The First Steps Beyond Barberyn Waves.
She Said:
Now days, we can. So off we went with the help of Roshan, our driver and guide to explore the wonders off Sri Lanka.
Our first destination was the famous park of Yala. On our way we visited the magical spot called Coconut Hill for a view that is taken straight from the movies. Coconut trees, blue sea and incredible beauty.
On our way to our lodging we had interesting conversations with Roshan learning so many thing.
He Said:
Our first day exploring Sri Lanka beyond the serene walls of the Barberyn Waves Ayurvedic Resort began early for me, with the 6:00 a.m. yoga session.
The resort, known for its tranquil ambiance and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, had been a haven of peace.
After one final, delicious breakfast filled with fresh tropical fruits and traditional Sri Lankan millet porridge, we packed up and prepared for the adventures ahead.
At 9:30 sharp, Roshan, our guide and driver, arrived in his immaculately kept white Toyota Prius, which would be our trusted chariot for the coming days.
Heading southeast toward Yala National Park, the journey offered a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s vibrant landscapes—lush greenery, quaint villages, and the occasional glimpse of the ocean.
Midway, we stopped for a memorable local lunch at the Lady Chef restaurant. The food was authentic and flavorful, a tantalizing preview of the culinary experiences awaiting us.
From there, we continued to our first hotel, where we quickly checked in, dropped off our bags, and transitioned to safari mode.
Waiting for us was a towering safari jeep, its rugged design hinting at the wild terrains it was built to conquer. Roshan and our jeep driver took the front seats, leaving the spacious, open-air back entirely to us. The wind in our hair, the promise of wildlife in the air—our excitement grew as we entered the iconic Yala National Park.
Yala is a treasure trove of biodiversity, famed for its leopard population and rich array of wildlife.
The first safari delivered on its promise.
Water buffalo lounged in muddy pools, elephants strolled majestically through the brush, and mongoose darted about with surprising speed. Peacocks strutted their vivid plumage, deer grazed peacefully, and a massive land monitor (a one and a half meter lizard) lazily crossed our path. We even caught sight of crocodiles—though too stealthy for our cameras.
The highlight? A solitary leopard, elusive as ever, spotted dozing on a sun-warmed rock. It was a magical moment—brief, almost unreal—but it stayed with us.
After the safari, we returned to the Chef Lady restaurant for dinner, where the same welcoming warmth greeted us. Each of us savored a perfectly cooked fish dish, tailored to our tastes, while playful kittens weaved between our legs, adding a charming touch to the meal.
Finally, we returned to our hotel, ready for a well-earned rest after a day that introduced us to the wild beauty and captivating spirit of Sri Lanka.
The adventure had only just begun.
