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 Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see these magnificent animals.

There are also elephants, several varieties of deer, sloth bears and the purple faced leaf monkey together with a wonderful array of birds.

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.