11 days – Tropical Birding

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

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.

• Preparing the Trip Report before the departure.

• Free water bottles, Wi-Fi (Sim Card).

• All government taxes are included for above all

Exclusions

• Air fares and visa charges.

• Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified).

• Meals which are not mentioned in the itinerary

• Any expenses on private basis

• Travel insurance