Yala West (Ruhuna) National Park is well recognised as one of the best parks in the world to observe leopards. The park covers an area of over 100,000 hectares and is divided into five blocks.

Yala West consists of scrub jungle, brackish lagoons and stunning rock monoliths scattered throughout the park, its eastern edge is bounded by the South East coast. The drier season falls between May and August and the park closes for a short time during September and October.

During the Jeep Safari the best chance to see a leopard is generally early in the morning and then again at dusk. There is also a substantial elephant population along with spotted deer, sambar, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, mongoose, pangolins and crocodiles.

The bird life comprises over 120 species, and ranges from lesser flamingos to Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, and Black Bitterns. Outside of the park are several other fascinating birding locations, including the ancient hermitage of Sithulpahuwa, Debarawewa wetland and Palatupana saltpans.

The coastline forms a major nesting ground for marine turtles.