When I first told a friend I was going to Sri Lanka, her first question was Are you going to climb that rock? That rock, she was referring to is called Sigiriya Rock, or Lion Rock. It’s the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka and one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sigirya Rock (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka
And yes I did climb it!  Sigiriya Rock is an ancient palace that can only be reached by climbing the almost 200 metre massive rock massive.  Now seeing ancient palaces isn’t usually by goal of climbing mountains, but I was definitely game and this was definitely a unique experience, plus I LOVE castles…even if all that is left are palace ruins.

At one time Lion Rock was the capital.  King Kasyapa built his royal palace on top, which seems rather fitting for a king.  Or perhaps he was health conscious, or more likely he feared vengeance from his brother after he killed his father – oops!  Climbing up and down Sigiriya Rock  every day is a great way to stay fit!

After the king’s death the palace and capital were abandoned and later on it was used as a Buddhist monastery. As I made my  way up the seemingly endless stairs, I was greeted by several stray dogs whose ribs showed through.  If you’re an animal lover like me, it’s heartbreaking!

Fortunately though there was a mother who appeared to be taking excellent care to her clinging infant as she he clung to her chest and she kept her distance from tourists.

Today all that remains are the outline of where the palace once stood.   After you’ve ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ over the view of the lush plains stretching to the mountains, take a few minutes and plop yourself on one of the brick ruins (it’s allowed).  Take  a deep breath. I found Lion Rock to be serene and calming, whether it’s the leftover energy from the monks or the gratitude that you have for not having to climb anymore stairs, I don’t know.  But I do know that I as I started to make my way down, I was left with a All is right in the world type of feeling.

5 minutes later that changed. I had heard about the giant wasps and someone had pointed out their equally giant nests clinging to the cliffs but assumed they had been exaggerated.  As I entered into a swarm of wasps, I quickly realized the legends were true.  A local ahead of us instructed  to sit down and be quiet.  Apparently noise irritates the wasps.  We waited in silence for a few minutes and the wasps disappeared. Disaster averted! At the bottom there are vendors selling handicrafts and ice-cream!!!! Covered in sweat, I pulled out an equally sweaty 50 rupee.  At that moment I thought that ice-cream was as good as it gets…until I spotted several monkeys!

And that is as good as it gets for me…monkeys and mountains in one morning!!!

Make the Most of Your Visit to Sigirya
◾Go at 6:30 am when it opens. I know it’s early, but it gets really hot, so trust me, you’ll be happy you did!
◾Stop and check out Mirror Wall, it’s well labeled.  Look closely and you’ll see that it still retains some of its shine that it had 1500 years ago.
◾Directly above Mirror Wall look up and about halfway up you’ll see  the little remaining mural.  In King Kasyapa’s time, the entire wall was a mural.
◾When you come to the Lion’s Feet look to the left and you’ll see black things hanging to the side of the rock.  These are the wasp nests that I previously mentioned.
◾You can either return the same way down, or just before the Mirror Wall, take the stairs to the right.  This is where all the vendors are selling handicrafts…and ice-cream!
◾There are also historical gardens there, considered to be among some of the most important in Asia.  I didn’t visit them, but they looked lovely from the top of Lion Rock.
◾Expect it to be busy.  Remember this is Sri Lanka’s most visited historical site.
◾Bring water, you will sweat and there’s no place to buy it once you’ve started hiking up, until you’re at the bottom again.
◾Anyone in reasonably good shape can reach the top, just go slow and take breaks when you need them.  If you are extremely unfit, you may not get to the top.

Where to Stay
I stayed at Chaaya Village Habarana.  I really enjoyed the natural feel of this property where guests are greeted with cinnamon scented wash clothes and the open air lobby and restaurant.  The property  really does resemble a village with the thatched roof huts that guests stay in. Trees line the ample property and monkeys and giant squirrels are frequent visitors!  Even the paint used is in harmony with nature and is mixed with mud! If you’re seeking something more lavish, then try the Cinnamon Lodge Habarna. You can find both properties at Cinnamon Hotels.

