This safari was one of the most enjoyable moments of our Sri Lanka trip.. Of course, both the unique nature, the magnificent landscapes and our crazy driver Cumili had a great share in this.
We are changing vehicles first for the safari we will do in Kandulla National Park.. The vehicle we just got on is an old jeep about 30 years old.. But after getting in to close the doors, the doors are also tied with a rope, that’s that old.
The driver of this jeep is Cumili.. Our guide says Cumili is the best safari driver in that region. Although his mind seems to be half-moving, we later see that the guide was right.. While overtaking other vehicles, Cumili is advancing with her unique laughter.. Vehicle overtaking is entrusted to God, as in the whole of Sri Lanka.
The front door does not have a lock, they found a solution by tying the door that does not close with a simple cleaning cloth.. Of course, I don’t think I need to explain the feeling of confidence that the person traveling in this seat feels while traveling at 90 km/h.. So, we’re on our feet.
After a 20-minute asphalt ride, we arrive at the entrance of Kandulla National Park.. Cumili is getting off here and going to buy our tickets.. Then he comes up with his feet on the top of the car and bursts out that crazy laugh.. Meanwhile, those in the other jeeps waiting in line look at us as if to say, “Your job is difficult.”. Let’s see…
We head forward on the roads for about 15 minutes and arrive at an open area by the river.. We watch a herd of wild elephants take a bath. Of course, ours is the closest vehicle to the elephants, and the most beautiful photos naturally come naturally.. Because Cumili is truly amazing. We are sinking into the swamps.
We watch the sunset on the one hand, and the wild nature on the other.. The view is truly magnificent. Baby elephants don’t eat themselves, the mother elephant next to her collects grass for her and puts it in her baby’s mouth. I mean, motherhood doesn’t change whether it’s a human or an animal.
Elephants generally sleep 4 hours a day, and that is during the daytime.. They stay up at night. They sleep on their side. Single male elephants usually hang out alone until they start a family.. When they find a female elephant to mate with, they mate and start a family.. If you see a single elephant around, understand that it is both male and single…
We had the opportunity to see the elephants crossing the river en masse, the courtship of two elephants, and the mother elephant feeding her young in this region.
We had the opportunity to see very closely.
Then we saw the rods and various birds on which the fishermen were standing in the river, and then we set off on the return path near the sunset.
On the way back, our crazy driver proves what a skillful driver he is. to us. Standing next to a vehicle that was completely submerged in mud, he got behind the wheel and rescued the vehicle from the mud.
A few vehicles that came to the rescue and did not dare, and he returns to the car with our cheers, with his unique laugh.. We were really lucky that we had a driver like Cumili.. I applaud him again!
