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!!!