How To Get There
Sigirya is approximately a 3 hour drive from Colombo.  If you’re short on time, then consider a Cinnamon Air flight, which only takes 30 minutes. Through October 2015 it costs $223 USD.   Note:  Thank you to Cinnamon Hotels for making my visit and stay possible.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Laurel Robbins – MonkeysandMountains

Blog Post – http://monkeysandmountains.com/sigirya-rock-sri-lanka

Laurel Robbins was hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines in partnership with the Professional Travel Bloggers Association for TBCasia – Asia’s First Ever Travel Bloggers Conference 2014 in Sri Lanka.

Celebrated by Lonely Planet, BBC, and CNN, the Great Elephant Gathering brings together hundreds of Asian elephants at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. It is also known as the 6th largest animal congregation in the world, and the largest gathering of Asian Elephants in the world, making it something all Sri Lankans’ should take pride in.

Every year, during the dry season, hundreds of wild Asian elephants congregate near the Minneriya Tank in search of water and lush vegetation. This awe-inspiring event typically occurs between July to September, drawing wildlife enthusiasts and photographers from around the world.

As the water levels in the tank recede, the vast grasslands emerge, creating an oasis for these majestic creatures. The sight of hundreds of elephants, from playful calves to mighty tuskers, wandering peacefully and interacting with each other is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of humans and wildlife in Sri Lanka.

The Great Elephant Gathering not only offers an incredible opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close but also serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving their natural habitats. Minneriya National Park plays a crucial role in safeguarding the future of these magnificent animals, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to be humbled by the wonders of nature.

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is a 15 minute drive to the Minneriya National Park.

Thousands of visitors come to visit the once great kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Stupas, statues, tombs and temples are aplenty, making for an unforgettable experience. But there is more than history and ancient structures here; Polonnaruwa has the richest of stories among Sri Lankan history with hidden treasures strewn across the district and town.

We’ve uncovered 5 lesser known things about this magical old kingdom that might turn your trip into the best discovery ever.

1. No Bull Moonstones

Yes, you did read that right. There’s a strict no-bull policy that went into the sculpture and production of moonstones. Moonstones are the traditional semicircular base at the entrance to state and religious buildings, usually adorned with rows of animal figures. While its neighbouring kingdom Anuradhapura houses moonstones with cattle, the Hindu influence of the Polonnaruwa era shows to have removed the animal representing Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi the bull from their entrances.

2. Disney Nature’s Monkey Kingdom

The critically acclaimed Monkey Kingdom released in 2015 by Disney Nature was shot entirely in Polonnaruwa. The film, narrated by Tina Fey follows a troupe of Macaques living in the ancient ruins in the Polonnaruwa jungles. The documentary is a breathtaking representation of Polonnaruwa and its world of hidden treasures. The legendary primatologist and Disney Nature Ambassador Dr. Jane Goodall also visited Sri Lanka, joining the crew in the Polonnaruwa jungles. When you visit the ruins, remember to watch out for the monkey whose kingdom this is today.

3. Duran-Duran in Polonnaruwa

The famed 80’s synth-pop band Duran-Duran spent a considerable amount of time in Polonnaruwa which went on to feature heavily in the music video of their 1982 hit Save a Prayer. The video features the band amidst the ruins – something you won’t be able to do now. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred to Sri Lankans.

4. Sri Lanka’s Lake District

Ancient Sri Lankan architecture isn’t the only element on historical wonder; our ancient engineering techniques are still revered among archaeologists and engineers today. Both elements feature in harmony in Polonnaruwa, so when you visit the ancient sites don’t forget to also visit the breathtaking vistas of the district’s many ancient, manmade lakes.

5. Jananathamangalam

Polonnaruwa was briefly called Jananathamangalam. In 1012 AD, Sri Lanka briefly fell under Chola rule at which point the kingdom absorbed many elements of Dravidian culture.  The Chola empire would refer to Polonnaruwa as either Jananatha Mangalam or Jananatha Puram and called Sri Lanka, Mummudi Sola Mundelam.

Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 4000 wild Asian elephants, best seen in their natural habitats, the country’s national parks. During the dry months from July to September, the large reservoirs in Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks draw herds of wild Asian elephants where they graze on grass, bathe, and play with each other. Hot afternoons see elephants sheltering in the nearby jungles, but in the afternoon, around 4pm, they slowly emerge. This is your chance to see hundreds of the creatures hanging out by the lakes, the largest gathering of wild elephants in the world.Hop on a safari-jeep and make your way to the park and await elephant after elephant make their way out of the jungle around 3pm.

