Beyond the Jeep: Unique Ways to Experience Yala National Park

For many travelers, a jeep safari is the highlight of a visit to Yala National Park. After all, this is Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve, home to leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and hundreds of bird species. But to think that the park begins and ends with a safari drive is to miss the true depth of the Deep South. Beyond the jeep, there is an entire world of adventure, culture, and spirituality waiting to be discovered. Staying at Mahoora Tented Safari Camp, with its team of expert naturalists and the support of the neighboring Funky Leopard Safari Lodge, allows guests to step off the beaten path and experience Yala in a way that few others do.

A jeep ride into Yala National Park is unforgettable, but it is only one dimension of what the area offers. Among the most rewarding things to do in Yala are the treks to Wedasitikanda and Sithulpawwa Rock Temple. These sacred peaks rise above the surrounding forests, offering sweeping panoramas and a spiritual atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Hiking here isn’t just about the view; it’s about walking alongside villagers, meeting pilgrims, and witnessing how nature and culture blend seamlessly in this region. With Mahoora’s guides leading the way, you’ll discover that Yala is as much about people and history as it is about wildlife.

When considering things to do in Katharagama, the vibrant town itself cannot be overlooked. At its center is the famous Katharagama Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred multi-religious sites. Here, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and the indigenous Vedda community gather to worship side by side. The evening Pooja ceremonies are particularly moving, with offerings of flowers, drumming, chanting, and the soft flicker of oil lamps. Guests at Mahoora Tented Safari Camp can easily join in, as the team can arrange respectful participation in the rituals. Beyond the temple, Katharagama’s bustling streets invite exploration—sampling local sweets, spicy street food, and mingling with pilgrims who have journeyed from all corners of the island. This cultural immersion is one of the most enriching things to do in Katharagama, adding depth to any Yala adventure.

Not all adventures require wheels. Some of the most memorable things to do in Yala involve simply walking. A guided Lake Walk at sunset is a serene experience, where the waters reflect fiery skies and bird calls echo across the stillness. For something more thrilling, the Yala Park Border Walks take place after dark. Here, guided by Mahoora’s expert naturalists, you’ll walk the edges of the park, hearing the jungle come alive with nocturnal sounds. It’s a rare chance to feel the pulse of the wild without the rumble of an engine. These intimate encounters with nature remind you that Yala is more than just a safari—it’s a living, breathing wilderness.

Another layer to exploring this region lies in the ancient trails around Katharagama. The climb to Wedasitikanda is both a pilgrimage and an adventure, often done barefoot by devotees who believe in the mountain’s blessings. Similarly, Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, dating back over 2,000 years, reveals ancient cave shrines and monastic ruins amid sweeping wilderness views. These hikes, arranged by the Mahoora–Funky Leopard team, connect travelers with Sri Lanka’s spiritual past while showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds Yala National Park.

When you combine jeep safaris with treks, temple visits, cultural encounters, and night walks, you begin to see the full spectrum of what the Deep South has to offer. Mahoora Tented Safari Camp is perfectly positioned to make this possible. Working closely with the Funky Leopard expert team, the camp ensures that your journey goes far beyond the ordinary checklist of wildlife sightings. From sunrise hikes to evening poojas, from quiet moments by a lake to the roar of a leopard in the dark, the camp helps you craft a holistic adventure filled with stories that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

So, while the thrill of spotting a leopard in Yala National Park will always be unforgettable, the true magic lies in going beyond the jeep—immersing yourself in culture, walking the wild, and experiencing the rhythm of life in both Yala and Katharagama.