11 days – Explore Lush Jungles, Find Extraordinary Birds
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s finest birdwatching destinations, boasting more than 450 recorded bird species across a remarkable variety of habitats. From tropical rainforests and wetlands to cloud forests and national parks, the island offers outstanding birding opportunities for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers.
Located at the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka lies along the Central Asian – Indian Flyway, attracting thousands of migratory birds during the northern autumn and winter. Thanks to its compact size, you can travel from golden beaches to misty mountains over 2,000 metres above sea level in just a few hours, making Sri Lanka one of the most rewarding and accessible birdwatching destinations in the world.
Birding Sites Covered
Muthurajawela Bird Sanctuary
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Birds Research Centre – Hambanthota
Kumana National Park
Udawattakelle and Victoria Parks
Willpattu National Park
Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
Locations
Colombo
Deniyaya
Kumana
Nuwara Eliya
Kandy
Chilaw
Itinerary
DAY 01 | ARRIVAL | TRANSFER TO PAMUNUGAMA
Highlights
Arrival at Colombo Airport
Muthurajawela Wet Lands
Arrival & Wetland Discovery: A Gentle Start to Your Journey
Ayubowan! A warm welcome to Sri Lanka
Meet our representative from Lanka4me at the airport
Transfer to your hotel in Pamunugama (approx. 30-minute drive)
Time to relax and unwind after your journey
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari through the Muthurajawela Wetlands
Discover rich birdlife and unique wetland ecosystems
Muthurajawela Marsh is one of Sri Lanka’s most important wetland ecosystems and a superb destination for birdwatching. Located on the southern edge of the Negombo Lagoon, this vast marsh is home to more than 100 bird species, including endemic and migratory birds. Its diverse habitats, including marshes, mangroves, reed beds, grasslands and waterways, support an incredible variety of wildlife, making Muthurajawela a must-visit destination for birdwatchers, photographers and nature enthusiasts.
More than 23 bird species can be spotted here.
Green-billed Coucal
Spotted-winged Thrush
Ceylon Grey Hornbill
Ceylon Spur Fowl
Green Imperial Pigeon
Lesser Yellow-naped Woodpecker
Layard’s & Alexandrine Parakeets
Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
Srilankan Scimitar Babbler
Painted Stork
Ceylon Small Barbet
Ceylon Green Pigeon
Brown–capped Babbler
Black-capped
Ceylon Lorikeet
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker
Dark-fronted Babbler
Ceylon Crested Drongo
Ceylon Jungle Fowl
Emerald Dove
Red-backed & Crimson-backed Woodpeckers
Yellow-browed & Black Bulbuls
Indian three-toed Kingfisher
DAY 02 & 03 | TRANSFER TO DENIYAYA
Highlights
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Into the Wild South: Journey to Sinharaja Rainforest
Departure after breakfast, heading south to your second birding base
Scenic drive (approx. 4 hours) towards the lush Sinharaja Rainforest
Arrival at your eco-lodge near the UNESCO World Heritage rainforest
Enjoy a relaxed nature walk around the lodge and its surroundings
Early morning exploration of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve the next day
Discover one of Sri Lanka’s best locations for endemic bird species
Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Sri Lanka’s last remaining primary tropical rainforest and one of the island’s most important birdwatching destinations. Famed for its exceptional biodiversity, the forest is home to all 21 endemic bird species, along with rare mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies.
Its lush evergreen rainforest provides the perfect habitat for spectacular mixed-species bird flocks, giving birdwatchers an excellent chance to spot many endemic birds in a single walk. A visit to Sinharaja is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and one of the highlights of any birdwatching tour in Sri Lanka.
More than 29 bird species can be spotted here.
