Yala National Park
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

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Nearby 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