Looking for Leopards? Here you will find the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Bordering the Indian Ocean, the Yala National Park offers the island’s greatest diversity of animal and birdlife in the country. It is one of the most popular destinations to spot the elusive leopard, who love to lounge on the huge granite boulders within the park. Originally opened as a wildlife sanctuary, Yala National Park is not only famous for its large numbers of leopards but is also home to the Indian elephant, wild boar, water buffalos, spotted deer, crocodiles, flamingos, pelicans and around 130 other species of bird. Off the Yala Coast, you can also see a nesting ground for a number of sea turtles. Be sure to make time to include a jeep safari when visting Yala.