Bundala, in the far south of Sri Lanka, is one of Asia’s birding hot spots. September til March is the best time to visit, when scores of migratory birds flock in to breed on the park’s chain of brackish coastal lagoons, or ‘lewaya’. The landscape is not quite as pretty here as at nearby Yala, but it’s correspondingly quieter, which our clients tend to consider a good trade off.

Iconic photo opportunities in Bundala include grazing pink flamingos (this is their last stronghold on the island) and wild peacocks perched in rosewood trees. You also stand a good chance of sighting elephant, crocodile and spoonbills (pictured).