Yala National Park to Be Partially Closed: Wildlife Department

30-Aug-2026

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Due to the prevailing dry weather conditions, Sections 1 and 2 of Yala National Park will be temporarily closed from September 14 to October 15, the Department of Wildlife Conservation has announced.

The severe drought in these areas has resulted in wildlife facing shortages of water and food. The temporary closure is intended to reduce tourist vehicle traffic so that animals can access natural water sources without disturbance and to help protect the ecosystem.

As only Sections 1 and 2 will be closed, the other zones of Yala National Park, where the impact of the drought is less severe, will remain open to tourists, the department said.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation regularly implements such temporary closures during periods of severe drought to protect the park’s natural resources and ensure an undisturbed habitat for wildlife.