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Bird Watching Tours in Sri Lanka

Explore the vibrant avifauna of Sri Lanka on an unforgettable bird watching tour of Sri lanka. Discover over 400 bird species, including endemics and migratory wonders, in stunning natural habitats. Join expert guides for an immersive experience amid lush landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Perfect for enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this tour offers a chance to witness the island's rich biodiversity and learn about its unique ecosystems. Book your Sri Lanka holiday today and take flight into the world of Sri Lanka's remarkable birds!

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 1: Airport / Negombo

Airport – Negombo approximate travel distance and time | 10km, 30min drive

Negombo is a vibrant coastal city located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, not far from the Airport. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and a network of picturesque lagoons. The city has a rich history, with Portuguese and Dutch colonial influences evident in its architecture and culture. 


Things to Do: 

  • Relax on Negombo Beach and enjoy the sunset 

  • Visit the Dutch Fort in Negombo for a glimpse into its colonial past 

  • Discover the Negombo Fish Market for a bustling atmosphere and fresh seafood 

  • Explore the Muthurajawela Marsh for bird watching and wildlife spotting

Overnight

Negombo

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 02: Negombo – Muthurajawela – Negombo

Negombo - Muthurajawela approximate travel distance and time | 22km, 30min drive

Early morning, leave to explore Muthurajawela, (The hotel will provide a packed breakfast for you to enjoy during the boat ride exploration in Muthurajawela).


Muthurajawela wetland is a well-known bird-watching site in Sri Lanka. The bird-watching walk through the wetland leads to the southern end of Negombo Lagoon, where you can see a variety of cormorants, ducks, egrets, herons, storks, eagles, terns, swallows, swifts, kingfishers, and as well as Toque Macaque roaming the lagoon.


Return to Negombo and late afternoon wander around the city,

Overnight

Negombo

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 03 Negombo – Anawilundawa – Wilpattu

Negombo - Anawilundawa approximate travel distance and time | 70km, 2 hours drive
Anawilundawa – Wilpattu approximate travel distance and time | 95km, 2 hours drive

Early morning leave from the hotel to visit Anawilundawa.


This pristine wetland sanctuary, cradled in the arms of Sri Lanka's natural splendor, invites you to witness a breathtaking avian spectacle. Traverse winding trails through lush landscapes, where the air is alive with the fluttering wings and sweet songs of resident and migratory birds.


Continue the journey to Wilpattu,


Wilpattu National Park is a prominent wildlife reserve located in the northwest coast of Sri Lanka. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, Wilpattu is the largest national park in the country, spanning approximately 1,317 square kilometers. The park is characterized by its unique landscape of dense woodlands, open grassy plains, and numerous lakes, or "villus."

Overnight

Wilpattu

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 04 Wilpattu – Sigiriya – Habarana

Wilpattu – Sigiriya approximate travel distance and time | 106km, 2 hours 30min drive
Sigiriya - Habarana approximate travel distance and time | 22km, 30min drive

Early in the morning, depart for a game drive in Wilpattu National Park. 


Then travel to Habarana, a charming town nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka, serves as a gateway to cultural and wildlife adventures. Surrounded by lush greenery, Habarana offers a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal base for exploring the nearby ancient cities and national parks. 


Things to Do;

  • Polonnaruwa (UNESCO world heritage). The well-preserved 11th-century capital of Sri Lanka

  • Dambulla (UNESCO world heritage). The 1st-century cave temple complex

  • Sigiriya (UNESCO world heritage). A 5th-century fortress known as Lion Rock

  • Minneriya National Park - home to the largest herds of elephants on the island

Overnight

Habarana

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 05 Kandy

Harbarana– Kandy approximate travel distance and time | 250km, 2.5 hour drive

Kandy, the hill country capital situated by a lake surrounded by picturesque mountains it was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and has a rich history and tradition of arts, music, and dance.


Things to Do:

  • The Kandy Temple. The 16th-century sanctuary houses a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the globe.

  • Peradeniya Botanical Garden.  Established in the early 19th century, the garden spans a sprawling 147 acres along the banks of the Mahaweli River.Explore the Royal Palace of Kandy (The last kingdom of Sri Lanka)

  • Take a stroll around Kandy Lake and enjoy the serene surroundings

  • Visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery the final resting place of a number of ANZAC soliders from the world wars

  • Watch a cultural show a must do while in Kandy

Overnight:

Kandy

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 06 Kandy – Udawattakelle – Kandy

Kandy - Udawattakelle approximate travel distance and time | 7km, 30min drive

After breakfast, leave for Udawattakelle


Explore the tranquil Udawattakelle Sanctuary in Kandy, where nature's wonders unfold in a tapestry of lush greenery. Engage in captivating birdwatching, as the sanctuary becomes a haven for a variety of avian species. Amidst ancient trees and winding paths, discover the joy of spotting vibrant feathered residents in this serene Kandyan forest retreat.


