sandre fernando

After years of traveling across North America, from the lakes and vast forests of Canada to the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii, I found myself returning to Sri Lanka with a striking realization. The land in much of North America feels geologically young. The mountains, lakes, and forests seem freshly carved, as if the last Ice Age had only just retreated. Wildlife is often sparse, and the ecosystems feel like they are still in the process of settling. Sri Lanka, by contrast, feels profoundly...

From jungle giants to the largest animals ever to live on Earth, Sri Lanka offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences anywhere in the world. Sri Lanka may be one of the very few places on Earth where, with a bit of luck and planning, a traveler can see wild elephants and blue whales in the same day — without needing a helicopter expedition into remote wilderness or scour the coastline for glimpse of a Blue Whale. For those wanting an unforgettable aerial perspective, private...

First Solo Run in Heavy Rain on Bolgoda Lake Today I headed out to the boat alone around 2:00 pm at the dock on Bolgoda Lake. The boat was ready and waiting. I connected the negative battery terminal, lowered the outboard, and the 40HP Yamaha started immediately without hesitation. After a brief idle to warm up, I put on my life jacket, stepped onto the dock, and released the bow and stern lines. The lake was calm at first — almost still — with no wind. A heavy monsoonal pattern was building,...