First things first, a camera is a must-take anywhere in Sri Lanka but more so to the national parks as the wild animals are sure to put on a show for you! The Elephant Gathering and elephant safaris in Sri Lanka are sure to make an Instagram-worthy photograph, so don’t forget your cameras! Apart from the camera, make sure you carry along some sunscreen for protection from the sun and water to keep yourself hydrated. Don’t forget some cash for your park entrance fee too!Make sure you don’t litter the park and attempt to feed the animals. It is of utmost importance that our environment is protected whilst we experience the heartwarmingly magnificentSri lankan elephants.

Book your stay at Cinnamon Lodge Habarana or Habarana Village by Cinnamon situated in close proximity to the Minneriya National Park for the perfect combination of comfort, luxury and nature. While you’re in Sri Lanka, your comfort and enjoyment are our priority. Our staff at Cinnamon Holidays – Cinnamon Nature Trailswill arrange and curate the perfect elephant safari in Sri Lanka just as you prefer so that you can experience the beautiful gathering of Elephants just the way you prefer!

Spread across the 53-acre state, the resort has it all; exceptionally rich biodiversity, lakes, ponds and other bodies of water nourishing grasslands that add the fresh hue of green to the land. As legend has it, Hanuman dropped a part of the Himalayan Mountain as he flew across the skies to aid his wounded brother, Rama. The chunk of land he dropped was rich in strange flora and fauna, not to be found easily anywhere else in the world. This chunk of land is known to be the plateau of Ritigala and its biodiversity has spread across the village of Habarana, making it a true haven for those who find peace amongst untouched nature.

The resort was built taking inspiration from the rustic charm and the meditative calm of the Ritigala Monastery, a lasting artefact of ancient Buddhism dating back to the 1st century BC. The remarkable architecture of the monastery has been imprinted in the resort to add to its rustic charm. With its chalets designed after the village houses found in old Anuradhapura, the resort creates a unique curation of simplicity, peace and luxury of rural life, lived alongside nature. The many treehouses become prime spots for sightseeing and enjoying the quiet of a radiant sunset as the skies are painted in vibrant hues of pink, purple and golden. Dining under clear star-lit skies is utterly romantic in its simple nature. The cooling breeze that rustles the leaves soothes the senses while it refreshes and heals.

The village itself is an eco-system of many micro-habitats formed by a myriad of various species, animals and foliage. Within the limits of the resort, you are bound to spot the occasional elephant or two grassing along the banks of lakes and rare species of birds in their natural habitat, lazying about or in a rush to their nests before the sunsets over the lakes of Habarana!

The resort detoxes you from the hustle of the city, yet gives its visitors the choice of adventure. Whether it is climbing the infamous rock fortress, a two-hour hike up the Ritigala Mountains, a serene boat ride along the water bodies or sightseeing the ruins of the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and Habarana Village by Cinnamon are located in close proximity for all.

With the many chalets built for the best of privacy and the vast land perfect for a cycling trip, or an evening stroll and adventure to fill in the day or even reading a book on a hammock swaying in the winds, enjoying the little time left to do nothing, the resorts are a perfect culmination of nature. Their ties to the roots of ancient culture resonated in its architecture and build, emanates the peacefulness and ritualistic simplicity of the lives of our ancestors.

Visit the resorts for your next getaway and indulge in the unfiltered, untouched beauty of nature and lose yourself in it, as the hoteliers who walked this land first did. As Shakespeare said, heaven is the everlasting treasury of life and the quiet village of Habarana seems to be a perfect example of it.

The Elephant Gathering in Minneriya is a spectacle of nature. Elephants gather in groups called ‘female herds’ and over twenty herds gather to the banks of Minneriya Tank. More than three hundred wild pachyderms from Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks gather around this man-made reservoir to feed on the fresh grass, drink and bathe from the cool waters, socialize with each other making this an iconic experience for any onlooker. The interactions between the calves, males and individual elephants are nothing short of interesting. They gently wade into the water, splash the young ones, play and roam freely; a large family affair; a once in a lifetime opportunity for onlookers.

Alongside these gentle giants are other animals of the National Park adding colour and vivacity of the event. An occasional spotted deer, a few jackals and a plethora of wetland birds such as Pelicans, Painted Storks and Black Headed Ibis can be seen amidst the crowds of playful elephants. The Gathering is an undisturbed and unforced sequence of events creating an exquisite illustration of nature at its finest and purest state.

