Yala National Park, stretching across Sri Lanka's southern coast, is a wildlife paradise, home to everything from elephants to leopards. With only two of its five areas accessible to the public, it's one of the best places in the world to see leopards, despite their elusive nature and the park's size.

Located a 5-hour drive southeast from Colombo, hotels around Yala offer guided tours for around $65. Although pricier than other parks, the prospect of spotting a leopard is worth it.

You can enter the park at 6 AM or 2 PM with tours lasting about 4 hours.

Yala's rich flora and fauna make it a must-see at any time of year, but peak season from December to April is ideal. However, during the peak leopard season of February and March, keep in mind that sightings can't be guaranteed, but elephant herds are a common sight.