Green-billed Coucal
Red-faced Malkoha
Ceylon Blue Magpie
Rufous Babbler
Ceylon Hill Myna
Ceylon Green Pigeon
Ceylon Lorikeet
Ceylon Grey Hornbill
Ceylon Trogon
Hawk Eagles
Ashy Headed Laughing Thrush
White Headed Starling
Yellow-fronted Barbet
Spot-winged Thrush
Scaly Thrush
Serendib Scops Owl
Chestnut Backed owlet
Legge’s Flowerpecker
Black Eagle
Crested Honey Buzzard
Ceylon Jungle Fowl
Ceylon Spurfowl
Crimson Backed woodpecker
Ceylon Crested Drongo
Layard’s Parakeet
Ceylon Bay Owl
Ceylon Frogmouth
Scimitar Babbler
Crested Serpent
and many more
DAY 04 & 05 | TRANSFER TO KUMANA
Highlights
Beach
Full Day Safari in Kumana National Park
From Rainforest to Coast: Kumana Birding Adventure
Morning departure towards the dry lowlands of Kumana National Park
Scenic drive through changing landscapes of Sri Lanka
Arrival and check-in at your accommodation
Relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Kumana / Arugam Bay
Early morning safari in Kumana National Park the following day
Explore this remarkable habitat in search of dry-zone bird species, abundant in the area
Kumana National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s premier birdwatching destinations, renowned for its rich birdlife and unspoilt wetlands. The park’s lagoons, mangroves and marshes provide the perfect habitat for hundreds of resident and migratory bird species. Every year, large numbers of waterbirds gather here to nest, making Kumana one of the best places in Sri Lanka to observe breeding birds. Surrounded by forests, grasslands and coastal lagoons, the park also supports a wide variety of wildlife, offering an unforgettable experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
16 bird species can be spotted here.
Lesser Whistling Teal
Spot-billed Pelican
Openbill, Purple Coot
White-necked & Painted Storks
Greenshank
Common Red shank
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Common Coot
Grey Heron
Pintail, Garganey
Wood, Common & Green Sandpipers
Purple Heron
Black-winged Stilt
Yellow-wattled Lapwing
Jungle Owlet
Black-necked
DAY 06 | NUWARA ELIYA
Highlights
A Day to Relax and Enjoy the Highlands
Into the Highlands: Little England Experience – Nuwara Eliya
After breakfast, journey to the highest region of Sri Lanka
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”
Scenic long drive through tea-covered highlands
Relax upon arrival at your hotel
Leisurely walk through the charming town of Nuwara Eliya
Enjoy a traditional Ceylon tea in the evening
Overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya: Nicknamed as “Little England” it is one of coldest city in the country. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence including red telephone boxes and well-tendered hedgerows. The town’s high altitude affords visitors breath-taking vistas over the valleys, grasslands and mountains. Many tourists come through the town on their way to hike up incredible peaks such as Adam’s Peak. You will also see lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya is also one of the biggest tea plantations areas on the island.
DAY 07 | TRANSFER TO KANDY
Highlights
Victoria Park
Ramboda Waterfalls
Morning Birding & Scenic Journey to Kandy
Early morning walk through Victoria Park
Small but excellent birding spot close to the city
Opportunity to observe a variety of local species
Return to the hotel after the birding session
Departure towards Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka
En route photo stops at scenic viewpoints
Visit tea plantations along the highlands
Stop at the beautiful Ramboda Waterfalls
Victoria Park is one of Sri Lanka’s best places to spot rare hill-country birds. Located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, this peaceful park is home to beautiful montane woodland that attracts many endemic and highland bird species. Its quiet walking trails and mature trees provide excellent birdwatching opportunities, making it a favourite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. A permit is required to enter the park, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk surrounded by the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
More than 8 bird species can be spotted here.
Black Bird
Dusky Blue Flycatcher
Kashmir Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ceylon Warbler
Grey-headed Flycatcher
Grey Tit
Yellow-eared Bul Bul
Ceylon Hill White Eye
and many more
DAY 08 | TRANSFER TO WILPATTU
Highlights
Udawattakele Sanctuary
Forest Birding & Journey North: Udawattakele to Wilpattu
Morning exploration of the Udawattakele Sanctuary
Renowned birding site located just outside Kandy
One of the most popular spots among birders in the region
Walk through a tall, wet evergreen forest habitat
The sanctuary’s lake attracts many fish-eating bird species
Continue your journey towards Wilpattu
Arrival and overnight stay at your hotel in Wilpattu
Udawattakele Sanctuary is a hidden gem for birdwatchers in the heart of Kandy. This protected tropical rainforest is home to a wide variety of resident and endemic bird species, making it one of the city’s best wildlife experiences. Peaceful walking trails wind through towering evergreen trees, while the sanctuary’s tranquil lake attracts kingfishers, herons and many other water-loving birds.
