Rather unexpectedly for Asia, August is a perfect month to visit Sri Lanka as good weather and warm temperatures should envelop the country and you have your pick of beach resorts - north, east, west and south. The hills remain cool with some showers, but still less rain than most of the year.

The Cultural Triangle is hot and dry and during this time Minneriya National Park should be in the midst of the annual Great Elephant Gathering, which is the largest meeting of Asian elephants. Herds of up to 300 are seen at this time as water is scarce and elephants congregate to enjoy the lush grassland that springs up in the reservoir as its water recedes.