Sri Lanka Birding Experience

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where our representative will welcome you and introduce your specialised wildlife guide. You will then be transferred to Sinharaja, a journey of approximately four hours through Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforest ecoregion. Upon arrival at the hotel, we will assist with check-in before you have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Take this time to relax after your flight, enjoy the hotel’s facilities or explore the surrounding area in preparation for tomorrow’s trek. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by an early night to rest for the day ahead. It is recommended to arrive at Colombo Airport before 10:00 am. Overnight in Sinharaja.

We rise early at 5:30 to begin a three to four-hour trek through the Sinharaja Rainforest, one of Sri Lanka’s last remaining primary tropical rainforests and a recognised IUCN conservation area. Accompanied by a senior biologist, we explore the rich biodiversity, including over 60% endemic tree species and a variety of wildlife such as colourful butterflies like the Ceylon Birdwing and Blue Mormon, reptiles including the endemic green pit viper, and numerous amphibians, especially tree frogs. After returning to the lodge mid-morning for breakfast and some rest, we spend the afternoon on a village forest trail. This walk offers insight into local village life and further opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife. We return to the hotel in time to freshen up before dinner.

We start early with a second trek through the rainforest, accompanied by your wildlife biologist. This morning’s focus is to spot the elusive purple-faced leaf monkey, a shy, long-tailed species with a mostly brown coat and dark face. Occasionally, rare white-coloured individuals have been seen. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, you will have some free time to relax. Later, we set out for your final rainforest excursion, where you may witness mixed-species bird foraging flocks—sometimes including up to 48 different species. Notable birds you might see include the red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka blue magpie, ashy-headed laughing thrush, white-faced starling, Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush, Serandib scops owl and green-billed coucal. Overnight in Sinharaja.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Udawalawe for a dry zone elephant and bird-watching experience. Upon arrival, take some time to rest before setting out on a drive through Udawalawe National Park. The park’s large reservoir, open grasslands and scattered trees create an ideal habitat for elephants, making it a prime location for observing these gentle giants. You are also likely to see spotted and sambar deer, water buffalo, and a variety of bird species including large prinia, ashy prinia, changeable hawk eagle, crested serpent eagle, common kingfisher and Sri Lankan junglefowl. Keep an eye out for butterflies such as the Crimson Rose, Jezebel, Common Gull, Pioneer and Common Albatross. In the evening, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight in Udawalawe.

We rise early for a 5:30am drive through Udawalawe National Park, taking advantage of the sunrise to observe the park’s diverse wildlife. Our expert guide will provide insights into the flora and fauna as we explore the grasslands, offering excellent opportunities for photography. After approximately three hours, we return to the hotel for breakfast before checking out. We then travel towards the coast, stopping en route at salt pans to watch wading birds foraging in the shallow waters. Upon arrival in the Yala National Park area, we check in to the Cinnamon Wild resort, where you can spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Enjoy the resort’s facilities and keep an eye out for local wildlife as you relax and dine in the evening.

Rise early for a morning jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest reserves and a prime habitat for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. This tawny-coated big cat, distinguished by its smaller, closely set rosettes, is the island’s largest feline and can often be seen resting or grooming in open grasslands and sandy areas during the cooler hours of the day. Alongside leopards, the park shelters other endangered species such as the Sri Lankan sloth bear and elephant, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Return to the hotel by mid-morning for breakfast and some downtime to enjoy the facilities. In the afternoon, we set out for a second safari, providing another chance to encounter leopards and the diverse mammals and birds that inhabit the park. Overnight in Yala.

After breakfast at the resort, we set off for Sri Lanka’s hill country, heading to Nuwara Eliya, often called ‘Little England’. This charming town was a favourite retreat for British colonialists and tea planters, thanks to its cool, temperate climate. Many buildings still reflect colonial architecture, including the Queen’s Cottage, General’s House, Grand Hotel, Hill Club, St Andrew’s Hotel and the Town Post Office. Nuwara Eliya remains a key tea-producing region, offering stunning views and opportunities to spot highland bird species. Later, we take an excursion to Bomburu Ella Waterfall, the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka, surrounded by forest that is excellent for birdwatching. In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and to enjoy the refreshing highland air. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we set out for a full day at Horton Plains National Park, located on a high plateau over 2,000 metres above sea level. We’ll enjoy a 4-kilometre hike through this unique cloud forest and montane grassland, taking in views of Sri Lanka’s second and third highest peaks—Mount Kirigalpotta and Totupolakanda. Along the way, observe endemic birds and lizards, sambar deer grazing in the mist, and flocks of highland birds on the plains. Horton Plains forms part of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site since 2010, recognised for its rich biodiversity and endangered species such as the western purple-faced langur, Horton Plains slender loris and Sri Lankan leopard. After the hike, return to the hotel in Nuwara Eliya for dinner and an evening at leisure.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to Bandaranaike International Airport for your onward or return flight. Please allow sufficient time for check-in and security, aiming to arrive at least three hours before departure. Although your journey through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes concludes today, the memories and photographs you take with you will offer lasting impressions of this vibrant island.