Designated as a national park in 1938, it covers 978.8 square kilometers and is divided into five administrative blocks, three of which are open to public safaris.

The park is renowned for its population of leopards and is known to have one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

Yala also supports a wide variety of wildlife that includes elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

Recognised as an Important Bird Area, Yala provides habitat for over 215 species of birds, including several that are endemic to Sri Lanka.

The park also has cultural and religious significance. Two ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Sithulpawwa and Magul Vihara, are located within its boundaries.