Which national park is better for seeing wild elephants and leopards?
3 Answers from travellers
If leopards are your priority, Yala Block 1 has the highest density of leopards in the world. However, it is very crowded with many jeeps. If you want guaranteed elephant sightings in a more peaceful environment, Udawalawe is superior. You will almost certainly see large herds of elephants there, but leopards are extremely rare in Udawalawe.
Udawalawe is also home to the Elephant Transit Home where you can watch orphaned baby elephants being fed at specific times. This is a very ethical way to support conservation. Yala is beautiful for its coastal scenery but can feel like a traffic jam during peak season.
Consider Wilpattu National Park if you want a chance at both leopards and bears without the crowds of Yala. It is further north but offers a much more authentic wilderness experience.
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