Sri Lanka is often overshadowed by Africa and India for safaris, but it offers some of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Asia — and with virtually no crowds.
The four main parks:
Yala National Park — The world's highest density of leopards. Best February to July. Combine with the southern beaches.
Udawalawe National Park — Home to around 600 Asian elephants. Open year-round. Excellent for guaranteed elephant sightings.
Wilpattu National Park — Sri Lanka's largest and least crowded. Famous for leopards and sloth bears.
Minneriya National Park — Home to 'The Gathering', when hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya reservoir (August to October).
Safari style: Private 4x4 jeeps with a tracker and a driver-guide are the gold standard. Most parks offer half-day (4-hour) and full-day safaris. The best light for photography is the first and last two hours of the day.
Accommodation: Options range from luxury tented camps (Wild Coast Tented Lodge) to mid-range lodges and rustic camping.
