Yala National Park, on Sri Lanka's southeastern coast, is one of the best places in the world to see a leopard in the wild. The park is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species.
Best time to visit: February to July, when animals are concentrated around waterholes and the park is dry and accessible.
Safari types: Half-day (afternoon) or full-day safaris. Private jeeps with expert trackers are essential for serious wildlife photography.
Where to stay: Wild Coast Tented Lodge (inside the park), Cinnamon Wild, and the Chena Huts by Uga Escapes.
Combining: Yala pairs naturally with the southern beaches (Mirissa, Tangalle, Arugam Bay) and the hill country (Ella).
