After settling into our living quarters, the amiable staff introduced us to one of the naturalists at the lodge, and together we took a stroll to a local waterhole. We wended our way down country lanes and through farming fields as we marvelled at the local villagers toiling away in the afternoon sun.
Before long, we found ourselves at a luscious green plateau where our tour guide expounded information on the resident wildlife—30 endemic bird species and 32 mammal species, such as the common langur, endemic toque macaque, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, wild boar, and water buffalo. We were regaled with fascinating details of wildlife that sets Gal Oya National Park from all the rest as the sun gracefully slipped in its reverie and eventually the horizon. We toasted to the beautiful sight and the chants of the local temple as the sun went down.