Vimukthi Weerathunge is a Wildlife Biologist and a part of the Cinnamon Nature Trails team who has been a keen observer of this curious phenomenon. He calls this event of nature as harmonious as violence among the hundreds of elephants is non-existent. He points out how the Gathering shows the world the soft and gentle nature of the rough-skinned mammals often misguided to be aggressive. As per his experience, this phenomenon sheds better light on the persistent elephant-human conflict in Sri Lanka.

Vimukthi speaks on behalf of the giants. He states that witnessing the Gathering is peaceful, as the creatures participating in it unless their territory is violated or they detect a threat to their safety. “In order of evolution, these giants have been walking earth millions of years before us, making humans intrusive visitors in their home. Respecting their space and the laws of nature becomes our responsibility as species with advanced minds and the Minneriya Elephant Gathering is a reminder of it.” He adds on.

Vimukthi further speaks on the significance of this event. The land of the reservoir witnesses the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world, ranking it the 6th animal spectacle on earth by Lonely Planet. He explains that every year from mid-June to mid-October the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park becomes the location of a world-renowned wild-life miracle. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana ideally located in the close vicinity of the parks is a luxury resort built in harmony with nature, for those who find solace in epic greenery and wonders such as the Gathering. Safari rides to the National Park to witness the epic event are phenomenal, as it is curated in a manner where the best times and locations that offers the finest vantage point to witness this. Vimukthi and his team believes in co-existence with nature, so all activities here are scientifically designed with respect to preserve the homes of the animals, especially, elephants.

When nature collides with the epitome of hospitality and warmth, it is the holiday of a lifetime. If your next getaway is in search of serenity and peace only nature can offer, Cinnamon Lodge Habarana awaits your visit. Witness one of the greatest performances of nature while indulging in the luxury of Cinnamon Resorts. Learn the stories of nature, and let them offer you solace you are in search for. Indulge in the luxury of unsubdued nature. After all, that’s what the best holidays are made of, isn’t it?

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts hosted Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan(Merry) who visited Sri Lanka last year. 

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with their eco-tourism arm Nature Trails brought yet another celebrity to Sri Lanka to explore and present Sri Lanka’s natural world to the world by facilitating a feature on Sri Lanka’s nature and biodiversity on the high profile ‘Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan’ show.

Well known for his character as Merry the Hobbit in the famous movie ‘Lord of the Rings’, the actor and wildlife enthusiast Dominic Monaghan’s  show features on Travel Channel and is one of the most watched wildlife television shows around the world. Sri Lanka will be featured on the 6^th episode of the all new third season.

Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has yet again sustained its commitment to putting Sri Lankan on the global tourist map by bringing down yet another celebrity to Sri Lanka who will popularize Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna through his wildlife show. During his stay in Sri Lanka, the celebrity experienced signature Cinnamon hospitality at Sri Lanka’s biodiversity hotspots.

Dominic Monaghan explores some of the most remote corners of far-flung countries across the globe such as Brazil, Zambia, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand and Australia, in search of dangerous and elusive creatures of the planet. In Sri Lanka, the celebrity came in search of the Spectacled Cobra, while also focusing on other creatures such as the Russell’s Viper, Indian Rock Python and the Giant Scorpion.

Nature Trails had chalked up an exciting itinerary for Monaghan which included stilt fishing and a visit to the turtle hatchery, Kandy, Sigiriya and the Hyare and Udawathtakale forest reserves. He also spent time on a farm in Habarana and experienced how local farmers tend to their crops. His highly rated wildlife show ‘Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan’ takes the viewer deep into the country the episode is shot in, offering insights into the flora, fauna and biodiversity of the land.

Cinnamon has kept up a steady momentum of creating significant value for Sri Lanka, and Dominic’s shoot in Sri Lanka is yet another landmark event for Cinnamon.

As the Sri Lankan Airlines flight descended into Colombo I could see green lands punctured by dirt roads beneath us. The thought, “we’re not in Kansas any more , Toto” crossed my mind.

