Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Elephant Safari

          A huge black stone on the ground. We needed a little rest during our walk in the Habarana forest, which is located along with the Colombo - Trincomalee main road in North Central province of Sri Lanka. Therefore, we advanced ahead and wished to take a little rest on that huge stone. However, one of my friend saw, the stone moving up and down slowly. Then he told us " Oh my god, it's an Elephant. Machan, It's an Elephant". We were shocked there were few feet between that Blockbuster and us. However, fortunately, he is getting his sleep deeply. Therefore, we pulled back and went away from him. When I was working at Habarana, I have experienced these types of incidents frequently. We spent our leisure times by walking in the forest then we were able to collect awesome memories with these wild friends. 



          Habarana forest has nominated as a Reserve Forest by the government of Sri Lanka, which is separated by Colombo - Trincomalee main road into two land blocks in two main Provinces. The West side of the forest belongs to the North Central Province and the Eastern Province has its Eastern region. In addition, this forest is located in the dry zone in Sri Lanka. The leaves of the trees are thinner than Wet Zone. High in warmth but rich in wind every second. Due to the Termination of the rain season December to March is the most suitable period for visiting this area.

         
          If you are traveling Habarana, the Elephants are the main reason for it. You can see Sri Lankan Elephants as Gangs or individual in this Reserve Forest. Most of the Elephants in this area are living as Gangs. There are so many Safari jeeps for a safe journey. Major purpose of these jeeps are travel with their visitors to see the Jumbos. Some Elephants present friendly behaviors with human and some of others hate human. They like to eat young green leaves. Water is compulsory. About two or three times for a day they move to the water resources for their water needs. The Safari drivers know well at what times they are going to water. Near some water points, you can catch them clearly. At some tourist hotels, they arrange Elephant Rides for you. I think it could be a nice experience for you and your family. 



          These Elephants have great manners. They know well who is their mother and they respect her always. The leader of the bunch have the responsibility about other members. He goes in front of the bunch and consider about the security. If father, mother and baby are living together always, we call them "Thunpath Rena". In the Sri Lankan culture, Elephants participate for so many cultural festivals and events. An iconic and world famous event, which called Dalada Perahera has decorated by the Elephants. The main chapter of the Perahera is Scared Tooth Relic of Load Buddha by selected qualified Tusker. I will text later about Dalada Perahera.

    
Bunch At Lunch





          The people living in Habarana area are facing many many straggles because of Wild Elephants.The Elephants looking for their foods by destroying cultivations. Farmers try their best to protect their plantations. Sometimes one or two people die due to Elephant attacks. Therefore, you must be careful when you walk here and there in the Forest. So, vist here and enjoy our Jumbos...


          

 Elephants Foot Steps                            A "Thunpath Rena"

                             







A Trip To ANURADHAPURA

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