Kumana national park (Arugam Bay)

It was nice to have a lazy start this morning and do after a 'no alarm' wake up at 7.30 ish, a coffee in bed and breakfast in the hotel, after which we left the hotel for a wander.

It was very warm and we stopped alomg the road for a coffee before crossing and walking down a side street to the beach. Here we saw fishing boats and the long curving bay where in season surfers are attracted.

We walked along the beach and sadly saw lots of plastic debris. It has certainly made me think about how we use plastic at home and what we buy.

Next we went back to the hotel and played some cards sat on our balcony until just after 12. We decided that at this point it was time to have a beer so we moved our game down to the bar.

At 1.30 we all congregated at reception to board the bus to take us to Kumana national park. The journey there took 30 mins and at this point we changed to two safari jeeps. It took around an hour to get to the entrance to the park, partly because the other vehicle had a puncture which needed to be sorted.

When we arrived at the park, after a quick break, we headed through the gates. The roads were not as bad as in other national parks we've been to, but still pretty bumpy.

We spent the next few hours driving around the park and were so lucky to see lots of birds, lizards, wild boar, an elephant and a beautiful leopard.

All too soon it was time to head back as the park closes at 6pm with fines for drivers who arrive at the gates late. We got back with about a minute to spare. The next hour took us back to the bus for the 30 minute drive back to the hotel. Here most of the group met for food and a drink or two before retiring for bed just after 9.15 to get some sleep for our earliest start yet...4am!Read more