Nestled along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is a jewel of biodiversity and natural beauty that enchants every traveler who steps into its lush embrace. Renowned for its pristine beaches, dense rainforests, and remarkable wildlife, the park offers a unique combination of adventure and relaxation. Hike along the park's well-maintained trails, like the Punta Catedral trail, which winds through the jungle and offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Dambulla, situated in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is best known for its rock temple complex that has been in use for over two thousand years. The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is made up of five caves carved into a granite outcrop, filled with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate wall paintings. These caves were first used by King Valagamba in the 1st century BCE as a refuge during exile, and later transformed into a sacred site.
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.