Udawalawe National Park, located in southern Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s best places to see wild elephants in their natural environment. Established in 1972, the park protects an important watershed area around the Udawalawe Reservoir and provides a sanctuary for hundreds of elephants, which can often be seen roaming in herds across the open grasslands.
Santa Margarita is a small community in San Luis Obispo County, set among rolling hills and oak-covered countryside near the southern edge of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Located along the historic El Camino Real corridor, it has a rural character shaped by ranching, agriculture, and its position between the Salinas Valley and the Central Coast. The town sits near Santa Margarita Lake and is surrounded by open grasslands, vineyards, and wooded hills.
Central Oregon. Nestled along the Deschutes River, Bend is renowned for its outdoor activities and vibrant culture. The city is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, and skiing. The nearby Mount Bachelor, a popular ski resort, transforms into a winter wonderland with over 4,000 acres of skiable terrain. In the warmer months, it serves as a hub for mountain biking and hiking, with trails that cater to all skill levels.
Uvita is a small coastal community in southern Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, located along the Pacific coast on the Osa Peninsula region. The town is surrounded by tropical forest, rivers, mangroves, farms, and beaches, with the forested mountains of the coastal range rising inland.
Agios Nikolaos is a seaside town in eastern Crete, Greece, set around Mirabello Bay and known for its unusual waterfront setting around Lake Voulismeni. The small lagoon lies at the center of the town, surrounded by cafés, tavernas, shops, and narrow streets that rise toward the surrounding hills. The harbor and marina extend the town toward the sea, while beaches and coves are found along the nearby coast.