Move to Horton Plains Camping Site

2007-07-28, Horton Plains, Sri Lanka

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Day : 2

Following day I got up early in the morning. Others were still sleeping. I got some landscape shots around the bungalow. Mr Aruna who is the manager of Oliphant State arranged us to visit and see activities of Oliphant tea factory. Only the permitted persons can visit that tea factory. After having breakfast prepared by bungalow keepers we went to the tea factory located near the Oliphant Bungalow. Around 12PM we have leaved Oliphant Bungalow and around 3PM move to the Horton Plains. At the main gate there was a person who waiting for us. He is Mr. Nilaweera, one of ranger working at Horton plains national park. Nilaweera arranged us the place for the lunch. He also guide took us to the camping site and gave some advices. Immediately we have prepared three tents. One tent allocated for our bags and the other things.

Mean time I had a little discussion with Suneth and decided to move to the jungle at night. Our idea was got some photograph at the night. Finally Tharaka & Manju joined with us and at around 7PM we started to move to the jangle. We followed the little footpath. We could assume that track made by the Sambur Deer’s. There ware lot of leopards around us and I have previous experience with leopard attack at Horton plains. When we move 2, 3 KM to the jungle somebody has shouted just like a leopards. I have understood that shout and definitely it could be a leopard. Suneth and me searched over the bushes and didn’t see anyone. But we decided to get back to the tent as soon as possible because Nilaweera told us “don’t move to out after the dark came”. At that time Tharaka tried to run but I told “don’t run” because leopards were not attacking us till we stay as a group. We slowly moved back to the tent but that shout followed us. Once it came from up side and another time it came from down side. Around 9 PM we came back to the tent without any trouble.

Chamil and Suranga have prepared dinner for us. After having dinner we bunched together in the tent. Mean time little rain came and mist covered us. Temperature goes down to 10C. That day was a full moon poya day but couldn’t see a moon. I tried to sleep but not success. All of us waiting for a see sun rays on the next day. It was a longest night I have passed. I never ever feel such a cold before.