After Yala, Uda Walawe is a firm favorite for tourists visiting Sri Lanka’s national parks. The parks large elephant herd is what usually draws the crowd, but the scenery in the park itself is also very striking, Jeep safaris with expert guides are on offer to help you explore the park The best time to visit is the early morning when the heat is still manageable, and the herds of elephants are usually on the move

Best time to visit: May-September

Landscape: Plains, mountainous areas wetlands, forests, grasslands a reservoir, the Walawe River and its tributaries, and marshes spanning 119 sq miles.

Wildlife: There are many elephants drawn here by the reservoir. There is also a diverse range of other mammals including everything from the golden jackal, to the sloth bear and the leopard.