A remote, near-treeless outpost in the Palk Strait known for its herds of wild ponies, a centuries old hollow baobab tree and the ruins of a coral stone Dutch fort. Reached by a 45 to 60 minute ferry crossing, best December to April when seas are calmest.

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and, alongside Sinharaja, one of only two significant tracts of primary lowland rainforest left in Sri Lanka, far quieter than its more famous neighbour. A guided night trek here reveals tree frogs and endemic flying squirrels by torchlight.

Shallow coral gardens off Nilaveli Beach near Trincomalee, in 1 to 4 metres of water among reef fish, resident turtles and, on a good day, blacktip reef sharks. Accessible enough for confident beginner snorkellers, season May to October.

Reliable wild elephant sightings in open grassland throughout the day, making it the more consistent choice for travellers who want certainty over probability. Considerably quieter than Yala, with the Elephant Transit Home nearby for those who want a second wildlife chapter.

The park most travellers picture when they think of a Sri Lanka safari, holding the highest recorded density of wild leopards per square kilometre anywhere on earth, alongside elephants, sloth bears and rich coastal lagoon birdlife. February to June is driest and generally most productive.