Yala National Park

After a long drive through beautiful central Sri Lanka passing tea and rubber plantations and the highest peak of the country, we arrived at Yala in the south-east to visit the national park. We took two safaris, one in the afternoon (from 2:30-6:30p.m.) and one the next morning, beginning at 5:30. Just the two of use in the vehicle which was comfortable. The driver knew the place well and out on board guide was very good at spotting animals for us. The park is nearly 400 square miles in area and we saw quite a lot of it. There are over 200 species of bird. We saw hornbill, bulbul, spoonbill, stork, bee-eater, pelican, eagle and kingfishers galore, plus many more.

 The mammlas and reptiles we saw included buffalo, spotted deer, dozens of crocodiles, a jackal, a cobra crossing the track in front of us, troops of athletic langur monkeys, elephants and, glory be, a leopard lying in a tree. It was dusk and I could not get a decent photo of it with my low end compact! Alas, we did not see a sloth. The elephant below was just about to cross the track for a drink.

 Our accommodation was great. It was quite a way from the 'hotel' bar and restaurant and at night we had to be escorted two and fro by camp staff. On the 2nd evening there, we were on our way back to our room with our guide when a very large male elephant came walking silently towards us. We quickly hid behind a bungalow! It was surreal seeing such a large wild creature amongst the domesticity of holiday cabins.

 Our cabin seen from the beach.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala elephant orphanage is about halfway between Colombo and Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was originally set up to look after elephants found wandering or orphaned and who were either at risk or who were posing a risk to villagers. They are captive but have a lot of space and freedom. There are upwards of 80 elephants at Pinnawala, probably the largest herd anywhere. Groups are taken to the river each day to cool down, wash, drink and mess about. The one above and below is pregnant and just wanted to rest. I tried to listen to the baby inside but either mum's skin was too thick or my hearing is fading because I didn't hear a sound or feel a kick.

 The small group willingly leave the water when asked. The stick is for 'guidance'!

 The group walks in an orderly manner from the river, up through a street of shops and across a main road. Quite a shock for the uninitiated tourist.

 The next group down to the river was very big, we counted 48, with the largest males bringing up the rear. The group has a lot of babies in it and they like to run so the chap front left of the photo has a loud hailer to warn people to get out of the way. I am standing pretty much in front of them.

 Here's one of the big guys bringing a snack with him.

 We had a different kind of snack!