Gal Oya National Park

Located in Sri Lanka's Eastern provinces, Gal Oya National Park is the only place in the country where you can take a boat safari. You'll embark on Senanayake Samudraya, the largest reservoir in the country.

At its peak, the reservoir has a capacity of 950,000,000 metres squared and is home to myriad lifeforms including freshwater crocodiles - which can be seen mouths agape, basking on the basin's banks - and elephants that swim from island to island looking for fresh vegetation. The park is also enticing for birding enthusiasts, boasting around 150 of Sri Lanka's 430 species of birds.

For those looking for a quieter safari experience, Gal Oya is the one to go for. While the rarity of vehicles in the park means the animals are a little more camera-shy than their neighbours in Yala and Kumana national parks, you really will have the feeling of being on a truly wild safari here.