Here are affordable, eco-conscious places near Yala National Park (mix of budget hostels, eco-lodges and mid-range eco-resorts). I list why they’re eco-friendly, an approximate price range (booked rates vary by season), and how close they are to Yala/Kataragama/Tissamaharama. Links to each source are cited so you can check current availability and exact rates.

• Yala Village Eco Tree House (Tissamaharama) — simple eco cottages and dorms, garden setting; very budget-friendly dorms and private rooms from roughly USD 8–45/night (examples on Booking.com). About 20–30 km from popular Yala entrances (based in Tissamaharama). (booking.com)

• Funky Leopard Safari Lodge (Kataragama / bordering Yala) — budget hostel/lodge right on the park boundary with low‑impact facilities (portable/low‑impact pool, wildlife-focused operation). Typical private-chalet rates in the low‑to‑mid dozens of USD per night (example listings ~USD 50–60). Good value for combined stay + safari packages. (yalaparksrilanka.com)

• Yala Green Eco Lodge (Kirinda / Yala area) — marketed as an eco lodge with gardens and sustainable practices; budget double rooms frequently near USD 30–45/night on booking platforms. Located within easy driving distance of Yala. (booking.com)

• Humbhaha / Humbhaha Jungle (Humbhaha Wild Retreat) — eco‑themed retreat with cabins/treehouses, claims solar/rainwater and locally built structures; positioned close to Yala/Kataragama and offers guided safaris and nature activities. Suits travellers who want eco amenities while staying affordable to mid-range. (humbhahajungleresort.com)

• Yala One Eco Resort & Organic Garden — small eco cottages built with sustainability practices, on‑site organic garden, solar use and "no plastics" policy. Good low‑to‑mid budget option for travellers seeking an organic/low‑impact stay near Yala. (yalaone.lk)

• Kumbuk River (KumbukRiver Eco‑Lodge) — a distinctive eco-lodge on the Kumbuk River with strong conservation messaging (reforestation, locally built rooms, solar). Prices are higher than hostels but can be affordable in lower seasons (examples range from about USD 90 up to a few hundred for specialty villas); it’s still a good eco‑minded option within about 30–60 minutes of less‑busy Yala gates. (kumbukriver.com)

• La Safari Inn / Yala Safari Inn (Tissamaharama area) — simple, budget guesthouse/inns that frequently support local guides and safari operators; often very cheap (examples from ~USD 25–35/night). Good low-cost base for safaris while keeping a smaller footprint than large resorts. (booking.com)

Quick planning tips

• Best months for wildlife (higher leopard/easy-spotting odds): the dry season—roughly February–July (some sources list May–August as especially good). Note: Yala is often closed for a short annual rejuvenation period around September–mid‑October—check dates before booking. Early morning or late‑afternoon safaris increase your chance of sightings. (yalalk.com)
• Booking advice: many of the affordable eco-lodges and hostels show live rates on Booking.com and their own sites; prices change a lot by season and whether safaris are bundled (safari packages often add value). For best prices, compare the property site and big booking platforms and book safaris in advance during peak season. (booking.com)
• Getting there: the closest international gateway is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (Hambantota) and the regional hub is Tissamaharama/Kataragama area — most lodges will arrange airport transfers or meet you at Tissamaharama/Kataragama. Check transfer options when you book. (kumbukriver.com)

If you want, I can pull live availability and current nightly rates for any of the properties above for specific dates — or narrow options by strict budget (e.g., under USD 40/night) or by exact gate (Palatupana vs Katagamuwa).