MY SAFARI AT YALA NATIONAL PARK IN SRI LANKA

My trip to Sri Lanka was “a dream come true” moment in my travel life.

I was fortunate to visit the southern part of the country and managed to explore a number of little heavens, such as the Cinnamon Island or so many other dreamy spots around. I also traveled to the most famous wild life park of the country; Yala National Park. One of the reasons I chose the southern part of the island was Yala; I am completely in love with safaris and I have to confess that Yala’s safari had been on my bucket list since forever!

I have already safari-ed twice, in amazing Botswana and in Pilansberg of South Africa where I finally saw the BIG FIVE (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo). Just imagine my enthusiasm when I realized that I might actually meet the Lord of Sri Lanka in Yala; the Sri Lankan Leopard.

Yala is a highly protected area of 1300sq km, which contains 5 blocks.

However, three of them were closed during October for animal protection reasons. October is a dry season and the animals do have a hard time searching for food and water in the area. So visitors are not allowed to enter, in order not to disorientate the animals from their survival path.

That was the reason we didn’t meet most of the big mammals, as our safari took place at a specific block. I was well-prepared though; you never know if you are going to see wild animals during safari; you have to be at the right place, the right time, looking at the right direction. It’s risky but it’s worth it.

Of course, this fact didn’t affect my whole experience in Sri Lanka. Getting so close to Sri Lanka’s tropical jungles, was hands-down a lifetime experience!

There are more than 215 species of birds living in complete harmony with more than 47 species of reptiles, elephants, leopards, bears, water buffaloes, crocodiles as well as many species of fish and amphibians.

The Leopard is the Queen at Yala’s National Park, given the fact that Yala has the most densely populated leopard presence on earth. Around 40 leopards are believed to roam the area, but sightings of these elusive creatures are still very rare. I was completely prepared for such a case.

You can also watch MY SAFARI ADVENTURES at Yala National Park on my INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT.

CHECKING IN AT CINNAMON WILD YALA

My living experience at Yala National Park started when I checked in at my private Chalet at Cinnamon Wild Yala; literally in the middle of nowhere! The Resort is only 5 minutes away from the famous Park and it’s the best choice for those who want to experience a Jungle Adventure compined with a Wonderful Safari during their stay.

It is a Luxury Lodge in the heart of the forest, just a few meters away from elephants and buffaloes that use to take a daily break from their busy hunt – just next to your room! There is an outside pool as well as access to the beach – access with is usually forbidden without escort though – as the animals move freely around the jungle and it’s kinda dangerous. There lies the magic though, right?

With local and artistic hues, the decoration was fantastic, while the private bathroom and the King Size Bed created a fairytale-like scenery during my stay! It was absolutely wonderful staying there!

I visited Sri Lanka for the #TBCAsia, the largest Travel Blogger Conference in Asia, after I got chosen as one of the most influential Travel Bloggers in the world. The Cinnamon Hotels and the national carrier Sri Lankan Airlines were in charge of this Conference and I’m really looking forward to going back again next year!

SEE YOU SOON WONDERFUL SRI LANKA!

Maria Kalymnou

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