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Stories, journeys, and field recordings from around the world.

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Category: Daily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 134

Posted onJune 25, 2021June 26, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Ella, Sri Lanka I finally arrived in Ella, tucked away up hills in the middle of the country. It is a bowl of fresh air and a big relief from the heat of Arugam bay. The landscape is beautiful and Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 133

Posted onJune 24, 2021June 26, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka Today is my last day in Arugam Bay, I am leaving for Ella tomorrow. I’m happy I could do the recordings of bats I needed to do. I feel relieved. Now I have much work to Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 132

Posted onJune 23, 2021June 23, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, The two last days I went exploring the area and did some recordings. Monday I did a lot of bicycle pedaling and went into the Southern area near lagoons in the countryside (Naula Wewa and Radella Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 131

Posted onJune 19, 2021June 19, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, Days are alike lately and for good reasons. I’m engaged in a routine, with gym in the morning, then work at the co-work until sunset or sometimes later, then sleep; and in-between I am trying to Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 130

Posted onJune 16, 2021June 16, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, Another day inside the tropical furnace. Here there is never rain at this season. It’s hot, or very hot; however, the sea breeze brings some freshness. I get some difficulties finding my beat as the heat Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 129

Posted onJune 15, 2021June 15, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, Few days have passed, I am still in this small tourist town on the East coast. I feel blessed to be here, finally. It is probably the best place in Sri Lanka right now. While all Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 128

Posted onJune 13, 2021June 13, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, Today it has been 3 days since I arrived in Arugam Bay on the East coast of Sri Lanka. I forgot to write my journal entries, but here I come back to it. I moved from Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 127

Posted onJune 10, 2021June 10, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Again few days passed by, and still the same lockdown. It is sad to be obliged to stay home in these beautiful surroundings. But it might change today. In fact, I decided to move to another Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 126

Posted onJune 7, 2021June 7, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Yesterday I had some good luck, and some bad luck at the same time. While still in full lockdown all around the country here. My driver, the one that drove me around the South coast before Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 125

Posted onJune 5, 2021June 5, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Another 2 days have passed in a blink of an eye. I finally activated the new website for Articulated, it is online: https://articulatedsounds.com/ . There are still work to do since I have few bugs here Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 124

Posted onJune 3, 2021June 3, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, A new day in lockdown… I start to feel accustomed to this life. Yesterday they announced that they will extend until June 14. I am not sure if they will extend more, my initial bet was Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 123

Posted onJune 2, 2021June 2, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, It seems I am writing my journal entry every 2 or 3 days these past weeks. Since I am still in lockdown, I don’t have much to talk about. I booked a place to stay in Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 122

Posted onMay 31, 2021May 31, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Lockdown life continues here, I took this opportunity to clean up my plans and wish lists. It is funny to see that all my mid-term plans in the past year have been changed or canceled. Nothing Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 121

Posted onMay 29, 2021May 29, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Lockdown continues here. I am still at the same place. I am glad to have access to the sea, the scenery is beautiful. I am used to lockdowns now, after more than a year of repeated Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 120

Posted onMay 27, 2021May 27, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, ok so here in the entry, I am writing 3 days in 1. In fact, nothing really new happened lately. We are still in lockdown, the travel restriction has been extended until June 7. The days Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 119

Posted onMay 23, 2021May 23, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, So again not much new there, as it is now a full lockdown in Sri Lanka. Today 2nd day of this new lockdown series. I might last in time… I started again to work on a Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 118

Posted onMay 22, 2021May 22, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, In this journal entry, I am writing for 2 days in 1, as there has not been much happening lately. I prepared myself for the 3-day lockdown. It is actually a series of lockdowns 3 days Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 117

Posted onMay 20, 2021May 20, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Yesterday I managed to move to the new place. I really like this space. I feel great here with a positive mindset. The government announced more complete lockdowns coming this weekend, and then next week. I Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 116

Posted onMay 18, 2021May 18, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Today I arrived at a  new place to stay, not far from the previous one. It will be better, for the same price. There are 4 different rooms, I have the family suite even though I Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 115

Posted onMay 18, 2021May 18, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Yesterday was the last day of total lockdown. It is good today to find some kind of freedom, even though it is really not like a normal situation. This morning I found a new place where I Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 114

