Yala is a place of dramatic contrasts, where monkey-riddled shrub jungles meet the sandy shores of the Indian Ocean. It is world-renowned for its high leopard density. Keep your eyes on the massive, sun-baked granite boulders, the preferred lounging spots for these apex predators. Beyond the big cats, Yala is a sprawling sanctuary for sloth bears, massive herds of elephants, and over 200 bird species.