Anawilundawa Santuary, a Nature Lover's Paradise

ANAWILUNDAWA WETLAND SANCTUARY

Chilaw, West Coast, 

Sri Lanka

The Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is a 1400 hectare land  which was declared a Ramsar site in 2001 as it consists of high biodiversity and harbors a huge number of resident and migratory waterfowls.

 

Today, this area is very popular amongst bird  watchers and nature lovers. nature lovers.

 

During Migration season, a large varieties of  birds can be seen using this as a feeding and breeding ground. Many species, local and migratory can be seen, like the Purple Swamphen as above.

Pheasant Tailed Jacana... breeding and nesting 

Migratory birds that can be easily spotted are flocks of egrets, eurasian spoonbills,  black headed 

ibis....to name a few

including this Spot billed Pelicans gracefully landed on the lake.... and many many others not  posted.

And while we were driving out, the Crested Serpent Eagle was there 

above us, bidding us farewell and hoping to see us again.

Anavilundawa Sanctuary is certainly a nature's paradise worth the visit.

SINGARAJA RAINFOREST RESERVE

Sinharaja Forest Reserve  is a National Park and a biodiversity HOTSPOT in Sri Lanka. This National Park is of  international significance as it has been dsignated as a Biosphere Reserce and a World Heritage SIte by UNESCO.

The reserve is only 21km from East to West  and about 7km from North to South. Yet this forest is a treasure trove of many endemic species which include trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and animals.

I have the privilege to visit this great place for the third time.   Last week,  Chanaka  graciously took  me there with his scrambler which is about 45 km from Runakanda.  It was a rough ride, my first on a scrambler though undulated road, but was an exciting and memorable  ride.

Some of the key Birds spotted there are endemic to Sri Lanka. The Trail is pretty easy, just like Panti if any of you are familiar with. But No vehicles are allowed from the Visitor's Center. It was an easy few kilometers hike to the end of the trail which is a research center.

The Birds are somewhat unusually friendly. The first bird we spotted was the endemic Sri Lankan spotted Winged Thrush.  Beautiful but closely camoflaghed to the ground and surroundings. This bird amazed us by hoping close to us unafraid, to our surprise.

Other Birds spotted are:

 The Endemic Sri Lankan Blue Magpie. 

At times, it came quite close that I had to quickly removed my 1.4 extender so that I can get a full frame of the bird. This blue magpie is very gorgeous.

The Ceylon Jungle Fowl

This male is unusually friendly and again came quite close to us.

The  Ceylon Frogmouth

Our Guide was resourceful and helpful. He disappeared into the narrow thick muddy trail and then ushered us that he had spotted a beautify pair of Ceylon Frogmouth, cuddling asleep together.

We were fortunate to have an alert Guide for this trip, Had not for him, we would not be able to spot the Malabar Trogon way up high.  Though it is a record shot,  I certainly hope to have a closer view of this beautiful bird.

We wish we had more time t spend in this place. These were but few of the star birds shot that day. We had to rush back to Runakanda before it gets dark... Nevertheless, I will certainly be back.  

Singaraja Rainforest Reserve a United Nation World Heritage Site is a MUST visit 

YALA National Park, Sri Lanka

Before we start this chapter of my blog - A WARNING. This chapter is contagious. The chapter maybe long because its so filled with excitement,  adventure ..... so much to see, so much to shoot....its just endless... I could just go on an on.... and after returning home, I am going through severe withdrawal symptom. Only another and another visit to the National Parks in Sri Lanka will cure it...
Enjoy the Ride with me to Yala. But better still, the excitement isnt as real as being there yourself with the sights and sound that will be fond memories for many years to come.


My third Visit to this beautiful National Park that is the largest in Sri Lanka with the highest concentration of the Sri Lankan Leopards, other wildlife  and recorded 293 species of birds. It was a great privilege to have John Yeo join me in this trip (his first to the park and first to Sri Lanka. I believe he himself has enjoyed tremendously visiting this Park

Yala National Park located 300km from Colombo covers 979 sq km, and is divided into 5 sectors. We are only able to cover a small fraction of Sector one.


Our driver picked us up early morning on the 6th Morning at  the service apartment where we stayed in Mt Lavinia. After picking Anuradha up, we finally arrived at the beautiful new resort Leopard's Corridor owned by Asanka at about 1pm.

It was certainly impressive. And we are their first customers as it was newly opened.
The 4 acre resort that can sleep up to 20 people from one nicely furnished private room for couple, to the usual beds along the corridor walkway, and "camp"

The dining hall is beautiful  serving buffet style Sri Lankan Meals.

Our Safari Jeep was waiting for us on our arrival and after a quick pack of our gears, we are ready to head to the National Park

The safari jeep can comfortably sits 8. which includes the driver and the Guide. Here is John waiting with excitement to enter the park.

When we arrived at 2pm  there were already a string of jeeps waiting to get in.

With just the two of us including Anuradha and a capable Guide who knows about the birds there, we were all set. One golden rule is. The moment the jeep sets off, we are NOT allowed to get off the jeep till we reach a safe designated location if necessary for obvious reason.

Though this was my third visit, every scene, every corner, every turn,   was filled with new discoveries and excitement.

Spotted Deers, Samba deers etc..  Dotted the landscape.

Beautiful Royal Peacocks are are a common welcoming sight, sometimes proudly displaying and fanning out and showing off their feathers.

Huge Crocs can be seen basking in the hot sun or devouring their catch of the day by the ponds along 

the route. Or they can be seen sleeping besides some beautiful avian and other animals after having their filled.

At one point, we were wondering why the driver was rushing to a very special sight. He was eager to show off the pride of Yala. 

