| Year and Month | October, 2012 |
| Number of Days | Three |
| Crew | Three |
| Accommodation | Wildlife & Nature protections society bungalow Palatupana |
| Transport | SUV |
| Activities | Wildlife, Photography, National parks, Birding |
| Weather | Clear sky |
| Route | Monaragala -> Thanamalvila -> Thissa -> Palatupana -> Returned back on the same route |
| Tips, Notes and Special remark |
|
| Author | Ashan |
| Comments | Discuss this trip report, provide feedback or make suggestions at Lakdasun Forum on the thread |
Map around palatupana – click to enlarge
This was a special journey because this was my first ever wild life safari to Yala. Though I have been to Yala on foot during the Pada yathra walk, I always wanted to do a safari too. I was invited by Sheham who was a good friend I met because of Lakdasun and I happily joined him on this venture. This was really a relaxing journey. On day one we hanged around the bungalow enjoying the bird life of Palatupana and on day two we roamed around Palatupana and Nimalawa seeking for more bird life. And on the evening of the second day we did a safari in Yala and spotted many Mammals other than the bear. On the 3rd day we returned back after a brief morning stay. This would be more of a picture report, so please sit back and enjoy.
 a family at palatupana |
 coastal line of palatupana |
 note the jaw like rock formation(Shehams find) |
 drooling |
 the perfect green tinge |
 accommodation |
 two days at this peaceful place |
 get out of my net |
 that skull |
 not mine |
 i really loved this guy |
 close up |
 no more buddy |
 webbed |
wedihiti kanda seen over the salterns
 Spoon bills |
 out of the water and on the salt |
 crossing each others pathways |
 bird life |
 at Palatupana salterns |
 even tiny guys were clearly seen |
barriers
that colour looked so unreal
salterns
shallow and plenty of food
they were disturbed
what a place to hang around
 one out of many herons |
 on the tip |
 contrast |
 a busy flock |
 seagull |
 and another |
 the process of hunting |
 rowing hard |
 his catch |
 huge nest over my head |
 first time i captured this guy |
 crested hawk eagle |
 not a krait |
 rescued it |
 dropped in at back of beyond yala |
 disturbed |
 just like a fish |
 cactus flower |
 a sacrum |
 the black headed guy |
 mixed together |
 fishing competition |
 majestic |
 big guy at Nimlawa |
 pelican at Nimalawa |
 all seats were booked |
 Receptionist at the entrance of Yala |
 glimpse of a leopard |
 spotted you |
 looks malnourished |
 obstacles |
 musth |
 beware |
 that bull |
 a huge heard |
 close up |
 roads at that time |
 eggs to be hatched |
whistling ducks
politician and the voters
another one
wild boars
pathana gala
everyone is feeling the heat
 not a pretty dance |
 Bee eater = crow of yala(so common) |
 athgala |
 many jumbos |
 cute hare |
 photogenic |
 and more deer |
 wow |