Description

Embark on an expertly curated 10-day bird watching journey across Sri Lanka, exploring some of the island’s most renowned and biodiverse birding sites. From the lush rainforests of Sinharaja to the misty highlands of Horton Plains and the tranquil wetlands of Anawilundawa, this tour offers the chance to witness endemic, migratory, and resident bird species in their natural habitats. Perfect for avid bird watchers and nature lovers, this itinerary can also be tailored to meet your exact requirements.

Day 01 – Arrival / Negombo

• Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your representative at the arrival lounge.

• Transfer to Negombo – approximately a 20-minute drive.

• Relax and unwind by the beach.

• Overnight stay at Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo.

Day 02 – Negombo / Sinharaja Rainforest

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Transfer to Sinharaja Rainforest (Kudawa Entrance) – approximately a 4-hour drive.

• Afternoon bird watching walk in a bordering village of Sinharaja to spot species such as munias, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, flycatchers, mynas, babblers, monarchs, warblers, prinias, drongos, orioles, hornbills, and the endemic Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.

• Overnight stay at Sinharaja Blue Magpie Guest House.

Day 03 – Sinharaja Rainforest

• Early breakfast at the guest house.

• Full-day bird watching inside Sinharaja Rainforest.

• Search for endemic species like the Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Ceylon Spurfowl, Green-billed Coucal, Red-faced Malkoha, and Layard’s Parakeet.

• Overnight stay at Sinharaja Blue Magpie Guest House.

Day 04 – Sinharaja / Nuwara Eliya

• Breakfast at the guest house.

• Morning village bird watching walk along the Sinharaja border.

• Transfer to Nuwara Eliya – approximately a 4-hour drive through scenic hill country.

• Overnight stay at Glenfall Reach Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

Day 05 – Horton Plains National Park / Nuwara Eliya

• Depart at 5:00 AM for Horton Plains National Park (1½-hour drive).

• Early morning bird watching walk to observe species like minivets, thrushes, chats, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, white-eyes, and the Sri Lanka Bush Warbler.

• Picnic breakfast en route.

• Afternoon bird watching in Hakgala Botanical Garden.

• Overnight stay at Glenfall Reach Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

Day 06 – Nuwara Eliya / Habarana

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Morning bird watching in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya – a haven for small forest birds such as flycatchers, thrushes, and wagtails.

• Transfer to Habarana – approximately a 5-hour drive.

• Overnight stay at Sorowwa Resort & Spa, Habarana.

Day 07 – Habarana / Sigiriya

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Morning jungle walk in Habarana to spot eagles, swallows, water birds, and other forest dwellers.

• Afternoon bird watching in Sigiriya Sanctuary, famous for its combination of endemic, migratory, and resident birds.

• Overnight stay at Sorowwa Resort & Spa, Habarana.

Day 08 – Sigiriya / Anawilundawa / Negombo

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Morning birding in Sigiriya Sanctuary.

• Transfer to Anawilundawa Wetlands – approximately a 3–4-hour drive.

• Afternoon bird watching at this UNESCO Ramsar site, home to cormorants, herons, storks, ducks, terns, and kingfishers.

• Overnight stay at Goldi Sands Hotel, Negombo.

Day 09 – Negombo / Departure

• Breakfast at the hotel.

• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure – approximately a 20-minute drive.

From US$ 1,980 per person (double sharing basis)

Tour Includes:

• Accommodation in the mentioned hotels.

• Meals as per itinerary.

• Air-conditioned private transfers with an English-speaking chauffeur guide.

• All mentioned bird watching activities, safaris, and national park entrance fees.