Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The entrance to the park is at Palatupana, 12km from Kirinda. This park is best known for its variety of wild animals and is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds. Over 130 bird species have been recorded and include delights such as crested-serpent eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, lesser flamingo, pelican, spoon bill, night heron etc. Yala is an ideal place to spot wild buffalo, mugger or mash crocodile, elephants, sloth bear and illusive Leopard.