Overnight:

Kandy

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 07 Kandy – Kitulgala

Kandy - Kitulgala approximate travel distance and time | 65km, 2 hours’ drive

Today leave for Kitulgala


Nestled along the banks of the Kelani River, Kitulgala is a scenic town embraced by lush rainforests and rolling hills. Renowned for its natural beauty, this Sri Lankan gem offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.


The meandering river invites thrilling white-water rafting experiences, while the surrounding greenery provides a serene backdrop for nature walks and birdwatching. Kitulgala, with its vibrant landscape and warm hospitality, beckons travelers seeking both excitement and relaxation in the heart of nature.


Overnight:

Kitulgala

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 08 Kitulgala

Local travel only

After breakfast at the hotel, leave to visit Makandawa Rain Forest.


Step into the enchanting embrace of Makandawa Rainforest, where every step is a journey into the heart of biodiversity. This verdant haven, draped in lush foliage and echoing with the whispers of ancient trees, is a sanctuary for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. 


As dappled sunlight filters through the dense canopy, discover the intricate dance of flora and fauna. The path unfolds beneath towering trees, revealing a tapestry of ferns, orchids, and vibrant blooms, creating a mesmerizing tableau.



Overnight:

Kitulgala

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 09 Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya

Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya approximate travel distance and time | 76km, 2 hours’ 30min drive

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Nuwara Eliya.


Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as Sri Lanka's "Little England," is a captivating hill station nestled in the central highlands. Surrounded by mist-covered mountains and lush tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya paints a canvas of undulating landscapes and vibrant greenery. The town's colonial architecture, with its Tudor-style buildings and well-manicured gardens, reflects the legacy of its British colonial past.

En route, immerse yourself in the heart of Ceylon tea culture with a visit to a captivating tea estate and factory.  As you step onto the estate, the air becomes infused with the aromatic essence of freshly plucked tea leaves. Surrounded by emerald-green slopes, discover the artistry of tea cultivation and gain insights into the intricate process that transforms leaves into the world-renowned Ceylon tea. (closed on Poya days and Sundays)

Overnight:

Nuwara Eliya

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 10 Nuwara Eliya – Bundala – Tissamaharama

Nuwara Eliya – Bundala approximate travel distance and time | 153km, 4 hours’ drive
Bundala - Tissamaharama approximate travel distance and time | 21km, 30min drive

Nestled along the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, Bundala National Park unfolds as a sanctuary of biodiversity and natural splendor.


Embark on a leisurely evening safari through the park's winding trails, where every turn reveals a tableau of nature's wonders. Elephants amble through the verdant landscapes, crocodiles bask in the sun by tranquil waterways, and vibrant birdlife dances across the skies.


Bundala's diverse ecosystems create a harmonious habitat for a myriad of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. The air resonates with the calls of vibrant flamingos, majestic eagles, and an array of migratory birds that find refuge in the park's wetlands.

Overnight:

Yala

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 11 Tissamaharama – Sinharajaya

Tissamaharama – Sinharajaya approximate travel distance and time | 131km, 3 hours’ 30min drive

Today, begin your journey towards Sinharaja Rainforest from Tissamaharama.


Sinharaja Forest Reserve, often referred to as Sinharaja Rainforest, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining primary rainforests in Sri Lanka.

Overnight:

Sinharajaya

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 12 Sinharajaya

Local travel only

After breakfast at the hotel, leave to explore Sinharaja Rain Forest.

The reserve offers well-maintained trekking trails that take through different forest ecosystems. Guided nature walks provide insights into the rainforest's ecology and natural wonders.


The rain forest is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, housing a high percentage of Sri Lanka's endemic species, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and butterflies making it a vital conservation area. The rainforest boasts a rich variety of plant life, including many species found nowhere else in the world. It is a haven for botanists and nature enthusiasts.

Overnight:

Sinharajaya

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 13 Sinharajaya – Colombo

Sinharajaya - Colombo approximate travel distance and time | 136km, 3 hours’ 30min drive

Today, your journey gracefully progresses as you bid farewell to this enchanting sanctuary and set forth for Colombo.


Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, is a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary allure. This bustling metropolis tells a story of resilience, where colonial remnants coalesce with modern skylines, creating a dynamic tapestry of urban elegance.


Arrive and check-in to the hotel.


Overnight:

Colombo

Ceylon Jungle Fowl

Day 14 Colombo – Airport

Colombo – Airport approximate travel distance and time | 38km, 1-hours drive

As your Sri lanka holiday draws to a close. Check-out from the hotel and transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.


Most flights to Australia depart in the late evening so leave the bags at the hotel and disover Colombo


Things to Do:

  • Do a walking or driving tour of the city with local guide

  • Pettha Market, Disover the narrow streets of this centuries old Bazzar

  • Enjoy the many restaurants & bars the city (perhaps join the Dodgy Bars tour of Colombo)

Overnight:

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