Sri Lanka Safaris

A safari is Sri Lanka is often overlooked because of its lack of large game viewing opportunities, certainly when compared with more well known countries like Kenya or South Africa.

But despite its small size it's an incredibly diverse island covered in tropical forests and lush tea plantations, but it's the profusion of different habitats and altitudes which means that wildlife enthusiasts can spot a great variety of flora and fauna without having to travel long distances.

The country is renowned for its healthy population of Indian elephants which can be found roaming freely in the majority of the island's national parks and reserves. In fact if you go on safari in Sri Lanka in August you can witness The Gathering, a remarkable migration of elephant herds to a lake in Minneriya National Park.

Along with this spectacular natural show, Sri Lankan safari is arguably the best place in Asia to see leopard, with the Yala National Park in the southeast having the highest concentration of leopards of any wildlife park in Asia.

The island's coastal waters also offer great opportunities for whale and dolphin spotting at certain times of year, while there are several turtle sanctuaries along the west and south coasts, which are well worth a visit.