There is an expectant thrill in the air. Hushed silence interspersed with the occasional song of birds drifting through the breeze. All is still, eyes drawn upwards, waiting with bated breath. Through the foliage there is slight movement. Yellow and black seamlessly blending with brown and green and the gentle rustle of leaves. And then the prize sight that all have been waiting for, shows himself, surveying these new subjects to his vast kingdom; the kingdom of the Sri Lankan Leopard!
Such is an experience one may have the chance of enjoying when on a wildlife safari at Yala National Park. While it is not the only national park in Sri Lanka, it is definitely one of the most famous due to the fact that it has a high population of leopards. An easy way to explore the park would be to stay at nearby Yala hotels which organise wildlife safaris. Cinnamon Wild Yala is an ideal option in this regard.
Leopard safaris are best undertaken early morning or in the evenings for this is the best time to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, be it lazing in the trees to sunning themselves on the rock. If you are lucky you may even see leopard cubs, playfully investigating their surroundings, heirs to this wild kingdom. But leopards are by no means the only star in this wildlife spectacle.
The iconic Sri Lankan Elephant can be seen in their herds wandering around the park from wild tuskers to mothers with their young. Keep your eyes out for sloth bears that are also amongst this ‘wild cast’ and by no means a mere supporting actor. Other cast members of the wild include wild buffalo, toque macaques, jackals, spotted deer, crocodiles and not forgetting the vast array of winged creatures that frequent the skies above such as crested hawk eagles and black-necked storks.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.