A short sharp blast of the horn caught my attention on the drive from the airport to hotel, as the driver was weaving through traffic; no, not quite weaving as the car was pottering forward metre by metre along the dirt road. There seemed to be no rules to this dance we took part in as horns blared, lights flashed and every inch of the road was utilised; in some cases two lanes became three or four. 
I buried my head in my phone, seeing the pot holes – soon to be paved over by a new highway -and knowing we were going over them made me feel a little bit car sick as I bumped around the back seat.

Something bright passed my window, way too close for comfort, as I glanced up and a scarlet tuktuk was pottering beside us, a string of fresh white flowers swaying from the rear-vision mirror. A little girls hand waved from the tiny back door, her face obscured; I waved back to the still flapping hand.

Contrasting with the dust and the dirt was the green, glorious fields that seemed to continue almost until the city. Bamboo, palms, rice and king coconuts – I got lost in the sea of shades of green. Another short blast of the horn and we had passed them by.

Soon buildings began to rise as we ventured further into the city centre. Dozens of tiny stores packed side-by-side, the overwhelming scrawl of Sinhala – the local language – adorning each store, and people gazing curiously through the window of the car.
 There were beggars at a stop light, one of the few traffic lights I had seen, as one tap tapped at the passenger side window with the foot of his crutch to get the drivers attention; he ignored him. The car behind let out a short beep and just like that we moved on.

As darkness began to fall high beam lights were a must. Each driver seemed to know the secret – from me – language of safe driving at night. There were beeps and flashes. I tried to work out the pattern.
It seemed that three beeps was for a car overtaking from behind, one to signify your presence and two to signify your intention to overtake. High beams flashed to indicate presence when a honk wouldn’t suffice. With one final honk we turned into the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, my first experience of warm Sri Lankan hospitality as I was greeted with juice and a cool towel that was much appreciated after my flight. Just like that my first foray into driving in Sri Lanka was quickly over, but there were more lessons to be learnt the next day.

Alongside the shops and cafes are buildings from a by-gone Colonial era. Standing proudly on the corner, the Portuguese inspired buildings creators would be proud of the changes to the port-side city as across the road sits a steadily growing dockyard. I tried to cross the street – a tuktuk appeared blaring its horn at me as if saying “WATCH OUT!” and I stepped back onto the dirt curb waiting for another person to step into the traffic to act as a guide.

From the city streets to the fields where safaris took place, the road rules didn’t change. Thankfully, elephants roamed free in the Minneriya National Wildlife Park so horns weren’t sounded but the drivers seemed intent on taking the road that was, well lets say it was the more adventurous trail. Getting bogged in the mud and one car getting a little too close to the elephants that they were charged after feeling that their young may be threatened, the drivers zoomed over the bumpy landscape; even some of the most adventurous among us choosing to remain seated, a little nervous of standing up in the fast moving, bumpy jeep.

This photographic safari was our first Cinnamon Experience, and the trip gave me a new appreciation for the vast land and creatures that inhabit this marvellous country that I will barely get to scratch the surface of over the next week.
Of a herd of 800, we saw around 200 elephants that day as they picked, cleaned and ate their food while the babies bumped, trumpeted and played in the mud.

The jeeps jostled for the perfect photographic position, inching closer and closer, even if it meant driving through the great patches of water – the drivers seemed to enjoy the challenge. Our guide left no question unanswered, something I was grateful for as I constantly pressed him to repeat information – multi-tasking is not a strong suit of mine and my brain was solely on enjoying the sight of these giant, humble creatures.
The hour disappeared quickly and we needed to head back to Chaaya Village Habarana – Cinnamon Hotel & Resorts cool, boutique four-star sister property – all too soon.
After the jostling journey it was a welcome relief to enjoy a quick swim in the huge pond-like pool, try a sample of each Sri Lankan curry on offer at the buffet dinner and then relax in our comfortable bungalow twin room I shared with Becki for the trip.

During the night I headed out onto the street in search of a sweet treat and the hotels staffs guided me, even offering to send someone with me should I wish to be guided. As I walked along the dirt pavements buses whizzed by, a short blast of the horn signalling they were stopping as people jumped from the bus before it roared to life again and raced off down the street.
The local people were friendly and curious, directing me to an English speaker if they couldn’t help or greeting me with “Aayubowan“, their hands pressed together in a prayer position; I returned the greeting each time. One young girl raced out of the shop and brushed her dark skinned hand over my right forearm as I walked by; she giggled and I smiled.
I was offered a ride back to the hotel in a tuktuk but I turned down the request preferring to walk after the long days on public transportation. My first tuktuk ride could wait as my feet guided me home. I was ready to enjoy a deep sleep amongst the fluffy pillows left on my bed.