Posted onMay 16, 2021May 16, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Another day in lockdown, nothing really new. I was able to find a restaurant that delivers even though I think it is not legal since the government asked all shops to close, but anyway here is a Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 113

Posted onMay 15, 2021May 15, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dikwella, Sri Lanka, Yesterday started the long weekend lockdown, 3 entire days with no travel allowed, no shop, no food, no grocery. It is a very strict lockdown. Hopefully, I have the ocean in front of me so it does Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 112

Posted onMay 14, 2021May 14, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dickwella, Sri Lanka, Yesterday I prepared myself for lockdown as they forbid anybody to go out, and all shops closed for 3 entire days, so no food available at these times. And so today is the first day of lockdown, Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 111

Posted onMay 13, 2021May 13, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dickwella, Sri Lanka, So yesterday government eventually announced measures for travel restriction. Nothing surprising. But so many rules were given at the same time, and it is hard to understand quite frankly what is allowed or not. From what I Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 110

Posted onMay 12, 2021May 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dickwella, Sri Lanka, So here I arrived Dickwella Yesterday, I am sicker than the day before, and my nose can’t stop running. I checked again and this is not a Covid symptom! phew. I took some rest in the hotel Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 109

Posted onMay 11, 2021May 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Tissa, Sri Lanka, Yesterday, I stayed put in Tissa as I felt a little sick, and furthermore, I couldn’t know what would be my next step. and after changing plans 10 times, depending on news that was arriving, I finally Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 108

Posted onMay 11, 2021May 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka, Yesterday In the morning I recorded more around the place in Tangalle countryside, then I moved from Tangalle to Tissa, still with the same driver who is coming from Mirissa just for that. I have to say Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 107

Posted onMay 10, 2021May 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Tangalle, Sri Lanka, Yesterday I explored around the great place I stay. The balcony view here is incredible. I recorded morning dawn, as there are wonderful birds around here. I also explored the old city of Tangalle. But again like Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 106

Posted onMay 9, 2021May 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Tangalle, Sri Lanka, Yesterday my Tuktuk driver did a great job. He brought me to a new place more East, near Tangalle, and near the Rekawa Lagoon. The place I booked did cancel my stay at the last minute so Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 105

Posted onMay 8, 2021May 12, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Mirissa, Sri lanka Yesterday I randomly found a wonderful tuk-tuk driver. I was able to go to the snake farm and record some of the snakes. Even though we waited more than 1 hour as everything’s shut off, the owner Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 104

Posted onMay 6, 2021May 6, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Mirissa, Sri Lanka, In light of the Covid situation here, I decided to speed up my stay in Sri Lanka, and leave the country faster than I had wished. It is sad but I don’t see a better plan. Indeed Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 103

Posted onMay 4, 2021May 4, 2021AuthorStephane Fufa2 Comments

Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, In this entry, I am gonna tell about the 2 last days, since I did not write an entry Yesterday. So I am doing my little life here in Galle Fort, after getting free of the Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 102

Posted onMay 2, 2021May 2, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Gale Fort, Sri Lanka, Yesterday, I finished my quarantine and moved to my new place in Galle Fort. It is a very nice Airbnb, with a sky-roof terrace that has a kitchen and bar. Very great to stay there as Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 101

Posted onMay 1, 2021May 1, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, Today is my first day outside the quarantine area. I moved out and arrived at my new place in Galle Fort, it is a very pretty and interesting place. Yesterday and Today I had a class Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 100

Posted onMay 1, 2021May 1, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka, Today is the last day of my quarantine, finally. I got the result of my PCR test this morning (negative), so I am free to go outside. I still have one night here though. Tomorrow I will Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 99

Posted onApril 29, 2021April 29, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka, Yesterday was not very productive. I was not very focused, mostly low energy throughout the day. Then I did not sleep well at night. Maybe because of the full moon, I don’t see much explanation. It remains Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 98

Posted onApril 28, 2021April 28, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka, Since my quarantine began, I keep writing my location as Dodanduwa but it is more nuanced as this residence sits between 2 villages Hikkaduwa and Dodanduwa, So I could have said Hikkaduwa instead. Yesterday I planned better Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

