Wildlife Safari in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Wildlife

In case you ever wondered how many elephants fit into one whale, Sri Lanka is a good place to find out. Here you can get up close to both of the world’s largest living beings. In fact, Mirissa on the south coast of Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to go whale-watching around this time of the year. You can see them all: blue whales, fin whales, orcas – you name them!

A great place in Sri Lanka to get close to the largest terrestrial animals is Udawalawe National Park. The park was created in 1972 to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. I wasn’t aware of how many animals are living here until we are in the middle of our safari. The waterholes are packed with buffalos, giant lizards, crocodiles, hyenas, and all kinds of birds – kingfisher and eagles amongst many others.

I can’t believe how extremely lucky I am as I even get to spot a leopard for a short moment. According to our park ranger this is a very rare sight. He himself has only seen ten of them so far. Less rare however are the many elephants we get to see along the way. I can’t help but to be in constant awe by looking at them. They are simply majestic. And in case you still wonder: 30 of them fit into one blue whale. :-)

Old man, wild ride.

Udawalawe Nationalpark.

King Fisher shows us the way…

… to the elephants.

Up close – Part I

Lunch.

Meeting Point Waterhole.

Stow away.

Busy place.

Camouflage.

Eagle’s eye.

I can’t recommend swimming in this area.

Nationalpark idyll.

Stilted.

We are family.

Cuddle.

Love.

The tree.

Giant lizard.

On the run.

Viewpoint.

Look at me!

Peaceful.

Two days later – from land to sea.

Ship Ahoy!

Whalewatching in Sri Lanka.

Whale in sight!

Cutter in sight.

Up close – Part II

Majestic: The largest existing living beings.

The name says it all.