We still have two-days left of tuktuks, trains, highways and adventure, but there are other ways to experience these lands if horns and bumps aren’t quite your thing. While our journeys overland have been long, as the new highway system is still being developed, Cinnamon Air would be my preferred way to travel across this land with daily scheduled flights from most of the countries major cities.
Up in the air I wouldn’t need to worry about the blaring horns, the jeeps ups and downs or learning a new set of road rules because it’d be just me and the green landscape that stretches across the entirety of the country and the sound of the Cessna prop planes propellor whirling into life. Maybe, with my journey time halved, I would have had more time to enjoy my Cinnamon Experience and enjoy the sight of the herd of elephants roaming wild.

I will be brief. It is 2AM and only 4 hours away of our wake up call. And, just in case you haven’t been here before, I am NOT a morning person so it won’t be easy to wake up. At all.

Anyway, here is my particular chronicle of these two first days at TBCAsia – the first Travel Bloggers Conference in Asia! – which is being held in Sri Lanka at the moment. Lucky me, I got to come 2 weeks in advance and explore a bit of the West and South coasts as well as the central part of the island on my own. But finally yesterday that changed, and since then, I am moving around with other 50 international travel bloggers. FUN!

Based in Habarana, we have been exploring the area for the last day and a half. Have a look at my highlights of the North Central Province.

Witnessing ‘The Gathering’ at Kaudulla National Park, where wild elephants socialize daily metres away from your safari jeep.

Going all the way to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Well worth climbing more than one thousand steps!

Enjoying sunset at Polonnaruwa, the royal ancient city of Polonnaru District, among picture perfect landscapes and Unesco’s World Heritage monuments. 

Enjoying sunset at Polonnaruwa, the royal ancient city of Polonnaru District, among picture perfect landscapes and Unesco’s World Heritage monuments. 

They’ve almost completely surrounded us now. There are four behind us, five to the left and one 12 foot tall mammoth to the right. Foot by foot they converge on our jeep. Their deep growls reverberate into my chest. Their prehistoric trumpets pierce my ears. They stare at us with unwavering blood red eyes. In them I see myself. I see panic. I see an animal ready to take flight for its life.

Suddenly the engine roars. But as the jeep thrusts forward, the heard begins to charge.

The driver instantly slams on the break and we glide to a muddy stop. The heard pauses, their eyes determined, their stance aggressive.

I can sense the drivers fear now. He yells towards the big one, half demanding and half pleading for it to stop it’s advance.

But the standoff continues. Seconds seem like minutes. I consider my possibilities. I could run towards the lake. I might not make it but it might buy some time for my fellow travel bloggers to escape.

I can’t take it anymore.

Yala, yala, drive! I scream like an angry Egyptian cab driver, looking ahead towards our only escape.
The driver hits the gas. For precious seconds the tires spin helplessly in the mud. Suddenly the jeep catapults us forwards.  And then by some divine hand, the elephants are held back. The jeep races to safety. We escape, but our racing hearts are still trapped within the elephants crosshairs.

I’ve felt threatened by animals before, by alligators in Australia and crazy monkeys in India. But I’ve never experienced the kind of primitive fear that a heard of angry wild elephants can invoke. It was terrifying yet awe inspiring, and it provoked a renewed respect for the natural world and these incredible mammals. I have never felt more alive and more grateful to be alive. If you’re looking to roam among wild elephants, Sri Lanka’s Kaudulla National Park is where it’s at.

This awesome elephant encounter is thanks to Travel Blog Conference Asia 2014. It’s a 5 day conference/tour with 50 other travel bloggers hosted by the PTBA, Sri Lankan Airlines, Cinnamon Hotels & Sri Lanka’s only domestic airline, Cinnamon Air. It’s the first time I’ve ever taken a tour or traveled with a group and I love it more than my beloved sugar cane juice.

Lefi Harum – TheRunawayGuide

Leif Harum was hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines in partnership with the Professional Travel Bloggers Association for TBCasia – Asia’s First Ever Travel Bloggers Conference 2014 in Sri Lanka.