Animals can be pretty hilarious. It’s no surprise that the most popular Vine videos out there are of cats and dogs and websites like LOLCats are so well known.
I hadn’t realized this extended to the rest of the animal kingdom, however, until I took a safari in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park is the most visited wildlife preserve in Sri Lanka. Located in the southern part of the country, it’s home to more than 40 varieties of mammal, and more than 200 bird species. So it is no surprise that every few minutes a new creature flew, bounded, crawled, or ran by the safari vehicle. Everything from wild boars, to elephants, to big cats and even bigger lizards make Yala their home. The national park is divided into 5 parts, with 2 of them open to the public.
I didn’t realize what jokesters they were until I went through my photos later, laughing at just about every other snapshot I had.
I can just imagine what the animals might have been saying, if they could speak human:
All kidding aside, the animals in Sri Lanka were absolutely magnificent and truly impressive. In just a few hours on safari, I saw tons of amazing animals, including one I’ve wanted to see my whole life: a Leopard.
Yala has the highest concentration of Leopards in the world, but even at that, there are only about 25 living in Block one where jeeps bring tourists. All things considered, we were very lucky to spot one.
Much more easy to spot were the white spotted deer:
…and the wild boars:
I knew it was a sign I was getting hungry when I started asking questions like, “how does it taste? Can you eat it?” when we passed by the deer, pigs, Water Buffalo, and rabbits.
Then there were birds. There are tons of colorful high flyers in Yala. The Toucans, also a first for me to see, were quite a sight with their massive beaks:
The Painted Storks could be seen just about everywhere:
Eagles are always exciting to see as well:
Along with Green Bee-Eaters (what a name!):
The cherry on top, without a doubt, was seeing a Peacock give a wail and spread out his plumage, proudly showing off to just about anyone who would pay attention:
The way Yala National Park was teeming with life was incredible. One moment I’d see a fox, then in the foreground a monitor lizard would crawl by, all while white-spotted deer bounded in the background and crocodiles hunted in the rivers.
The scenery was incredible as well:
The experience of a safari in Sri Lanka was a memory I’ll treasure forever. I had no idea that the wildlife here was so impressive, and am glad to have had a chance to see it for myself.
Do it yourself (independently):
- Get to Tissa, which can be accessed by a bus bound for Matara (if coming from the North), or a bus bound for Wallawaya (if coming from the South). Exit the bus at the Tissa-Punnegamuwa-Junction and take a tuk-tuk from there to Tissa (about 300+ LKR).
- Hire a jeep to take you to Yala, which can usually be organized through your guest house or hotel. Personally, I booked an Airbnb. While booking in advance is not necessary, only 300 vehicles are allowed entry into the park everyday, so give yourself 1-2 days allowance in case the tours are booked out for the day. The park opens two times a day at 6am and 2pm.
- The cost for a half day including the entrance fees is $50 per person for a private jeep. If you can join a larger group, fees range from about $35 and up. Park entrance fees are $23 for a day pass, $38 for an overnight visit, and $32 for multiple entrance in one day.
- If you are traveling solo, and your accommodation does not offer a safari tour, head to the bus station and you will be approached by tour companies seeking to fill up the seats for the next day – make sure to negotiate!
If you would rather book a tour from Colombo inclusive of transport, here are a couple of options:
Kylie says
Ohmygosh! Look at that peacock!! Have you ever met one in real life? They are seriously the meanest birds I have ever encountered! I was cornered by a flock of the females (they are a boring brown) on my way to my car one morning when I was living in Texas.. absolutely terrifying! haha
Kristin says
I took that pic of the peacock but I wasn’t close enough to get cornered!
Rika | Cubicle Throwdown says
I couldn’t stop laughing at the pics either, especially the little elephants!! So cute.
Kristin says
They’re so funny!
Ira says
wow, the animals are gorgeous!!! You’ve captured them well too. This post is probably my fave of all of your posts. GJ!
Kristin says
Thanks Ira!
A Southern Gypsy says
Love the photos! The stork with the huge frog was quite impressive and the peacock is gorgeous-I have a similar picture of one that didn’t need any editing either and I now have as one of my business card pictures because I love it so much.
Kristin says
It’s amazing how colorful they are. So impressive!
Emily says
Those are great shots! And I love the tips at the end…we are aiming to go to Sri Lanka later this year so this safari is now on our to-do list!
Kristin says
Thanks! You’re going to love it.
Jackie says
OMG I was just in Sri Lanka, and seeing your pictures makes me miss that little country so MUCH!! I am loving your pictures and cant wait to keep reading about all your adventures. Enjoy and do yourself a favor eat up all the pumpkin curry and hoppers you can!!!
Kristin says
I ate lots of hoppers there! egg, curd and honey, and then there was the roti and amazing curries. Such good eating in Sri Lanka!
Kristin says
Thanks 🙂
Hogga says
that elephant is smiling so fuggen hard. i love it!
Kristin says
So nice to see happy elephants!
Awesome Safari says
Wow!!!! What great captures! The baby elephant looks hilarious. All these animals have such funny expressions. Thank you so much for sharing! I don’t think I have seen animal pictures like these before. 🙂
Praveen Mendis says
Awesome captures Kristin, just awesome. You captures most of the Yala there, Elephants, Leopards Peacocks etc. You are excellent with wild life photography, I can say it with these photos.
ryan says
hi,
The great post. Happy to read and know more about sri lanka .Thanks for sharing this