Sri Lanka is very fortunate to be gifted by nature of a wealth of animal life and luxuriant vegetation. Today in this small island of 65,610 sq km, approximately 14% is dedicated to sanctuaries and nature reserves.

Much of the fauna is of Indian origin, due to the fact that millions of years ago the 2 countries were bridged by a strip of land, remnants which are still visible. However, the period of separation has been sufficient for distinctive indigenous fauna to evolve and 19% are new species, totally endemic to Sri Lanka. You will come back to them, searching, again & again -- and in time will grow within you an intimacy, a love for the jungle which offers sanctuary to fast dwindling and very precious wildlife.

Of the 86 species of mammals, pride of place goes to the majestic Elephant - the second largest terrestrial animal surviving today. While Sri Lanka does not have Lions & Tigers, 4 species of Cats including the Leopard are seen regularly in the wildlife parks. Other exotic species commonly seen are the Sloth Bear and many varieties of Deer, Monkeys including the endemic Macaque, Purple Faced Leaf Monkey and Shaggy Bear Monkey. More common species are Wild Boar, Jackals, Mongoose, Porcupines, Giant Squirrels, many species of Rats and Shrews and the aggressive and dangerous Wild Buffalo.

Most lakes and estuaries in the national parks attract many Crocodiles belonging to 2 species endemic to Sri Lanka. 5 species of turtles frequent the shores all over the island to lay eggs.

Legend has it that the world's first wildlife sanctuary was created in Sri Lanka by a Sri Lankan King in the 3rd century BC. It is recorded in the ancient Buddhist scriptures - "The King decreed that all human beings should follow the hallowed Buddhist precept of not harming any form of life".

Yala West
Yala West is one of the few Sri Lankan national parks still open to travelers. It covers almost 1000 sq km of scrub, lagoons and rocky outcrops in the country's south-east and is a particularly good place to see wild elephants. There are also leopards, bears, deer, crocodiles, wild boar, monkeys, buffalo and wild peacocks. It's best to hire a jeep and driver in Tissamaharama and be in place near a waterhole at dawn or dusk.

Yala West is closed in September and usually part of August and October too. But when it's open the best way to get there is to catch a bus to the coastal town of Tissamaharama, 241km (149mi) from Colombo, and then hire a jeep and a driver. If you have your own four wheel drive you can just drive up to the front gate and pay the entrance, insurance and tracker fees.

Trekking
Whenever you find yourself succumbing to a sense of boredom; whenever you're blue and things look glum- what do you do?

If your answer to that question was an unambiguous "Go trekking!", then this section's for you. Dedicated to the inimitable task of hauling on heavy-duty shoes and heavier backpacks, of striking out into the great wild outdoors- of going trekking. Hiking, walking the wilds, call it what you will, trekking is the best way to see the world. If you really want to get a feel of the earth; if you really want to walk through the forests and feel the breeze on your face; trudge through unspoilt territory and explore for yourself- go trekking.

And if you're a tourist or have come visiting- then three cheers for ou! Because this fabulous country offers some of the most awesome trekking opportunities anywhere. All across, from north to south and from east to west, are a series of breathtaking trekking trails, ranging from even-kiddies-can-manage to the hardcore professional. Head for the mountains - for arid but gorgeously beautiful scenery. If you're looking for adventure; you could make tracks through the several valleys, discovering cascading waterfalls and the countryside for easier treks which take you through stunning landscapes and quaint villages where time stands still.

Go hiking through North western Province to the clearest of lakes and the holiest of Buddhist shrines; or trek further south, where lie rolling hills, craggy peaks and cool valleys, just waiting to be explored. Try your hand (and foot) in the tea estate countryside or go up country to Horton Plains where the dreamy blue-misted hills make for great treks through spice and tea plantations, dense forests and tribal villages. Strike base at Kataragama and you can plan some great treks in the area.

That isn't all, of course: there are plenty of other treks to try and to enjoy, the hills around Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela; the Valley of the famous Ella gap, and so much more.

There's actually no end to the paths you can find, the trails you can follow- or blaze.

For trekking, try walking across the strange silent plateau of Horton Plains near Nuwara Eliya to see the 700m (2296ft) drop at World's End.

Off the Beaten Track

Reaching the base of Adam's Peak is simple and if you're making a night ascent, you've got all day to arrive. Buses run to Dalhousie from Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo during the pilgrimage season. Otherwise you need to get first to Hatton or Maskeliya. If you're really running late, taxis will take you to Hatton or Dalhousie. You'll need to cover 220km (136mi) to get there from Colombo.

Nuwara Eliya
Once the favourite hill station of the British, Nuwara Eliya, still retains the vestiges of Empire: a blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture, gabled roofs, immaculate lawns with rose bushes and moss-covered gravestones. Soak up the quaint atmosphere by visiting the Hill Club - by jove, there's a golf course, tennis courts, even copies of Country Life here - or visit the Botanical Gardens at Hakgala and tea plantations in the surrounding hills.

Buses going to Nuwara Eliya leave Colombo almost hourly, and from Kandy with regular frequency. You can catch a train, although you'll need to get off at Nanu Oya and catch a connecting bus, or taxi, to Nuwara Eliya itself as it does not have a train station of its own.