13. Beauty Vs Beast – Me with Mother nature’s Majestic Masterpiece !
As I wrapped up my cultural escapade in Kandy, a city teeming with art, music, and folk culture, my heart brimmed with anticipation for the next leg of my Srilankan adventure. My itinerary, orchestrated by my tour operator, promised back-to-back explorations, each unveiling a different facet of this captivating country. The first on the list? A thrilling elephant ride through the picturesque landscapes of Sigiriya.
Renowned globally for its incredible elephant expeditions and safaris, Sigiriya stands as a must-visit destination for avid elephant enthusiasts. While I had encountered these magnificent creatures in various corners of the globe—Thailand, India, Botswana, South Africa—Srilanka held the promise of a truly unique and visually captivating experience.
The journey commenced with an elephant ride, an activity that elevated the concept of sightseeing to new heights—literally. Accompanied by a skilled elephant rider who expertly guided the colossal beast, I embarked on an unforgettable journey through lush green forests, babbling streams, mud pools, and a plethora of beautiful forest flowers. This was an exploration that transcended the ordinary, offering an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife.
One of the most touching scenes unfolded before my eyes—a baby elephant frolicking in a muddy pool while its mother, with utmost care, used her trunk to sprinkle water, assisting her offspring in cleaning off the mud. Witnessing this display of maternal love among mammals was truly emotional and left an indelible mark on my memory.
The entire spectacle unfolded amidst an atmosphere of joy and awe. Tourists reveled in the experience, capturing moments with these gentle giants. The sight of baby elephants walking beside their mothers, seeking refuge under their protective bellies, added a layer of charm to the whole affair. The well-disciplined elephants, harmless and under the guidance of their mahouts, enchanted all who were fortunate enough to witness their grace.
Seated on a sturdy wooden plank securely fastened to the elephant’s back, I was the lone passenger, relishing every moment of my ride. The close encounter with nature allowed me to touch the twigs of trees as we meandered along the trail. A delightful assortment of bananas and pineapples was provided to me for feeding the elephant. Learning the art of feeding—an entire bunch at a time—turned this into a whimsical interaction with my tusked companion.
To my surprise, I found myself alone at a scenic spot near a lake, offering a perfect view of the iconic Sigiriya Rock. The elephant ride provided me with an exclusive vantage point for capturing photographs against this breathtaking backdrop. While I initially struggled to balance atop the elephant during this muddy escapade, the mahout’s instructions and a touch of special communication led to a perfect pose with Sigiriya Rock in the background—an incredible experience that left me awe-struck.
As tourists snapped pictures of my enchanting ride, the special moment became etched in my heart, making me feel like a queen atop Mother Nature’s magnificent masterpiece.
Post-safari, I was privileged to experience the gentle touch of the giant’s trunk against my head. In Srilankan folklore, it is believed that an elephant’s blessing brings good luck. This encounter filled me with confidence and motivation, transforming the adventure into a life-affirming experience.
In conclusion, Sigiriya offers a comprehensive exploration, and getting atop these giants for an unforgettable safari is a must for sincere elephant lovers. Mother Nature’s wild encounters are bold and free, requiring courage to grow and discover oneself. Sigiriya’s wild encounters allowed me to live life queen-size, a spectacular way to go solo and explore nature’s beauty on a high!
“Elephant Ride - Beginning”
“Felt like Queen”
“Ride on the Road”
“Lovable Elephant”
“On the way”
“Feeding Elephant”
Adventure Continues…Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress “eighth Among The World Wonder’s!”
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2.Srilankan Adventure ~ Embarking On The Journey
In that moment, a profound realization dawned on me – solo travel isn't about being truly alone. Instead, it unveils opportunities to cross paths with incredible individuals, forging connections that resonate long after the journey concludes.
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1.Escaping From The Heat & Fear ~ Embarking On A Solo Adventure
Embracing the uncertainty of this first-time solo adventure, I took the phone number of a friendly face at the counter, providing reassurance that Sri Lanka is indeed a safe haven.“SRILANKA IS A VERY SAFE PLACE AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT
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3. Colombo Unveiled: A Day Of Exploration And Transformation
In that moment, I embraced the transformative power of a makeover. It was not bound by rules or dictated by perfect timing; it was a personal choice to look and feel like myself—more radiant, more confident, and simply better.
