With up 24 wildlife reserves, Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of native species. With no tigers, the leopard is the dominant predator and Yala National Park in the South of the Island is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals.

Elephant prevail and you can spot huge herds in Ude Walawe National Park along with several varieties of deer, the purple faced leaf monkey, a wonderful array of birds and if very lucky sloth bears. Now on offer in Sri Lanka is luxury camping with en suite bathrooms and wonderful candle lit dinners, this is a lovely way to stay in the park witout forgoing any comforts.

For those with a particular affiliation to elephants, dont forget to visit the elephant orphanage. This remains a highlight of many visits, particularly for children, as you can go down to the river with the baby elephants and bathe with them in the waters.