Bird Watching Tour

Discover Sri Lanka's Birding Paradise Sri Lanka has become a go-to destination for bird enthusiasts and ornithologists the world over. With a high level of endemism that even surpasses countries like Costa Rica, it's no wonder why. This birding paradise is home to a diverse range of environments, from wet to dry zones, jungles, hill country, lowlands, and tropical rainforests. Here, visitors can find a breathtaking list of endemic, resident, and migratory birds to observe and appreciate.

Join us on a tour designed to discover as many of our 33 endemics and 465 other recorded bird species as possible. You'll also have the opportunity to catch sight of leopards, sloth bears, and elephants with a personal birding guide to ensure a truly inspiring experience.

Day 01 - Kithulagala

Arriving in Sri Lanka: A Visit to the Quaint Town of Kitulgala Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, you will be transported to Kitulgala, a town that served as a location for David Lean's award-winning film, 'The Bridge on the River Kwai.' Known for its stunning views and a plethora of endemic birds, Kitulgala is a must-see destination.

Depending on your arrival time, you can take your pick between a relaxing stay at your hotel or embark on a brief bird-watching adventure with your personal guide. With luck on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of some of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species, such as the Orange-billed Babbler and Chestnut-backed Owlet, which have been sighted here.

Overnight stay in Kithulagala.

Day 02 - Kithulagala

A Nature-Filled Day: Makandawa Rain Forest Tour in Kitulgala Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a full-day excursion through the wondrous Makandawa rain forest in Kitulgala. This lush forest is home to a diverse range of endemic, migratory and resident birds that are sure to delight any bird lover.

Keep an eye out for rare species such as the Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, Hanging Parrot, Layard's Parakeet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Black-capped Bulbul and the Spotwinged Thrush.

Overnight stay in Kithulgala.

Day 03 - Kithulgala l Sinharaja

A Bird-Watching Adventure in the Makandawa and Sinharaja Rain Forests. Here's a chance to explore the vast array of bird species that inhabit the Makandawa and Sinharaja rain forests in Sri Lanka.

Begin your day with a pre-breakfast stroll through Makandawa rain forest to observe its unique avian species.

Then, head over to Sinharaja rain forest, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This forest is home to the world's largest mixed-species bird flock, with an average of 42 individual species. Since 1981, the Sinharaja forest has been the subject of the world's longest bird flock study. Some of the bird species you may spot include the Red-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling, and Scaly Thrush.

After lunch, check in to your hotel in Sinharaja and gear up for a bird-watching tour in the forest. We've also arranged for a night birding trail, where you can catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka's nocturnal bird species such as the Chestnut-backed Owl and Serendib Scops Owl.

Overnight stay in SInharaja.

Day 04 - Sinharaja

A Full Day of Adventure in Sinharaja Rain Forest Start your day off right with an early breakfast before embarking on a thrilling adventure in the stunning Sinharaja rain forest.

Keep an eye out for new wet lowland forest birds, including endemic species, as you explore the area with packed lunches. Our guide can also assist you in identifying various wildlife, such as butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles, and forest mammals depending on your interests.

And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, take a night-time stroll around the reserve's borders.

Overnight stay in SInharaja.

Day 05 - Udawalawe

Experience the Best of Udawalawe: Safari, Bird Watching and Night Trails Kickstart your day with a refreshing pre-breakfast trail, before heading out to Udawalawe, where you can check-in at the Big Game Tented Camp.

Once there, embark on a safari to explore the 30,821-hectare dry zone game park. You'll have the chance to observe an array of resident bird species, including Grey Hornbills, Brown-capped Babblers, White-bellied Sea Eagles, and Crested Serpent-eagles.

The park is also home to herds of elephants, which you can observe feeding and bathing with their playful calves at watering holes. Keep your eyes peeled for migrant birds such as Purple Kingfishers, Forest Wagtails, Indian Pittas, Whiskered Terns, Osprey Sand Pipers, and Terns. Finally, end your day with a night-time birding trail, organized especially for you after dinner.

Overnight stay in Udawalawe.

Day 06 - Udawalawe l Bundala l Yala

An Adventurous Day in Sri Lanka's National Parks Start your day off right with a pre-breakfast birding trail along the borders of the National Park. Afterward, head over to the Bundala National Park for a special jeep safari. As an internationally important wintering ground for migratory birds, you'll be in for a treat.

Later, enjoy an evening safari at the Yala National Park, complete with a night birding trail. Spend the night at the Big Game Camp in Yala, nestled in the heart of the park. With the world's highest leopard population density, Yala National Park is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise. It's also highly regarded as the best place in the world to photograph and film the Sri Lankan Leopard.

Overnight stay in Yala.

Day 07 - Yala

Embark on a morning safari in the Yala National Park to witness a diverse range of wildlife, including over 215 bird species and impressive mammals such as Asian elephants, sloth bears, and leopards. Keep an eye out for Barbets, Blue-Breasted Quail, and Barred Buttonquail.

After that, we'll take you on a scenic drive through the hills of NuwaraEliya, stopping at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens en route.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya

Day 08 - Hortain Plains l Kandy

A Birdwatching Adventure in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka Rise before dawn and pack your breakfast for an early start at the Horton Plains National Park, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The park is recognized as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and is home to several resident and endemic bird species including the Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, and most notably, the endangered Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Scaly Thrush.

Keep an eye out for the Sambar Deer and the endemic purple-faced Monkey as well.

After a late lunch, we'll proceed to Kandy, the hill capital, where you will spend the night.

Overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 09 - Negombo

Explore Bird Sanctuaries and Cultural Sites on the Way to Negombo

After a morning birding trail, head to Negombo with an exciting opportunity to visit Kandy's cultural sites along the way. If time permits, you can also check out KuruluKele Bird Sanctuary in Kegalle. This protected area spans over 113 hectares and is home to 95 recorded bird species, including 10 endemics like the Spur fowl, Yellow-Fronted Barbet, Ceylon Small Barbet and the Legge's Flowerpecker.

End the day relaxing on Negombo's stunning golden beach.

Overnight stay in Negombo.

Day 10 - Negombo

As the program comes to a close, you have two options. You can either transfer to the Bandaranaike International Airport for your return flight, or extend your stay according to your needs.

Inclusions :

• Accommodation in standard rooms as per the itinerary

• Transport is based on 01 Air-conditioned Luxury private vehicle

• Service of an English-speaking Chauffeur Guide during sightseeing tour

• Entrance and service fees mentioned on the itinerary

• 4 star hotel accomodation and can be upgraded if required at an extra cost

• All current taxes as on date

• Parking and highway tickets

Exclusions :

• Sri Lanka Visa

• Cost of Lunch & Dinner during the tour (if not mentioned in the itinerary)

• Any International Airfare / Airport taxes

• Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.

• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.

• Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit

• Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.

• Bar, telephone and laundry bills

• Tips to guides, restaurants, and hotel lobby. Tipping is expected.

• Any others expenses

Other Conditions :

Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally. Visits to wildlife parks will be at client's own risk.

Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours).