Sri Lanka packs an astonishing concentration of wildlife into a small island, with leopards, elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles all found within its national parks. Open-jeep safaris through Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe and Minneriya offer some of the best big-game viewing in Asia, guided by experienced trackers who know the terrain and animal behaviour intimately. Early–morning and late-afternoon drives make for the best sightings and softest light for photography.