With no vehicles allowed, visitors can enjoy a quiet and immersive birdwatching experience surrounded by the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
More than 6 bird species can be spotted here.
Indian Three-toed Kingfisher
Crimson backed woodpecker
Stork Billed Kingfisher
Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
Yellow fronted Barbet
Green Leaf Warblers
and many more
DAY 09 & 10 | FULL DAY SAFARI
Highlights
Full Day Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
Safari & Wetland Birding: Wilpattu to Anawilundawa
Early start with a packed breakfast
Full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka
Excellent opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species and wildlife
Return to your hotel in Wilpattu for the evening
The following day, travel to Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
Continue birdwatching in this important wetland habitat, rich in birdlife
Wilpattu National Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and one of its most scenic national parks. Famous for its unique natural lakes, known as ‘villus’, the park provides a vital water source for an incredible variety of wildlife throughout the year. Its peaceful forests, open grasslands and wetlands are home to leopards, sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and more than 200 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Wildlife is viewed from safari vehicles, allowing visitors to experience the park’s unspoilt beauty while protecting its natural environment. Every safari in Wilpattu offers a unique opportunity to explore one of Sri Lanka’s last great wildernesses.
More than 22 bird species can be spotted here.
Brown-capped Babbler
Pintail Snipe
Black-tailed Godwit
Ceylon Green Pigeon
Orange-breasted Green Pigeon
Forest Eagle Owl
Golden-backed Woodpecker
Crested Hawk Eagle
White-rumped Shama
Ceylon Jungle Fowl
Great Stone Plover
Orange-breasted Green Pigeon
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Brown Fish Owl
Hoopoe
Crested Serpent Eagle
Ceylon Frog Mouth
Ceylon Grey Hornbill
Little Ringed Plover
Racket-tailed Drongo
Black-backed Yellow Woodpecker
Rufus Woodpecker
Common Kestrel
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
and many more
Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is one of Sri Lanka’s most important wetland birdwatching destinations and a recognised Ramsar Wetland. This peaceful sanctuary is made up of interconnected lakes, marshes and forest, creating the perfect habitat for resident and migratory birds.
Between April and June, thousands of herons, storks, ibises, cormorants and other waterbirds gather here to breed, offering spectacular birdwatching opportunities. Scenic walking trails along the reservoir bunds provide excellent views of the nesting colonies, making Anawilundawa a must-visit destination for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and nature lovers.
More than 18 bird species can be spotted here.
Openbill
Lesser Whistling Teal
Grey Heron
Common, Pied & White-breasted Kingfishers
Black-winged Stilt
Large, Median & Little Egrets
Purple Coot
Purple Heron
Stork-billed
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Cotton Teal
Black-backed Yellow Woodpecker
Brown Fish Owl
Common Moorhen
Gargany
Grey-headed Fish Eagle
Indian Shag
Spoonbill
and many more
DAY 11 | FINAL DAY SAFARI
Today is the last day of your tour. Our guide will transfer you to departure terminal of the airport. Hope to see you again. Have a safe flight !
Included
10 nights accommodation at the resorts, Eco-lodges, guest houses with breakfast and dinner.
Arrival and the departure assistance at the airport and transportation by A/C vehicle on private basis with passenger insurance.
Service of the English-speaking professional guides having good experienced in birdwatching.
A “Photographic Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka” by Gehan De Silva and two more guide books related to butterflies and dragonflies for every client as a complimentary gift.
DAY 02 & 03 | TRANSFER TO DENIYAYA
