TikaWeeks #08/2025: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 19th February 2025
Our partners Eco Team send informative and light-hearted updates on the natural world on the island and a recent feature really caught my eye:
Greetings! Baagu here, your resident star of Kumana National Park. They tell me I’m a bit of a celebrity around these parts – not that I’m complaining. With my golden coat and signature rosettes, I cut quite the dashing figure, don’t I? But let’s not get too caught up in appearances; there’s more to me than just good looks. I’m an apex predator, a master of stealth, and, dare I say, the unofficial ambassador of Kumana National Park’s wild heart. Kumana, my home, is a sprawling paradise in southeastern Sri Lanka. Think lush wetlands, dense jungles, and open grasslands – a leopard’s dream come true. This park isn’t as bustling and busy like its neighbour, Yala. Nope, Kumana is quieter, calmer, and all the better for it. It’s where I roam free, hunting and thriving without the constant buzz of human paparazzi.
Now, about my crib. Kumana’s got it all – rocky hideouts, shady forest patches, and water-filled wetlands that attract the tastiest buffet of prey. Spotted deer? Check. Sambar? Oh yes. Wild boar? You bet. Even the occasional jackal finds its way onto the menu. I hunt alone, sneaking through the underbrush with all the grace of a jungle ninja. When I’m done, I haul my dinner up a tree to keep it safe from nosy scavengers. Efficiency, people – It’s what I do. By the way, have you seen me in action? No? Well, good luck with that. I’m as elusive as a shadow at dusk. But if you’re patient, you might catch a glimpse of me prowling the wetlands or lounging in the shade. Early mornings and late evenings are your best bet. Just don’t expect me to pose for pictures all the time like Lucas “The Poser” of Yala.
Before I sign off, a quick word about the future. Kumana’s peace and quiet are a blessing, but my species isn’t out of the woods yet. Habitat loss and poaching remain threats, even here. That’s why conservation efforts are so important – to protect my home and ensure my kind can keep calling these wild landscapes our own. So, next time you visit Kumana, remember who’s really running the show. Stay sharp, stay respectful, and maybe – just maybe – you’ll catch me in my natural element. Until then, keep it wild.
Opening on 01 July 2025, Kalkudah Beach House is a secluded five-bedroom retreat set within a breezy coconut grove, just steps from the untouched eastern coastline of Kalkudah. Designed for ultimate relaxation by the ocean, the property features two thoughtfully designed villas – a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom – positioned on either side of a stunning 22-metre swimming pool. Each space is elegantly furnished, offering airy, sunlit interiors that invite effortless tranquillity. The villas may be taken by the room or as a whole with the choice of a Beachfront Bedroom, Beachfront Suite or The Kalkudah Suite. In the season (01 July to 15 September), there is a minimum stay of 3 nights required and early indications place Kalkudah Beach House in our ‘Treat Yourself’ accommodation category.
Tucked away in the cool climes and quiet hills near Hatton, overlooking stunning Castlereagh Reservoir, Uga Halloowella is a luxury tea bungalow steeped in history and heritage. The estate was established in 1880 and was once owned by Major Elton Lane, a British World War I fighter pilot. Located in the most idyllic setting in Sri Lanka’s iconic hill country, this all-inclusive colonial bungalow sits 1444 metres above sea level enveloped by lush tea estates and lovingly restored to its former glory by renowned local architect Channa Daswatte. With six luxurious suites, impeccable dining experiences, expansive lawns, and a gorgeous infinity pool, paired with the warmth of traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, the bungalow is the epitome of old-world charm and sophistication.
Categories: Accommodation, News, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Wildlife
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