20th March

Hambantota, a new port-of-call for us, lies on the southern tip of Sri Lanka.  It is not only a new port for us, it is a brand new one too.  Built in the hope of attracting passing traffic, (shipping) it is massive and is getting bigger, dredging work is ongoing and expansion is in the offing, all built with Chinese money.  It may be huge, however at the moment it possesses but 2 cranes, the remainder of the wharves are empty and its trade consists of car-carriers, for the time being at least.  

An electronic chart view of the harbour. Even this is out-of-date though; the 'light blue' to the north is already basins and berths.

An electronic chart view of the harbour. Even this is out-of-date though; the ‘light blue’ to the north is already basins and berths.

If one does not take a tour, it has little to offer, no frantic selling from pier-side market stalls, in fact it is empty, as far as the eyes can see.  We had a tour planned though and, instead of the bus, we took an air-conditioned van for a trip to Yala National Park, 1½ hour’s drive away to the north-east.  There are several parks in the area and guests can choose as to which one to visit.  This post is going to be mainly photos, my descriptive prose of Hambantota is already exhausted  🙂 

One has to keep a sharp lookout for crossing traffic

One has to keep a sharp lookout for crossing traffic

Roads are virtually empty near the port.

Roads are virtually empty near the port.

However in the towns, it gets busier. I couldn't work out who gives way to who, there seems to be no rationale, except 'he who dares, wins'

However in the towns, it gets busier. I couldn’t work out who gives way to who, there seems to be no rationale, except ‘he who dares, wins’

We wait to buy entrance tickets, K1 and Ivana

We wait to buy entrance tickets, K1 K2, (kneeling) and Ivana

..and then mount our 'steed' for the park, K2 is with us too.

..and then mount our ‘steed’ for the park, hold onto your hats!.

Nearby the ticket centre, a mound. I asked the guide if it's an anthill, "oh no, cobra live in those" aaagh I move away from it fast!

Nearby the ticket centre, a mound. I asked the guide if it’s an anthill, “oh no, cobra live in those” aaagh I move away from it fast!

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Water-holes attracted most animals

Water-holes attracted most animals

Having a wallow and keeping cool, buffalo

Having a wallow and keeping cool, buffalo

..and wild boar

..and wild boar

A buffalo and Croc share a watering hole

A buffalo and Croc share a watering hole

he's a big boy too..

he’s a big boy too..

A deer makes a break for the undergrowth

A deer makes a break for the undergrowth

Humming bird

Humming bird

..and Kingfisher

..and Kingfisher

A stag rests in the shade

A stag rests in the shade

While a peacock rests in a tree

While a peacock rests in a tree

Passing spaces are few and far between, a log-jam results...

Passing spaces are few and far between, a log-jam results...

Sometimes one catches a break, an elephant strolls out of the thorn bushes, right in fron to us

Sometimes one catches a break, an elephant strolls out of the thorn bushes, right in front to us

Petrified trees in a lily-filled lake

Petrified trees in a lily filled lake

The park has approximately 50 known leopards, however, according to our guide, they tend to come out for ‘breakfast’ and then sleep until ‘dinner’.  I’m good at spotting whales, however leopards sleeping in the shade or up a tree defeated me and sadly none were seen. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful day and arrived back at the “Amsterdam”, hot tired and happy.  Now for an overnight voyage to Colombo….. 

3 thoughts on “20th March”

  1. Excellent animal pictures. That was a great adventure for you. We continue to enjoy your blogs and humour.
    Warmest from George & Jean in BC

  2. At least something new to Explore and not the same places year after year. Great pictures. Thanks

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