If you tell someone you’re going on a safari in Sri Lanka, they will assume you’re headed for Yala National Park. This vast conservation area of scrub, forest and grassy plains is tucked into the southeast corner of the island, and easy to slot into your itinerary. Here, you can encounter monkeys, elephants, crocodiles and water buffalo, but most come to catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard.

Sri Lanka’s leopard population is estimated at around 800-1,000 individuals in the wild, and they only inhabit certain parks, like Yala, Kumana and Wilpattu, so sightings are rare. In Yala, there’s a higher population density, especially in Block 1, so your chances of spotting one is – although not a promise – much higher. Unfortunately, you’ll most likely be competing with rows of other jeeps to sneak a peek. So, while it’s not the most peaceful or off-piste safari experience, it could be the best park to check Sri Lankan leopards off your list.