Day 12 Visit to Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home en route to Ahangama

This morning, it was raining as we went to breakfast, it made no difference to the temperature though! Still very hot and humid.

We boarded the bus at 8.30 a.m for the hour and a half drive to the elephant transit home along quiet roads lined with the occasional group of stalls

And across a causeway with another reservoir to the right

Most orphans are here mainly because of elephant human conflict, particularly between farmers and elephants.

We arrived in good time and had a great view of feeding time. We sat on concrete steps under a metal roof which was pretty warm but it was a wonderful experience.

The elephants were held back behind an electric fence and let through a group at a time. Some literally ran to the mik bar! There was a lot of trumpeting and jostling for position.

Plenty of characters including one of the larger ones who took charge of a plastic tray of corn and strategically manoeuvred it to make sure that no one else had a look in!

There were a ouple of very small babies, only days old

After feeding the milk bar was hosed down and the elephants took their cue to leave

Bought some cold drinks then back on the bus for another two hour drive to the coast and our hotel in Ahangama, passing more roadside stalls

Through towns

Along a toll road 

With it's sign to beware of peacocks

And on through more agricultural land

Our first glimpse of the sea

We got out of the bus to take a few photos of the sea and some fishing boats. There was a lovely, warm breeze

Our hotel is right on the beachfront, no bare bodied guests allowed in the restaurant!

Some lovely views

and a spectacular sunset

Which was superceded by being a part of a turtle baby release, such a privilege!

Then drinks at the bar with the sound of the waves followed by dinner in the restaurant, even with the fans on it was very humid. Checked the weather app and the humidity is in the 90's! Temperature 35 feels like 37

We were pleased to go to bed, having taken the duvet out of its cover, which was more than enough and rest our swollen feet!