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4. Exploring Cultural Splendour: Gangaramaya Temple In Colombo
First on my list was the quest for the perfect hat—a fashionable companion for my Sri Lankan adventures. Colombo's shopping landscape unfolded before me, offering an array of choices that blended traditional charm with modern allure.
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5.Immersing Into Nature’s Elegance: A Majestic Journey Along The Maadu Ganga River
Navigating through the gentle currents, the boat carried me to the point where the river gracefully embraced the open sea. This juncture, where freshwater and saltwater converged, painted a breathtaking tableau.
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6.A Seaside Sojourn: Bentota’s Enchanting Embrace
Evenings were reserved for strolls along the beach, where the sea, in all its grandeur, whispered tales of timeless romance. Each sunset was a masterpiece, a canvas painted with hues of warmth and tranquility—a visual symphony that resonated with the
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7. Into The Wild: A Spine-chilling Odyssey In Sinharaja Rain Forest
Amidst the towering trees and vibrant flora, we reached an ancient giant—a testament to the timeless beauty of the rainforest. The air was thick with the essence of the jungle, a heady mixture of earth, moss, and the elusive fragrance
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8.Life’s First Thrill: White Water River Rafting In Srilanka
Amidst the heart-pounding adventure, the coach encouraged me to jump into the water and float, life jacket securely fastened. A surreal moment unfolded as I found myself floating alone, away from the boat, with nothing but the rushing river around
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9. Nuwara Eliya: A Journey Into Nature’s Embrace
Continuing on, I encountered friendly Tamil Sri Lankans, most of them local farmers selling fresh carrots and tending to tea estates. The scenic beauty prompted numerous clicks, with each frame capturing the essence of this heavenly place.
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10. Trek To Horton Plains: Unveiling Nature’s Majesty
As our trek progressed, we reached a breathtaking spot known as World's End, a cliff with a sheer vertical drop of 4000 feet. The fear of heights didn't deter me; instead, I ventured closer to the edge, urging my companions
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11.Lake Gregory – Nature’s Embrace In A Peaceful Paradise!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the water, the lake's enchantment grew. The shimmering reflection of stars in the crystal-clear waters transformed the lake into a celestial spectacle.
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12. Kandy Cultural City, Culture Vs Nature!
Observing the temple's rituals and traditions, I met a Srilankan female cop who commented on my appearance, mistaking me for a Sinhalese girl. The cultural exchange and warm reception from the locals made the visit even more special.
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13. Beauty Vs Beast – Me with Mother nature’s Majestic Masterpiece !
The entire spectacle unfolded amidst an atmosphere of joy and awe. Tourists reveled in the experience, capturing moments with these gentle giants. The sight of baby elephants walking beside their mothers, seeking refuge under their protective bellies, added a layer
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14. Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress “Eighth Among The World Wonder’s!”
As I stood atop the Lion Rock, the culmination of history and nature, I couldn't help but reflect on the profound truth—the past, sometimes, is not merely contained in books but etched onto rocks for us to learn.
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15.Wild Encounters Nonstop! Me With Mother Nature’s Majestic Masterpiece ! Part 2
As we captured these moments, the guide emphasized the importance of not using camera flashes, as they could disturb the majestic mammals. We watched the elephants from a distance, recognizing their wild nature and crossing paths.
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16.Srilanka’s World Famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination – Anuradhapura!
Each step in Anuradhapura felt like a journey through the annals of time, a pilgrimage resonating with significance. The city's allure lies not just in its historical grandeur but in its ability to offer visitors a profound connection to the
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17. Cautionary Tale: A Less-than-ideal Encounter In The Spice Garden
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder to fellow travelers: beware of fraudulent practices, be vigilant against swindlers, and exercise discretion in your choices. While the Spice Garden may boast aromatic herbs and spices, the bitter aftertaste of deception
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18. Solo Traveler’s Sri Lanka Trip: A Comprehensive Guide
Sri Lanka, with its myriad experiences, awaits the solo traveler. From the cultural riches of Kandy to the historical marvels of Anuradhapura, each day promises a new adventure.
