September 21, 2018

Spot the Leopard : Madara’s top tips

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If you have been following our Sri Lanka blogs, you may have already heard about the world renowned Ceylon tea and spices. If that’s not enough to get you all pumped up to visit Sri Lanka, let me tell you something that’s even more interesting. Especially to all you wildlife enthusiasts out there.
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So – let’s set the scene.  Sri Lanka’s second largest national park, Yala, has the highest density of leopard population in the world.  It was also declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1990 and  is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka.  It did however use to serve as a hunting ground for the British elite once upon a time. Now, to our relief, the park is a high security zone and is divided into five blocks, some of which are not usually open to visitors.  Of those that are open to the public, block one is the most popular.

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka to spot the elusive leopard, these are my top tips for you, to make sure that you have the best experience in Yala National Park:
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[av_iconlist_item title=’Choose a reputable supplier to provide you a good game drive. ‘ link=” linktarget=” linkelement=” icon=’ue80a’ font=’entypo-fontello’]
Some drives can be extremely stressful and gruesome to watch – both for the visitors and the leopards –  with the herds of jeeps trailing individual animals at any given time. This happens to be one of the biggest negative points Yala has. Unfortunately, even after several attempts to minimize the harm, enough progress has still not been made.

But there are some reputable suppliers (with excellent drivers, trekkers and naturalists) that can provide you with a good game drive, where you can have an enthralling experience whilst also empathizing and protecting animal welfare. Visiting them ethically and responsibly is more important than a photo shoot opportunity after all!
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[av_iconlist_item title=’Try to visit the park more than once.’ link=” linktarget=” linkelement=” icon=’ue845′ font=’entypo-fontello’]
One of the things I can tell you is that, although Yala has the highest density of leopards in the world, the chances of spotting one can be purely based on luck and being in the right place at the right time. As each game drive usually lasts about three hours, it’s always best to keep an open mind. For better sightings I recommend going on at least two game drives during your visit, if at all possible.
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[av_iconlist_item title=’Appreciate whatever you see in Yala National Park. The diversity of flora and fauna is just absolutely breathtaking! ‘ link=” linktarget=” linkelement=” icon=’ue826′ font=’entypo-fontello’]
There is more to it than just spotting leopards. Yala is also home to sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted and barking deer, water buffalo and crocodiles. Also the plentiful birdlife, types of butterflies to fishing cats to iguanas, monkeys, mongooses etc. the diversity is just absolutely an amazing experience!
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[av_iconlist_item title=’Choose when to visit wisely.’ link=” linktarget=” linkelement=” icon=’ue862′ font=’entypo-fontello’]
One of the most frequently asked questions is when is the best time to visit? Yala has more reliable sightings during the dry season from February to June. Why? because it’s easier to spot animals drinking water from the lagoons. The park however closes down for maintenance during September and October and from September till December, the heavy monsoon rains take over its course.
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[av_iconlist_item title=’Bring along the essentials’ link=” linktarget=” linkelement=” icon=’ue83e’ font=’entypo-fontello’]
As the game drives usually take place during early mornings and afternoon, it is advisable to remember to wear light clothing that compliments the surrounding (and is not too bright ) when visiting the park. Also make sure to take a cap/ sunnies and sunscreen because the day can get a little too warm!
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If you would like to get even closer to nature and wildlife in Sri Lanka, GROUND Asia provides some great nature experiences including camping at some of the country’s well known national parks, and engaging in other conservation efforts.  Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more!
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Author: Madara, GROUND Sri Lanka

Photo Credit : Kulu Safaris
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Explore more Educational Travels in Sri Lanka

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