Overview
Explore one of Asia’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations on this immersive 14-day journey dedicated to Sri Lanka’s extraordinary endemic birdlife. Home to over 30 endemic bird species and recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
From misty cloud forests and tropical rainforests to wetlands, dry-zone forests, and montane habitats, this carefully designed expedition covers the island’s richest birding ecosystems while balancing comfort, scenic travel, and authentic nature experiences. Led through some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic national parks and protected reserves, the journey offers opportunities to encounter rare endemics, migratory species, and incredible biodiversity throughout the island.
Tour Highlights
- Safari at Wilpattu National Park
- Sigiriya’s forest ecosystems
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
- Birdwatching at Udawattakele Forest Reserve
- Trek Horton Plains National Park
- Scenic train journey to Ella
- Safari at Yala National Park
- Rainforest birdwatching at Sinharaja
- Explore Kitulgala riverine forest habitats
Detail Itinerary
- Meet and welcome upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Transfer to the coastal town of Negombo.
- Relaxed evening birding around lagoon habitats and coastal wetlands.
- Spot waterbirds, kingfishers and migratory species around Negombo Lagoon.
- Overnight stay near the coast before beginning the expedition.
- Journey towards Wilpattu National Park.
- Afternoon safari through dry-zone forest habitats and natural lakes.
- Excellent opportunities to spot endemic forest birds and raptors.
- Search for Sri Lanka Junglefowl, hornbills and woodland species.
- Sunset wildlife photography opportunities amidst wilderness landscapes.
- Early morning birdwatching safari through Wilpattu’s remote habitats.
- Explore forest edges, lakes and scrubland ecosystems.
- Spot endemic species alongside mammals including elephants and deer.
- Ideal opportunities for photography and field observation.
- Evening bird calls and nocturnal wildlife experiences around camp.
- Scenic drive towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
- Explore dry-zone bird habitats surrounding Sigiriya’s forest ecosystems.
- Optional sunset birdwatching walk near village tanks and wetlands.
- Spot bee-eaters, barbets and endemic woodland birds.
- Relaxed eco-lodge stay surrounded by tropical nature.
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple en route.
- Continue towards Kandy through scenic hill country landscapes.
- Afternoon birdwatching at Udawattakele Forest Reserve.
- Search for endemic forest species within this historic sanctuary.
- Relaxed evening beside Kandy Lake.
- Journey into Sri Lanka’s cool-climate cloud forest regions.
- Scenic tea plantation landscapes and mountain bird habitats throughout the route.
- Birdwatching stops along forest patches and waterfalls.
- Search for highland endemic species around the Nuwara Eliya region.
- Relaxed evening amidst misty mountain scenery.
- Early morning excursion to Horton Plains National Park.
- Search for montane endemic species including Yellow-eared Bulbul and Sri Lanka White-eye.
- Explore cloud forests, grasslands and scenic highland habitats.
- Visit Baker’s Falls and World’s End viewpoints.
- Return to Nuwara Eliya for a peaceful evening.
- Scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country landscapes.
- Birdwatching opportunities along forests, valleys and mountain slopes.
- Arrive in Ella.
- Explore surrounding forest patches and waterfalls.
- Relax amidst Ella’s peaceful mountain atmosphere.
- Journey towards Sri Lanka’s southern wilderness landscapes.
- Afternoon safari at Yala National Park.
- Spot dry-zone birdlife including raptors, peafowl and wetland species.
- Opportunities for wildlife and bird photography.
- Evening relaxation amidst wilderness surroundings.
- Travel towards the biodiversity hotspot of Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
- Afternoon rainforest birdwatching walk with local naturalists.
- Search for mixed-species feeding flocks and rare endemic rainforest birds.
- Listen to the rainforest’s rich natural soundscape.
- Overnight stay surrounded by tropical rainforest wilderness.
- Full day dedicated to endemic rainforest bird species.
- Search for Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha and Green-billed Coucal.
- Explore deep rainforest trails and forest canopies.
- Excellent opportunities for serious bird photography and observation.
- Evening relaxation amidst pristine rainforest surroundings.
- Scenic drive towards the rainforest region of Kitulgala.
- Explore riverine forest habitats and secondary rainforest ecosystems.
- Birdwatching walks through lowland wet-zone forests.
- Spot endemic parrots, bulbuls and forest species.
- Relax beside rainforest river landscapes.
- Morning birdwatching around Kitulgala forest habitats.
- Travel towards Colombo.
- Evening free time to relax before departure.
- Optional wetland birding stops depending on flight schedule.
- Farewell dinner celebrating Sri Lanka’s endemic birdlife.
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport.
- Assistance with airport formalities and departure arrangements.
- Departure with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds and wilderness landscapes.
Tour Price Includes
- Meet and assistance at the Colombo International Airport.
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
- All fuel, insurance and license fees of the vehicle.
- Replacement of vehicle in case of breakdown or emergency.
- Accommodation on double/twin room sharing basis.
- Meals on Bed & Breakfast basis at the hotels reserved.
- All Entrance fees and tickets as per the itinerary.
Tour Price Excludes
- Air ticket expenses from your country to Sri Lanka and return journey.
- Extra items consumed / facilities utilized in Hotels.
- Tips to service men and drivers.
- Expenses of personal nature such as liquor, cigarettes etc.
- Camera Charges and video recording charges payable at the sites.
