Day 7 - Tangalle —> Yala (National Park)

Day 7 was another day full of surprises and adventure. Today’s plan of attack?

Breakfast —> Check out —> Load-up Winston —> Arrive in Yala at Leopard Trails for an afternoon Safari in Yala National Park.

All went as planned, with only a few minor hiccups like my cankles that apparently joined our travels. 🫣 The heat and humidity, and probably salt from food is all coming together “nicely” …

As we departed Anantara in Tangalle, we were blessed for safe travels as part of a Sri Lankan tradition. Another unexpected moment of taking in the entire experience at Anantara, immediately shifting back to a mindset of gratitude.

Stopped for fuel and oil check in/for Winston, then it was off and running to Yala!

Not too much excitement with the drive to Yala. Landscape changed from ocean to rice fields, and no signs of many tourists (if any) in the small towns we passed through. Easy cruising which was probably a good thing given all the excitement we had on our safari with Leopard Trails after we arrived.

Leopard Trails does not only offer safaris but accommodations as well. So upon arrival, Winston was shown his accommodation for the evening, while we were as well. Another amazing place for the night! Another plunge pool and beautiful patio, for outside enjoyment to be one with nature. So much so that a whole family of monkeys welcomed us by sippin’ on our pool water and being a bunch of Curious George’s. So entertaining… I could watch these monkeys for hours. One was so curious, that while the others split, he would keep a close eye on us.

We had a Sri Lankan lunch on our deck, Mike flew the drone a bit and then it was time to go check out some Raptors (but I probably wouldn’t recognize any 😂).

Disclaimer: No raptors in Yala. Jurassic Park reference a little here.

When we left for our evening safari, our guide Yohan, said the “big three” to see in Yala are elephants, leopards and a sloth bear. He kept expectations reasonable by telling us that leopards are far and few between, and sloth bears are super rare and hard to see.

Well … our safari score today was:

5 elephants
2 leopard cubs
2 sloth bears

Mike and I pretty much slayed this safari stuff! Too easy! 🤣

We did have a close call with Tiki — the first elephant we “met”. Apparently this gentle giant hangs out alongside the road of Yala NP and if you stop to allow him to approach, he navigates his trunk right around searching for some treats. For us … he was really interested in Mike’s back-back. 😳 Thankfully ‘ol Tiki released the back pack which had Mikes drone, money clip and other valuables that would have been a big bummer to lose. Thankfully we can all chuckle now.

Yohan shared with us that Tiki has some other tricks up his trunk … He will stand in the middle of the road and not move unless he’s fed a treat. So people that actually know this about Tiki will purposely pack fruit for him in the case he’s there and open for business. Genius! Tiki isn’t all looks!

Another M&A adventure it was today!

Tomorrow it’s off to Ella for a couple days in a tea hut. Stay tuned!

Hugs! M&ARead more