Sri Lankan Birding Odyssey

09 Nights / 10 Days

This 10-day tour is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, combining Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity with stunning landscapes. From lowland rainforests to highland plateaus, guests will discover endemic and migratory bird species in Kitulgala, Sinharaja, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, and more. Each day features guided birding walks, jeep safaris, and visits to botanical gardens and protected reserves, ensuring maximum wildlife sightings. Comfortable lodges and hotels, scenic drives, and expert guidance make this an immersive and rewarding journey for both seasoned birders and nature lovers.

Day 01 – Arrival & Kitulgala

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Kitulgala (or Adiambalama, depending on arrival time). Check in at the lodge and enjoy lunch. Spend the afternoon birding in the Kitulgala area, exploring the lush surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay at Kitulgala.

Day 02 – Kitulgala / Kelani Valley Birding

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of guided birding in Kitulgala or the nearby Kelani Valley Forest Reserve.

Look for a variety of lowland and riverine bird species. Capture photographs and take notes of your sightings. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03 – Travel to Sinharaja

After a pre-breakfast birding session, check out and travel to Sinharaja, stopping for lunch on the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and explore the forest periphery for endemic species. Take time to enjoy the lush rainforest scenery. Dinner and overnight stay in Sinharaja.

Day 04 – Sinharaja Forest Full Day

After an early breakfast, spend a full day birding in Sinharaja Forest, home to rare and endemic species. Walk along guided trails and observe birds in their natural habitat. Enjoy a packed lunch during your excursion. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 05 – Sinharaja Forest Continued

Spend another full day exploring Sinharaja Forest after breakfast. Focus on different trails and habitats to increase your bird sightings. Take your time photographing and observing rare species. Dinner and overnight stay in Sinharaja.

Day 06 – Udawalawe Safari

After a short pre-breakfast birding session around the lodge, drive to Udawalawe. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park to spot elephants, waterbirds, and other wildlife. Check in at your lodge for dinner. Overnight stay near Udawalawe.

Day 07 – Morning Safari & Nuwara Eliya

Take an early morning jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park with a picnic breakfast. After the safari, travel to Nuwara Eliya, stopping for lunch along the way. Spend the late afternoon birding in Victoria Park, a hotspot for endemic species. Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 08 – Horton Plains & Hakgala

Depart predawn with a picnic breakfast to reach Horton Plains National Park at first light. Spend the morning searching for highland-endemic birds such as the Sri Lanka White-eye and the Dull-blue Flycatcher. In the afternoon, visit Hakgala Botanical Garden for additional highland birdwatching opportunities. Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 09 – Kandy & Peradeniya

After breakfast, drive to Kandy, visiting a tea factory en route. After lunch, explore Peradeniya Botanical Garden, where Sri Lanka’s largest Flying Fox roost can often be seen. Optionally, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic or enjoy a traditional cultural dance performance in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.

Day 10 – Udawattakele & Departure

Begin the morning with a visit to Udawattakele Forest Reserve for a final birding session. Enjoy lunch before transferring to a hotel near the airport. Relax and freshen up before your evening departure. Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your flight home.

Itinerary Highlights :

  • Kitulgala and Kelani Valley Forest birding
  • Sinharaja Rainforest full-day exploration
  • Udawalawe National Park jeep safari & waterbirds
  • Victoria Park and Hakgala Botanical Garden birding
  • Horton Plains National Park highland endemics
  • Peradeniya Botanical Garden and Flying Fox roost
  • Cultural experience at Temple of the Tooth Relic (optional)  Tea factory visit en route to Kandy

Inclusions:

  • Accommodation
  • Meals on Half Board basis (Breakfast + Dinner)
  • Professional birding guide and chauffeur
  • 500 ml water per person per day
  • Entrance fees to all included sites
  • Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Government taxes

Exclusions:

  • Meals not mentioned
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses
  • Gratuities
  • Insurance and visa fees

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