Day7-8: 17-18/02/2024 – Tissamaharama, Bundala NP, Yala NP
On the morning of day 7 we drove south for 4-5 hours with an unfortunate 40 minute delay due to a punctured tyre. It could have been worse, but fortunately there was a tyre shop 50m from where we pulled over. Eventually we arrived at our hotel in Tissa on the south coast of Sri Lanka in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon we visited a nearby temple area and then spent the dusk period by a large lagoon. Here we were treated to a spectacular display as thousands of enormous Indian Flying-foxes came off roost and flew over the water. A little later a pair of Barn Owls appeared in the tree we were standing under. |
On day 8 we did two jeep safaris. In the morning we visited Bundala NP where we were treated to a spectacular variety and abundance of waders and terns in an area of salt pan and scrub. Images from this session are shown below.
In the afternoon we visited Yala NP. This is very popular with general tourists and we found lots of jeeps chasing the latest leopard sighting. But much of the time we were able to watch birds and mammals in relative peace. (We didn't see leopard). Images from this afternoon are below.
Overall this was the best day of the trip with great wildlife watching throughout and the largest bird species count (113)