A Mother an son was spotted. We were so thrilled to see them when no other vehicle was around. This beautiful creature frolic and played with each other for a good 15 minutes before disappearing to the bushes when more vehicles appeared on both ends of the road

My third visit to Yala, and I am finally rewarded by this beautiful creature that every Sri Lankan is proud to boast about.  Even though Yala boast to have the largest leopards population in the country. When you tell them you had visited Yala, the first question oftentimes asked was "Have you seen the leopards?"  So, finally, I get to see them.  It was sheer delight that words cannot explain the joy of witnessing  it before my eyes. Without hesitation, many pics were clicked ....

After the leopards disappeared into the bushes, we proceeded on to continue our anticipation of what's next.
Crested Serpent Eagles, Crested hawk eagles, can be spotted along the route at closed distance along the trees beside the road. Sometimes, too close that I wonder if they would ever swoop down on me to grab my camera away.

I was so excited when the Guide pointed out the Indian Pitta, one bird that have been in my bucket list which flew away after a few clicks.

A Black headed Ibis was seen seated up on  the tree beside us. Having sen them in a distance by the ponds in Yala, I was glad to be able to see the bird in close proximity.

Other birds spotted were the flock of Eurasian Spoonbills, Indian Roller  up close and personal,  and many other shore birds to name.

Various Bee Eaters, Little Green Bee Eaters, Blue Tailed Bee Eaters, Chestnut headed Bee eaters, to name a few  are a very common sight. Sometimes they are so close that I have the urge to pat them on their head :) 

Other major animals that cannot be neglected and are a common sighting are herds of  wild elephants.

Many other wild animals were spotted, giant squirrel, wild boars, jackals, mongoose, black napped hare... to name a few.

It was getting dark and we were far away from the entrance. On our way out, we heard a loud screeching call and our guide pointed to us a Crested Serpent Eagle on the tree along the road. Wow, he has just hunted a prey and perhaps telling others to stay away...

We were tired, but came out of the park grinning ear to ear, so excited that the afternoon was well spent   and look forward to another great adventure the following morning.

Ask me if I will go back again? CERTAINLY... This and many other National Parks that I am exploring in the near future. Stay Tune!!!

November 9-13. Sri Lanka.

On Nov 9,  at about 3pm, we received official note that because of the Diwali holiday on 13th, the 12th will also be a paid leave. Thus with this last minute news I scrambled the net to check any available flight out of Singapore.
Most destinations flights are either full or the fares are insanely high. The only reasonable flight available is Colombo. I called Jude in Colombo and he was so willing to accommodate my holiday there. Thank you Jude.

Upon arrival at 2am, I took a cab to Chintaka's place. We left at 4am with some of his friends towards Yala National Park.y daybreak, we were cruising along the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Big waves, beach front resorts, fishermen fishing  dotted the scene.

Galle is awesome. Brings back sweet memories of my last visit there in 1983.

The downpour initially killed our hope for Yala. Fortunately, Upon arrival at the entrance the rain stopped.
Our first encounter was the Crested Hawk Eagle in close distance and with piercing eyes on us.

A great pelican roosting high up on the tree.

We stopped over at this beautiful site by the beach in Yala for a Pee Break. We are not allowed to get off our jeep at any time for fear of being attacked by wild animals particularly leopards around. Yala has the highest concentration of leopards in all of Sri Lanka. This is a very safe spot away from all kinds of predators.

Along the route we spotted many other birds, crocs by the banks, wild buffaloes, wild boars, mongoose, spotted dears, samba deers, elephants. but unfortunately the leopard is no where to be spotted.

Jus before we left Yala, a bull elephant appeaded before. I had to use my phone to click at her instead

Thank You Chintaka for making this trip possible.

The next day, Jude came early morning at 4am and took me to 2 large wetland reservoirs - Anavilundawa and Nawadamkulama "Tanks". They arre basically man made reservoirs which are a heaven for many flora and faunas.

Near the entrance, we were welcomed by the Crested Serpent Eagle who posed for us

In Anavilundawa and Nawadamkulama  "Tanks"  Whistling ducks, purple swamphen and little cormorant dotted the landscape.

At Nawadamkulama Tank..

On ur way back, Jude brought me to this place where they served yummy hoppers , a typical Sri Lankan food.

Thanks Jude for teaching me how to shoot flight shots  and the trip there. Was so excited to see the pied kingfisher hovering near us as we were leaving.  This  may not be the best but I am trying.

One of the highlight of the trip was to go for whale watching. Again at the wee hour at 4am, Jude came to pick me up at Mount Bay Hotel and then picked Chintaka up. We travelled down south pass Galle to  Mirrisa Fisheries Habour. We boarded the whale watching boat to the open sea in the Indian Ocean.

Here is Jude and Chintaka before they get knocked out with sea sickness

Jude and Chintaka was very sea-sick and lying flat most of the time.  Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any whale but there were many dolphins frolicking and racing with our boats.

Thanks again Jude and Chintaka. Even though we didn't get to see the whale, it was another memorable experience.

The grand finale of the trip was was the invitation by Sriyan to his beautiful new home for dinner. My biggest regret was not able to take some pics. Glad to see Anil who graciously picked me up. We had great drinks together and super dinner prepared by Sriyam's wife. The home was gorgeous and Chintaka designed it. 

Thank You Sriyan and your family for being such a wonderful host. The drinks and the food were fantastic, and I came back to the hotel a little tipsy :)

Finally, thank you Anil for graciously sending your driver, Chattura to take me to the airport. Thank You guys. This page is specially for you and your kind hospitality that makes my stay another memorable event.