WE ARE OFF ON AN ELEPHANT SAFARI

Sri Lanka is known for its wild elephants; so much so, there are signs on the side of the road that warn for elephant crossings. We wanted to see some elephants! Amanwella offered an early morning elephant safari but when the group heard the departure time of 5:30am, several opted out. Yet 6 early birds opted for the elephant adventure and set out in search of these impressive animals - boy was it worth it!

Beyond just the elephants, they encountered peacocks, monkeys, green bee-eaters, the Sri Lankan national bird - the jungle fowl (looks like a chicken) - and more! It was a true safari with safari car and all. They had a blast!

 our first elepahnt sighting was on the side of the road on our way to the safari

 smiling for the camera

let the safari begin!

 peacocks were everywhere

 green bee-eater bird - quite the little poser

We came across this elephant right from the get-go. This little pond of mud was behind a corner so we weren't expecting him right there but there he was! He was up close and personal and went on his merry way cooling himself down with a mud bath

off he goes

a beautiful breakfast set up in the wild

 the early bird risers

 tourists

 can you spot all the monkeys?

 when a herd is reported...cars among trucks among cars

 a herd!

 females travel in herds while male's are more independent but will always stay nearby to a herd of females

peek a boo

 tusks

 elephants everywhere

wouldn't be a proper drive home if we didnt share the with tractors and sacred water buffalo