The history of the Southeast Asian island of Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) dates back 3,000 years. Among the many reasons to visit today is the country’s vibrant nature. Lush geography includes 40 lagoons and 45 estuaries, rain forests, mangrove cover, national parks and coastal regions where blue whales migrate. Local wildlife includes crocodiles, monkeys, leopards, painted storks and Malabar pied hornbills.

Aggressor Safari Lodges, positioned on the Kala Oya River — one of the country’s longest — takes nature and the environment seriously, and loves sharing this world with visitors with eco-conscious experiences. Options include guided, open-air Jeep tours through nearby Wilpattu National Park to observe the planet’s largest herds of Asian elephants, and visits to Buddhist stupas and other cultural sites.

“Sri Lanka is an amazing, undiscovered destination for animal lovers and adventure seekers,” said Donna Lattin, owner, South Pacific Island Travel. “One day, we were staring at these amazing elephant herds and the next day we were walking to the top of Sigiriya Rock, a fortress built in the fifth century.”

The 5-star property itself is home to numerous exotic bird species protected by the company. Air-conditioned guest lodging in private tented chalets comes with chef-prepared meals and personalized service. It’s located close to two national park World Heritage sites, and is nearby Smithsonian Primate Research Centre’s Monkey Kingdom.