15.Wild Encounters Nonstop! Me With Mother Nature’s Majestic Masterpiece ! Part 2
After conquering the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, the heat and dehydration had taken a toll on me. The need to rejuvenate and recharge led me to decide on a quick power nap en route to my next destination.
My third adventure for the day was a journey to the Minneriya forest, promising more wild encounters nonstop. Anticipation filled me as the promise of witnessing hundreds of wild elephants in this scenic jungle awaited. Elephants, often considered spiritual beings on Earth, are symbols of strength and power. Hindus worship them in the form of Lord Ganesha, seeking blessings and good luck.
The jungle jeep safari was a thrilling experience, navigating through rough terrains and picturesque landscapes in Minneriya forest. Arriving at 4 o’clock in the evening, the excitement surged as wild elephants, moving in groups, crossed the road before us. The jeep driver expertly guided me to a massive lake in the heart of the forest, where we patiently awaited the majestic creatures.
After about 20 minutes, a herd of wild elephants emerged from the woods, moving leisurely in a row toward the lake. Witnessing them toss and play in the mud, mothers guiding their babies to drink water, was a delightful spectacle, capturing their moments and body language through my camera lens.
Tourists in another jeep initially showed signs of fear as the elephants moved around in herds. However, observing their body language and behavior became a mesmerizing experience, keeping us all glued to our seats. The echoes of elephant sounds resonated through the woods, their communication sharp and clear. The mother and baby elephants visually signaled and touched each other’s trunks, creating an emotional tableau.
Amidst this, the surroundings teemed with wildlife—peacocks, wild hens, cranes, ducks, wild buffalos, monkeys, and various bird species. The sunset over the lake added to the splendor, providing a perfect backdrop for some beautiful photographs.
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. Their excellent memory power enabled them to catch up with one another over long distances, using their senses of hearing and smelling to communicate in their unique language.
On our way back, a female elephant, named “Lakshmi” by forest officials, became alarmed by a sudden flash of a camera button. Disturbed, she followed our jeep aggressively. Other tourists took different routes to avoid the situation. Witnessing this behavior, both thrilling and concerning, heightened my awareness of the wild.
Upon reaching the hotel by dusk, my accommodation at “Nice Place Bungalows – Inamaluwa, Sigiriya,” provided a beautiful room in the midst of a garden for a pleasant stay. Special mention goes to the attentive staff who ensured my safety until midnight, allowing me to have a restful and uninterrupted sleep.
“Let’s not treat animals as creatures, but as living beings. It is wonderful to see the natives treat and care for these giants as living beings and not just another beast!”
“Jeep Safari ride”
“Baby Elephant”
“Selfie with wild elephant”
“Pose near the lake”
“Terrified Lakshmi elephant”
“Various Birds & wild buffalos”
Adventure Continues…Srilanka’s World Famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination – Anuradhapura!
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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.
