1

it is doable if you use a driver otherwise getting your way around will be bit of a hassle.other than that cant see any major problems.

2

"" The 16th of july we would leave in the direction of Yala National Park (like to see it 17th of july). Can we go there by bus? What else can we do that day when we arrive? ""

Hi,
The best place to go for a Yala safari is Tissamaharama... In Tissa, Every one and his uncle knows a jeep driver and they'll all be offering you safaris at various prices and in a range of jeeps from quite good to wrecks.
From the main bus stand in Tissa it's a 5 minute tuk tuk ride to The Lakeside Inn.

http://tissalakesidehotel.com/
That's a low budget cheap hotel. Good value for money. If you are looking for accommodation, it's worth checking out.
If you stay there, the hotel reception will arrange a jeep and driver for you. It's also worth asking if they have any other guests that you might team up with as the jeep prices are per vehicle, not per person. You'll probably pay about
5000 rupees for the jeep and thats better split 4 ways than two. On top of that you still have to pay the park entry fee per person.

If you prefer to find and book your own jeep and driver. Walk about 100 metres from that hotel to the lakeside. Thats the start of the Kataragama Road.
Walk along that road about another 100 metres and you'll find a bunch of jeep drivers parked up on the lakeside. You can chat to them, find one that you like, speaks some English and has a decent vehicle , then arrange the price. They'll then pick you up from your hotel at an arranged time for the safari.

You've also asked what else to do around there.

From the main bus stand in Tissa, you can get a bus to Kataragama.. You can also glag down thqat bus at the place where the jeep drivers are parked up.
In Kataragama, find a tuk tuk driver and bargain a price for a trip, in through a small rear gate into Yala park.. ( No entry fee through this gate ) and a do trip through jungle tracks to an ancient Budhist monastry called Situlpahuwa.
The monastry is built on some huge granite outcrops in the jungle and is a fascinating site. No charge at all, just the tuk tuk and a small donation box

If you did that trip in an afternoon, then stay in Kataragama for ther evening Pooja... There's a big religeous complex with different religions temples all mixed in together. Great to watch and mix in with the pilgrims that come from all, over to worship in Kataragama.

Rod.

3

Go the buses. theyre crazy & cheap. Every bus i caught they wanted me to sit up the front so they could impress me with their driving skills. Its hilarious. People will always direct u to the right bus also