
ExcellentScore 8.5/10
Yala National Park
Hambantota, Southern Province
Overview
Yala National Park (Ruhuna) is Sri Lanka's most visited wildlife sanctuary, spanning 978 km² of protected wilderness. The park's remote southern coastline offers an unbroken horizon over the Indian Ocean — with zero landmass between southern Sri Lanka and Antarctica — making it exceptional for observing the Galactic Core and southern constellations. The dry zone climate provides clear skies particularly during the dry season.
Elevation: 67m
6.5620°N, 81.4183°E
Night Sky Conditions
Dark Sky StatusNot Verified
Light PollutionVery Low — Protected national park with zero internal urban development or street lighting
Sky QualitySQM Estimated Bortle Class 2-3 (Demo data)
Avg Cloud CoverLow cloud cover during dry season (May-Sep, Jan-Apr)%
Astro Suitability Indicators
Light Pollution40
Sky Quality50
Photography Potential50
Accessibility50
Elevation Advantage30
Overall Astro Score
8.5/10
Scores are based on sample assessment data. Not verified scientific measurements.
Astrophotography
View allNearby Accommodation
Best Time to Visit
Recommended Months
May-September, January-April
Best Viewing Time
7:00 PM - 5:00 AM
Responsible Tourism
When visiting Yala National Park, please help protect the dark sky environment:
- Use red flashlights only
- Avoid campfires near observation areas
- Pack out all trash




