Sri Lanka bird watching tours

country:	Sri Lanka
departures:	This trip can be tailor made to suit your budget, interests and requirements
price:	From £645 (16 days) excluding flights

Sri Lanka tours

Bird watching tours

the amazing things you'll be doing

Sri Lanka’s tropical wilderness is a biological treasure trove providing habitats for numerous species of endemic fauna and flora.

The island attracts more than 400 species of birds, nearly half of them migrants and 33 endemic to Sri Lanka. The best time to visit is between November and March when the migrants have landed, but there is plenty to satisfy you all year round.

This adventurous journey covers some of the island’s most fascinating locations including coastal wetlands, rainforests and the soaring peaks of the hill country.

Highlights include:

Mixed species bird flocks’ of the Sinharaja rainforest and Himalayan migrants of Nuwara Eliya’s Victoria Park

Dry zone birds of Uda Walawe and Tissa’s lotus-filled lakes with numerous water birds

Bundala’s Ramsar Wetlands & Flamingos that frequent the salt pans, & Saline wetlands of the North West

The last surviving Montane forests of Horton Plains & Ancient Sigiriya rock fortress & surrounding sanctuary

Big game in Yala

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1-2:	Transfer to Villa Talangama set on a quiet lakeside in the suburbs of Colombo. The villa setting is best described as a 'village in the city' surrounded by paddy fields and the Talangama wetlands – of the best places near Colombo to see some fascinating water birds and waders.
Day 3-4:	Head south to the foothills of the central highlands where you will spend two nights at Martin’s Bungalow located close to the Sinharaja tropical rainforest. Sinharaja, covering an area of about 11,000 hectares of rainforest, is a UNESCO-protected forest reserve that provides diverse habitats for numerous species of endemic fauna and flora.
Day 5:	Travel to the Uda Walawe National Park in the in the dry zone, south of the central hills, near Embilipitiya. Check into Kalu’s Hideaway located a few minutes from the Park. Uda Walawe has a mix of habitats consisting of grassland, scrubland, tall forest and wetlands.
Day 6-7:	Head south east to the serene town of Tissamaharama (or `Tissa' as it is most frequently referred to), which was the capital of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom in the 2nd century B.C. Tissa is dominated by lakes and gigantic Buddhist Dagobas (temples), lush green paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes. Tissa consists of a many wetlands, which are excellent for bird watching.
Day 8-9:	Today you travel north to the central highlands - a stirring land of lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and gushing waterfalls. Check into St. Andrews Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. Visit Victoria Park located in the centre of the city where you can look for the Himalayan migrants including the Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush Indian Pitta, and the Indian Blue Robin.
Day 10-11:	Travel to Sri Lanka's hill capital, the small lakeside city of Kandy. We recommend you jump aboard the train from Nuwara Eliya and wind your way past tea plantations, misty mountains ad gushing waterfalls – one of the great rail journeys in the world.
Day 12-13:	As you travel to the Cultural Triangle in the dry zone there is a marked change in flora and fauna. Travel to the village of Sigiriya where you will stay two nights at the Sigiriya Village Hotel located just minutes away from the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress built in the 5th century by King Kasyapa.
Day 14-15:	Today you head to the west coast town of Negombo for your final two nights. Check into the Ranweli Lodge situated on a coastal wetland estuary. A short ferry ride across a scenic river glides you to the hotel situated in a peninsula surrounded by two rivers, a lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
Day 16:	The Bandaranaike International Airport is 30 minutes from Ranweli Lodge. Depart in good time for your flight home.

travelling with a local operator

This holiday is operated by a company based in the holiday destination and they will be able to provide expert local knowledge. They will be able to tailor make your holiday to suit your requirements not only concerning the dates of travel but also typically the standard of accommodation, and thus price. It is rare for local operators to be able to help with the booking of your flights.

how this holiday makes a difference

Contributing towards awareness programmes on wildlife conservation: This is an experience that not only let’s you explore this islands untouched wilderness and marvel at its numerous species of birds and other animals, you can also contribute towards conservation efforts. Currently, important conservation and educational programmes are being conducted by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife. Creating awareness amongst the local population regarding the importance of preserving the island’s precious forest cover; educating school children and adults alike on the numerous species of migrant and endemic birds found on the island.

Also training of specialist guides and printing of handbooks for their use – these are all some important programmes that require your support. Depending on your interests, the tour operator will be glad to provide further information on how you can help support these programmes.

Environmental and socially committed hotels: This birding holiday lets you experience some of the most eco-friendly guest houses and hotels that are unique and are committed to preserving the surrounding natural habitat. Jetwing that runs St. Andrew’s Hotel in Nuwara Eliya is highly focused on many projects island wide that promotes conservation research, has published several important books creating awareness on fauna and flora of Sri Lanka, and encourages wildlife enthusiasts through hosting various clubs including nature photography and bird watching. At St. Andrew’s, the in-house Naturalist creates awareness regarding the surrounding natural habitat and the conservation of the hill country fauna and flora amongst hotel guests, various other groups interested in wildlife as well as school children.

Local employment and Responsible tour operations: The tour operator uses only experienced local drivers and guides who are ever willing to share their knowledge with you. All drivers are employed on fair terms, ensuring they receive a proper wage for their services and have access to acceptable facilities, including good, clean, comfortable accommodation. In addition local staff is employed for Sales, IT and technical development, web production, writing, and handling holiday enquiries.

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