Sri Lanka: A Tropical Paradise – First Day of Exploring
After an early start at 04:00, I'm ready to dive into the day's adventure. The first stop on the itinerary is Madu River, located about 45 minutes south of Beruwala in the Southern Province. The early morning light is just perfect for photography—soft, golden, and ideal for capturing the tranquility of the landscape. The sunrise is nothing short of spectacular, with a few local fishermen drifting along in their boats and a variety of birds flying towards the jungle after spending the night on Bird Island, located out in Maduganga Lake.
I take my time photographing the peaceful morning scene, but the real excitement begins as we start to explore the narrow, winding arms of the mangrove-lined river. Along the way, we encounter a variety of wildlife, including birds, crocodiles, and lizards.
Unfortunately, there's a bit of miscommunication with my guide. I had expressed to him that I was only interested in wildlife photography, but it seems he had misunderstood my request. As a result, we make a few touristy stops along the river. Our first stop is Cinnamon Island, where I meet an older couple who make products from cinnamon bark. Despite my reluctance to engage in tourist activities, I can't help but take a photo of the old man as he demonstrates how he processes the cinnamon bark into products.
Afterward, we head back onto the river, but we make another detour—this time to a fish spa. I've already tried explaining to my guide that I'm not interested in these activities, but since I've already paid for the experience, I decide to just go with it. It's a brief and unremarkable stop, but it's over soon enough.
The next stop, though, is where I draw the line. As we approach another tourist stop, a young man approaches us with a baby crocodile on a leash. I turn to my guide and firmly tell him that I'm not interested in handling or photographing an animal in captivity. He understands immediately, and we continue our journey without further interruptions.
We finish our exploration of the Madu River and make our way to Bentota River, which serves as the dividing point between the Western and Southern Provinces. The environment here feels much more intimate. The river is narrower, and the thick mangroves on both sides create a more secluded atmosphere. This makes it an excellent spot for wildlife, and I'm thrilled to have my first encounter with the purple-faced leaf monkey—a much-welcomed surprise!
However, the experience is a bit tainted by the crowds. There are several boats filled with noisy, non-photography tourists, which detracts from the peacefulness of the river. Despite this, I manage to get the shots I wanted and am satisfied with my day's work.
After wrapping up on the river, I head back to the hotel to spend the rest of the afternoon editing my photos and reflecting on the day's adventures. The excitement for tomorrow is already building, as I prepare for an early start once again—this time at 03:45, for my trip to Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the Sabaragamuwa Province. I can hardly wait, as it will be my first time exploring a true rainforest!