Jungle hugs the Indian Ocean coastline in Sri Lanka’s southeast. Leopards roam these trees, along with elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals and spotted dear. 

February to July is the dry season here, a time when animals congregate around what remains of fresh water pools. You can safari and spot 44 mammals and 215 different birds, but the highlight is always searching for leopards. 

Slowly, silently, the spotted cat moves through the trees. Even just a single glance is a magnificent sight. This Sri Lanka leopard (panthera pardus kotiya) is critically endangered. It’s smaller than both its African and Indian cousins. 

Yala National Park is the best place to see them and thanks to great conservation a sighting is near guaranteed.