Yala National Park was a popular topic among our chat that night, as the 44 species of mammal, 200 species of colourful exotic birds, as well as high leopard density provided most of the adventures.
I was so enthusiastic to explore the park that I hardly slept a wink the night before. Our ranger Steuart picked us up in his jeep, which he drove expertly through the tangled forests, grassy plains, murky lagoons, and dry woodlands until the view of the park revealed itself. The beauty of the spotted deer, water buffalo, crocodiles, and birds present took our breath away. Steuart shared with us his comprehensive experience, accumulated from his years as a regular visitor to the park since a young age. As we explored further, we noticed two Asian elephants chomping away at trees, caught a fleeting glimpse of a leopard lurking in the vegetation, and a curious sloth bear approached our vehicle to inspect us. Later we learned from Steuart that seeing a sloth bear is like seeing seven leopards. How lucky we are.
When we arrived back at the hotel, I took a walk along the rugged beach with Steuart as we reminisced the encounters with wildlife earlier that day. I was pleasantly surprised with more beautiful encounters with sea life on the beach. I saw sea-turtles who came on the beach to lay eggs by moonlight and a particular bull elephant relaxing on the shore. To co-habitat in harmony with these majestic creatures was an otherworldly experience.