The World’s Best National Parks, Ranked

“Yala National Park tends to really fly under the radar, but it’s one of the world’s most diverse national parks,” says Yogerst. Located on the island’s south coast, it covers over 320,000 acres of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, and lagoons. Originally a hunting ground for the British elite, it was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1900; now it’s home to 44 varieties of mammals and 215 bird species. “It’s primarily known for wildlife, especially leopards and elephants,” says Yogerst. “But the park also has terrific beaches, ancient rock temples that are still active places of worship, and a choice of lodges or camping for overnight stays. There aren’t many places on the planet where you can safari drive in the morning and surf in the afternoon.”

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