Road: Hotspot for tusker sightings and peaceful herds.
Ask your safari driver to focus on watering holes like Koma Wewa or Mahaseelawa Tank, which attract herds during dry spells.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) monitors elephant populations using GPS collars and drone footage. However, challenges like habitat loss and human-elephant conflict persist.
As a visitor:
– Never feed or approach elephants.
– Maintain silence during sightings.
– Support ethical safari providers.
– Elephants consume up to 200 kg of food daily, including grass, leaves, and bark.
– They also drink 100-200 liters of water in a single day.
– Despite their size, elephants are strong swimmers and love cooling off in waterholes.
Compared to other parks in Sri Lanka:
– Yala elephants are more accustomed to vehicles, providing better viewing.
– Tuskers in Yala are larger and more solitary.
– The dry, arid landscape gives incredible photo backdrops with elephants silhouetted at sunset.
Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, conservationist, or first-time safari-goer, seeing the elephants in Yala and the elusive Yala tuskers is an unforgettable experience. Their power, grace, and rarity remind us why Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top wildlife destinations.
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Exclusive Yala Safari offers expert-guided tours for responsible wildlife viewing.
Reserve your yala safari today and experience the majestic elephants of Yala National Park!
