Meera Mosque in Galle Fort.[Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]

For example, it's much cheaper to do a wild safari in Sri Lanka than in Africa.

For most travelers, their first stop in Sri Lanka is Negombo, home to Bandaranaike International Airport.

At Negombo's fish markets, fishermen unload their catch and vendors hawk seafood.

Also, fish are arranged in an orderly manner on straw mats along the beach to be dried.

For those who love elephants, a visit to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a must. The orphanage, established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department, is home to injured and maimed elephants and abandoned baby elephants.

It is noon when we get there. And a herd of elephants are crossing a road after taking a shower in the lake, while a policeman directs traffic.