Lakes, rivers, reservoirs and wetlands: Sri Lanka has an abundance of water. This flourishing ecosystem supports wildlife from shoals of tiny barb fish in the rivers to roaming elephant herds. The island is also on the migratory path for many birds, as my weighty book on Sri Lanka’s birdlife testifies.

Wherever you are in Sri Lanka, there’s usually a national park to visit close by, but the wildlife isn’t limited to the parks. You’ll see land monitors basking by the side of the roads and egrets flying over hotel grounds. I spotted a rare shikra (small bird of prey) from the car window. You can spot wildlife from the back of a jeep, but also on foot as you wander across hillside plains or hike through jungle.