In Search of Sri Lanka: Part 5: Elephants!

After many springtime detours, it's back to Sri Lanka--a day I will never, ever forget. Having left their watering holes in upcountry Minneriya, the wild elephants have recently migrated to Kaudulla Natural Park. We board our jeep and follow. 

Passing small farms and settlements, we enter the park, driving through dusty jungle terrain...

Until we break into the open and I gasp. There! Up on the hill...My heart stops. "Elephants," I whisper tentatively, not believing it. 

And another. 

A family!

We continue through rolling hills on the shores of a large lake. They are everywhere now. Great herds and small groups, all peaceful and protected.

Even solitary fellows avoiding the crowd.

I want to cry. No, honestly, I do cry, heart-filled tears. Look at these playful little ones!

We continue driving, doing a rough count of each of the groupings.

By mid-afternoon, I estimate we've seen three hundred elephants. Probably more.

Blissed out, we return to Sigiriya River Side Homestay, where we enjoy tranquil surroundings and superlative home cooking.

Here is the rear of the small family compound.

 The river is down a little path...

Our host, Indika, encourages me to try a foot massage--courtesy of the nibbling fish. (If you're ticklish, you might want to forgo this pleasure.)

Our hostess, Hansi, a skilled gardener...

And cook. 

I wish I could share the wonders of the multi-course meals that came out of her kitchen!

Next stop: In Search of the Past: Part 6: The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa