Birdwatching Expedition in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 400 species, including 33 endemics. It offers a journey through misty mountain forests and rainforests like Sinharaja. Expert naturalists assist in spotting rare birds like the Sri Lanka blue magpie, jungle fowl, and red-faced malkoha. The trip includes eco-friendly stays, peaceful walks, and boat rides, providing a chance to enjoy the sounds of the wild and untouched nature.

Day 01 - Arrival in Colombo / Airport pickup / Transfer to Colombo / Relax at the hotel or visit one of the urban wetlands (optional birding walk) / Overnight in Colombo

Upon arriving in Colombo, you’ll be greeted warmly and taken to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. If you’re eager to begin your birding adventure immediately, consider a stroll through one of the city’s nearby urban wetlands, which host an incredible variety of birdlife. Enjoy a peaceful evening and spend the night in Colombo, soaking up the lively atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s bustling capital.

Day 02 - Early morning birding at Thalangama Lake / Drive to Kithulgala area / Evening Birding around Makandawa Forest Reserve Kithulgala (spot – Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed owlet, Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill / Overnight in Kithulgala

Start your day with early morning birding at the peaceful Thalangama Lake, where the wetlands come alive with a chorus of bird calls and colourful sightings. Continue your journey to the misty foothills of Kithulgala and explore the edges of Makandawa Forest Reserve in the evening, searching for endemics like the Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed Owlet, Serendib Scops Owl, and Grey Hornbill. As night falls, unwind in Kithulgala, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the rainforest.

Day 03 - Full-day birding in Makandawa Forest Reserve and surroundings / Spot Sri Lanka junglefowl, Orange-billed Babbler, Red-backed Flameback, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot / Overnight in Kithulgala

Spend a delightful day birding in the lush Makandawa Forest Reserve and its nearby areas, where the dense foliage is home to a fascinating array of endemic species. Keep an eye out for charming highlights like the Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Orange-billed Babbler, Red-backed Flameback, and the lively Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot. As the evening settles and the forest becomes peaceful, enjoy a cosy overnight stay at your lodge in Kithulgala, nestled close to nature.

Day 04 - Drive to Nuwara Eliya /Evening Birdwatching in Victoria Park (spot migrant Indian Pitta, Kashmir Flycatcher, Brown Breasted Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Grey Wagtail, Indian Blue Robin/ Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Take a delightful trip to the charming highlands of Nuwara Eliya, where misty hills and colonial-era beauty warmly greet you in Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country. In the evening, enjoy a visit to Victoria Park, a favourite spot for bird enthusiasts to see migratory birds like the Indian Pitta, Kashmir Flycatcher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Grey Wagtail, and Indian Blue Robin. Relax and unwind with an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by its serene and revitalising environment.

Day 05 – Full day birding at Horton Plains National Park (spot – Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Dull Blue Flycatcher/Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

Take a trip to the scenic highlands of Nuwara Eliya, where misty mountains and charming colonial architecture create an inviting atmosphere for your day. In the evening, consider a visit to Victoria Park—a peaceful green escape in the city, famous for its excellent migrant bird sightings like the Indian Pitta, Kashmir Flycatcher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Grey Wagtail, and Indian Blue Robin. Relax with an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya and soak in the tranquil beauty of Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill country.

Day 06 – Evening safari Birding in Udawalawe National Park / Spot Indian Roller, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Marshall’s Iora, Malabar Pied Hornbill/ Overnight in Udawalawe

Embark on a relaxing evening birding adventure in Udawalawe National Park, where the open plains and forest patches create perfect spots to encounter a diverse array of bird species. Keep an eye out for beautiful birds like the Indian Roller, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Yellow-eyed Babbler, Marshall’s Iora, and the stunning Malabar Pied Hornbill. As the day winds down and dusk approaches, relax and enjoy a cosy overnight stay in Udawalawe, soaking in the peaceful evening atmosphere.

Day 07 – Morning Elephant Transit Home visit/ Drive to Yala /Evening Birding in Thissamaharama (spot Brown Fish Owl, Jungle Owlet, Indian Scops Owl, Brown Book Book)/ Overnight stay at Yala

Start your day at the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for before returning to the wild. Then, head to Yala and enjoy birding in Tissamaharama’s wetlands and groves in the evening. Look out for species like the Brown Fish Owl, Jungle Owlet, Indian Scops Owl, and Brown Boobook. Spend a cosy night in Yala amidst the sounds of Sri Lanka’s southeastern wilderness.

Day 08 – Morning safari in Yala National Park (spot Chestnut Headed Bee-eater, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Shama / Evening transfer to Sinharaja Forest Reserve/ Overnight stay at Sinharaja

Begin your day with an exhilarating safari at Yala National Park, home to species like the Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, and Sri Lanka Shama. In the afternoon, head west to the lush Sinharaja rainforests, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its biodiversity. Arrive by evening and settle into your accommodation, ready to explore one of the island’s top birdwatching sites.

Day 09 – Full day birding at Sinharaja (Spot Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Layards Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Pigeon, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Red-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Myna, White-faced Starling, and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl / Overnight in Sinharaja eco-lodge

Enjoy a day birding in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, home to Sri Lanka’s endemic birds. Spot species like Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Layard’s Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Red-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Myna, White-faced Starling, and Sri Lanka Junglefowl. In the evening, relax at your eco-lodge to the sounds of the rainforest for a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 10 - Morning guided birding trek in Sinharaja Rainforest (UNESCO site) /Sri Lanka, Blue magpie, and mixed-species feeding flocks / Transfer to Colombo or airport for departure

Start your last day with a guided trek through Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO site known for its biodiversity and birdlife. Spot the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and colourful flocks in the treetops. Afterwards, transfer to Colombo or the airport, taking home memories of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

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Tour Highlights

Explore a variety of birding hotspots ranging from peaceful wetlands to lush rainforests, including Thalangama Lake, Makandawa Forest, Horton Plains, Yala, and Sinharaja.
Discover over 150 bird species, featuring cherished endemics like the Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Red-faced Malkoha, and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
Enjoy guided safaris at Yala and Udawalawe National Parks, where you might spot stunning species such as the Malabar Pied Hornbill and Chestnut-headed Bee-eater.
Uncover the highland specialities at Horton Plains and Victoria Park, including the charming Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Indian Pitta.
Visit the Elephant Transit Home for a heartwarming glimpse into conservation efforts with adorable, rehabilitated baby elephants.
Relax in eco-lodges and nature resorts that perfectly combine comfort with immersive wildlife experiences.
Conclude your adventure with a guided trek through the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its vibrant biodiversity and lively bird flocks.