Sri Lanka Wildlife

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. :-)

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Old man, wild ride.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Udawalawe Nationalpark.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

King Fisher shows us the way…

Sri Lanka Wildlife

… to the elephants.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Up close – Part I

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Lunch.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Meeting Point Waterhole.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Stow away.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Busy place.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Camouflage.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Eagle’s eye.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

I can’t recommend swimming in this area.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Nationalpark idyll.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Stilted.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

We are family.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Cuddle.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Love.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

The tree.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Giant lizard.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

On the run.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Viewpoint.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Look at me!

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Peaceful.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Two days later – from land to sea.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Ship Ahoy!

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Whalewatching in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Whale in sight!

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Cutter in sight.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Up close – Part II

Sri Lanka Wildlife

Majestic: The largest existing living beings.

Sri Lanka Wildlife

The name says it all.

One Response to Wildlife Safari in Sri Lanka

  1. Chris says:

    Moin David,

    ganz nette Bilder! Bist du auch im Yala gewesen? Der Eisvogel, den du da zeigst, ist eigentlich eine Hindu-Racke (Coracias benghalensis) und Hyänen kommen nur in Afrika vor! ;)
    Schreib mir wenn du wissen willst, was sonst noch so auf den Bildern zu sehen ist…

    Grüssles
    Christoph

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