Yala National Park will be closed for one month starting from September 7 as a result of the extremely low waterfall in the area, Wildlife Conservation Department spokesperson Hasini Sarathchandra said.

“The bookings of bungalows would not be allowed for local and foreign visitors during this time. The park will re-open again on October 6, provided rains being experienced during this time. However, it should be noted that last year too the park reopening following the dry season had to be extended as the drought had continued to effect the availability of water for the animals to survive,” Sarathchandra said.

“During the period of closure, maintenance work on bungalows and the park would be carried out. As the Yala Sanctuary was always overflowing with visitors, closing the park for a short period during the dry season is the usual practice because of their breeding period to allow the wild animals to rest,” she said.