crazy adventures at Yala National park

Although we were literally run off the road by safari drivers who just couldn’t believe that we would come to Tissa and NOT do a safari, we didn’t do one. Nor did we ever plan on doing one. The main highlights of the Yala safari are elephants – tick, and leopards – wow.. 
But, unfortunately, as so often happens in suddenly touristy areas, the drive to sell a safari tour and show a leopard and in turn make a quick buck, has taken precedent over the safety and wellbeing of the animal. We have heard from people who did the safaris of the drivers calling each other and of 20+ jeeps surrounding the one leopard.. poor thing. As much as we would have LOVED to have seen one, that just isn’t a practice we can condone..

Jaya (the guesthouse owner) told us of 2  old temples you can visit within the park that you don’t need to buy a ticket to visit, so, being the cheapskates we are, off we went!

The road at the beginning was terrible and as we entered elephant land, we even seriously considered turning back. With potholes so big, there was just no way we would be able to outrun an elephant – let alone a leopard should we so happen to chance upon them (which is not un heard of.)    

Luckily the road got better and we were able to go on.

And what a road it was. It was just beautiful. The amount of wildlife we saw was just incredible.

Water bird..

A kingfisher I think?

Wild deer by the road.

An adorable little squirrel.

Watch out for crocodiles!!

A monitor lizard.

An egret maybe?

Monkeys.

I know what this one is! A beautiful male Peacock!!

And last but definitely not last, more wild ELEPHANTS!! And not just any wild elephant, but a mum and baby!! As we drove off we were even privileged to see the baby start drinking the mums milk!! Talk about a special moment!!

Mum and bub elephant. Baby is estimated to be about 1 month old..

The first temple – "Magul Maha Vihara"  was unexpectedly awesome. We even met and were invited into the home of a hermit who has been living in the meditation caves for 17 years!! An army officer from one of the nearby camps also came to say hi and guided us around. From the top we not only had amazing views, we were also able to hear elephants roaring in the distance!!

Magul Maha Vihara

Mr Hermit and his cave.

The second temple – "Situlpahuwa" was even more spectacular. It is believed to be an ancient monastery site,possibly housing thousands of monks at it’s prime. It’s been restored well, and has the most incredible views over the whole of Yala National Park from the top. 
It’s breathtaking. 
And so is the climb up.. It took all of our powers of encouragement to stop each other from turning back. It was also 38C so it’s not all to do with our lack of fitness!! But it was worth it. 

The view from the first dagoba at Situlpahuwa, looking onto the rest of the site.

Original remains of dagobas over 1500 years old.

Where there are ducks or geese, Gypsy will chase them.

Freshly excavated ruin site.

FINALLY at the top!!

Do we look exhausted, because I promise you we were!! Even Gypsy, who did no climbing and just enjoyed the view from daddy's shoulders, was so hot she drank ALL of the water we had taken for all 3 of us!!
But, really, what an amazing view from the top.

The view over Yala National Park.

Looking back over the temple site, over the first Dagoba and the other side of the National Park, and listening to elephants roar while we recover..

And to top it off, on the way down we saw a hornsbill only metres away!! Wow!!

After the temples, we headed out of the park towards Kataragama - a town of huge religious importance to all Sri Lankans, regardless of their religion. We were too tired to stay for prayer time, but it's definitely on the to-do list for next time.

I can't even begin to explain just how awesome this day was. It was honestly one of the most exciting, fun, adventurous, interesting and awesome days of my life. 
It was just one of those days where you can’t remember if you’ve said anything except “wow” for the last hour.

Whilst I’m sure the safari tour through the park is also impressive, if you ever get the chance to visit this part of the world, PLEASE either get yourself a vehicle and driver, or rent a motorbike/tuktuk and drive yourself, but definitely do visit the temples above, and drive oh so slowly and quietly along the jungle roads.. You never know, you might be lucky enough to see a leopard aswell!!