Journal Entry: Day 97

Posted onApril 27, 2021April 27, 2021AuthorStephane FufaLeave a comment

Dodanduwa, Sri Lanka, Today is day 9 of my quarantine here in Earthlinks house retreat. I think it has been a long time since I haven’t been exposed to that much humidity and heat for a long period. I believe Read More …

CategoriesDaily Journal

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About This Blog


I’m Stéphane Fufa Dufour, a nomadic field recordist exploring the world through sound. SoundXplorer is my journal of the places I travel, the moments I record, and the stories behind each sonic discovery.
on Soundcloud | on Facebook | on Instagram| on Youtube

Latest Blog Posts

  • Listening as a Tool to Realign Our Existence April 23, 2026
  • The Invisible Rig: Disappearing Into the Soundscape April 7, 2026
  • Journal Entry 286 February 12, 2026
  • Journal Entry 285 February 3, 2026
  • The Hidden Life of Curious Mechanisms November 26, 2025
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Latest Video

Settle into the stillness of a Himalayan dawn high in the Kaudia Range of Uttarakhand, India. This immersive one-hour ambience captures the mountains waking at 2300 metres altitude, where bird calls carry across forested valleys, distant insect swarms hum softly through the landscape, and the silence of the hills is only occasionally interrupted by a faraway village dog.

Recorded from a hillside overlooking deep valleys, the natural acoustics create an extraordinary sense of depth and space as sounds travel between the mountain slopes.

[The Concept & Disclaimer]
This recording is part of my ongoing exploration of natural sound environments around the world. Unlike constructed or looped ambiences, this is a real, uninterrupted moment captured in the field. The environment was already remarkably quiet, requiring very little cleanup and preserving the realism of the location.

Personal note: I recorded this during a three-day escape into the mountains while attending a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, a brief period of quiet immersion and personal re-centering. Two years later, I’m happy to finally share it exactly as it was.

[The Audio Experience]
🎧 Headphones or surround system recommended!

This version is presented in 5.1 surround sound, offering a spacious and immersive listening experience. Distinct bird calls emerge through the morning atmosphere while layers of insects build and fade in the distance. Occasionally, a single insect passes close to the microphones, and faint sounds from the valley below subtly remind you that this is a real, living environment.

This is not a dramatic dawn chorus, but rather a slowly evolving and naturally repetitive mountain ambience with a meditative rhythm. The mix preserves the original depth, direction, and spatial perspective of the ORTF 3D recording as faithfully as possible within a surround format.

Surround playback is supported on compatible systems; otherwise, YouTube will automatically downmix the audio to stereo.

[Version Note]
This upload focuses purely on the immersive audio experience. More surround field recordings and natural ambiences can be found on the channel.

[Explore More]
🌐 Blog & behind-the-scenes: soundxplorer.com
🎧 Individual sounds & previews: SoundCloud
🔊 Professional sound effects library: Articulated Sounds
🔗 https://linktr.ee/soundXplorer

If you enjoy authentic environmental recordings, consider subscribing and following the journey as I continue documenting unique soundscapes around the world.

[Recording Notes] 🎙️
Location: Kaudia Range, Uttarakhand, India (~2300 m altitude)
Recorded: Dawn, May 2024
Microphones: Schoeps ORTF 3D array
Technique: Multichannel ORTF 3D adapted to 5.1 surround
Recorder: Zoom F8n Pro
Post-processing: Minimal cleanup only, preserving the natural dynamics and realism of the environment

#Himalaya #KaudiaRange #Uttarakhand #India #NatureSounds #FieldRecording #Ambience #SurroundSound #51Surround #Meditation #Birdsong #NatureAmbience #ImmersiveAudio #asmr
Himalayan Dawn Ambience | Kaudia Range, Uttarakhand, India | Birds & Valley Resonance (5.1 Surround)
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Get the Sounds

For sound designers & creators
High-quality, royalty-free sound effects
96kHz / 192kHz with full metadata
Available via Articulated Sounds

For personal listening
Immersive albums on Bandcamp
Not licensed for commercial use

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