Yala National Park Block 5 is a less-visited section of Sri Lanka's most famous national park, offering a quieter alternative to the notoriously crowded Block 1. While Block 1 has the highest concentration of leopards per square kilometre in the world, it also has intense jeep traffic. Block 5 provides a more peaceful safari experience with good wildlife viewing including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and abundant birdlife.
What It Is
One of five blocks (zones) within Yala National Park, Block 5 covers dry scrubland, lakes, and coastline. It supports the same species as Block 1 - including Sri Lankan leopards, Asian elephants, and sloth bears - but with significantly fewer safari vehicles.
Why Visit
If you want the Yala experience without the circus of 50 jeeps surrounding a single leopard, Block 5 is the answer. The wildlife is still excellent, the landscapes are beautiful, and you may be the only vehicle at a sighting.
