Yala National Park is the most popular wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka.
Knowing where you are and how to read the park map will help you plan a better safari.
This guide tells you where to find the Yala National Park map update for 2025 and what it looks like.
Yala National Park is located where?
In Sri Lanka’s southern part, Yala National Park is located.
It goes across two provinces.
Uva Province and Southern Province.
Some parts of these districts are in the park.
District of Hambantota.
District of Monaragala.
Tissamaharama is the closest main town to Yala.
This town is where most safari tours begin.
Nearby towns and cities
Tissamaharama
Kataragama, Kirinda, Hambantota, and Buttala
Yala National Park Map Overview
Yala National Park is divided into several blocks.
Each block has different safari access levels.
The park map shows
Safari zones
Entrance gates
Water bodies
Road networks
Restricted conservation areas
Yala National Park Blocks Map – 2025 Update
Block 1
Most popular safari zone.
Highest leopard density.
Main focus area for tourists.
Block 2
Less crowded than Block 1.
Good for elephants and birds.
Safari access is limited and controlled.
Block 3 and Block 4
Mostly restricted conservation areas.
Limited safari operations.
Used mainly for wildlife protection.
Block 5
Opened for controlled safaris.
Very quiet and scenic.
Ideal for nature-focused travelers.
The 2025 map highlights better separation between high-traffic and low-impact zones.
Yala National Park Entrance Gates Map
Palatupana Entrance
Main and busiest gate.
Closest to Tissamaharama.
Used mainly for Block 1 safaris.
Katagamuwa Entrance
Less crowded alternative gate.
Good access to quieter routes.
Galge Entrance
Remote entrance point.
Used for Blocks 3 and 5.
Ideal for low-traffic safaris.
The 2025 map clearly marks gate-to-block access routes.
Distance to Yala National Park
From Tissamaharama – about 20 km
From Ella – about 90 km
From Tangalle – about 75 km
From Galle – about 190 km
From Colombo – about 300 km
Best Way to Use the Yala Map for Safari Planning
Choose the entrance gate based on your hotel location.
Select the safari block based on wildlife interest.
Block 1 for leopards.
Block 2 or 5 for elephants and birds.
The updated 2025 map helps reduce congestion.
It improves wildlife movement and visitor experience.
Conclusion
Yala National Park is located in southern Sri Lanka near Tissamaharama.
The 2025 map update improves safari zoning and access clarity.
Knowing the map and location helps plan a smooth Yala safari.
