On either side of the main road of Yala block 1 are large open areas and water holes which serve as feeding grounds for many animals such as elephants, leopards, deer, wild buffaloes, wild boar, many varieties of birds, crocodiles etc.

The most prominent geophysical feature of Yala is its many areas of outcropping bedrock, some large enough to be mini rocky ranges. These provide resting places and breeding grounds to the leopard and the Sri Lankan sloth bear.

The most common types of trees in Yala could be categorized as Palu, Weera, Divul and Maliethan. Heavy monsoon rains from November through January allow these trees to burst out with green shoots and from May to August many such trees bear fruits. Palu in particular is a favourite of the sloth bear.

Yala also nestles the remains of early Buddhist monasteries and many other archaeological sites. Most of such places are covered by a thick forest canopy. However, a few stone stupas occupying the higher grounds of Yala could be seen even today.