Being off the typical tourist trail, the dirt roads winding through Wilpattu National Park are significantly less crowded than other conservation areas. The russet-red soil known to this part of the northeast coast paints the landscape in a coppery haze, and creates a stunning contrast to the natural lakes dotted throughout. Here, you might spot elephants bathing, water buffalo sheltering from the afternoon sun, or crocodiles lurking in the shallows.

While there are leopards in Wilpattu, sightings are a stroke of luck, not a guarantee. There is an abundance of deer, monitor lizards, peacocks, rabbits, and of course Sri Lankan junglefowl – the striking national bird. Some even catch a glimpse of native sloth bears. In this corner of the country, it’s less about checklist safaris, and more about getting a closer look – there’s an abundance of wildlife thriving in the island’s quieter jungles.