Sri Lankan Endemics, Residents and Cultural Highlights
Day 1
Day 01 - Arrival – Waikkala (20 Kms / Approx. 1 h)
SCHEDULE
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Meet and greet at the Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to Waikkala.
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Check in to a hotel in Waikkala.
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Overnight stay at your hotel (BB).
Located on the west coast, Waikkala a charming blend of sandy beaches, delectable seafood and lush mangroves that thrive along its river and lagoon. This area is home to a unique mangrove eco-system, providing an ideal location for exciting boat rides, and bird and butterfly watching.
Day 2
Day 02 - Waikkala – Sigiriya (160 Kms / Approx. 03h30)
SCHEDULE
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Birding boat safari early in the morning.
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Return to the hotel for breakfast.
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Transfer to Sigiriya
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En route, Visit Dambulla cave temple
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Check in to the hotel
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Evening birding by the hotel’s premises
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Overnight stay at the hotel in Sigiriya [BB]
Waikkala is in the midst of marine, coastal, estuarine, mangrove and marshland vegetations that provide an ideal habitat for avifauna. More than 60 species of birds can be observed here, such common sandpiper, little ringed polver, purple coot, painted stork, stork-billed kingfisher and many others.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Sigiriya via Dambulla. The Dambulla Rock Temple, constructed by King Valagambahu, is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. With 157 statues and mural paintings covering an area of 2100 square meters, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is worth visiting not only for the cave temple, but also for the beautiful view over the countryside from the caves situated at around 150 meters above the road.
When in Sigiriya, you may do a short birding trail in the vicinity of the hotel before the dinner.
The endemic species found in this area include Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka wood pigeon. You may spot many resident species also, such as barred buttonquail, Indian roller, pheasant-tailed jacana, common kingfisher, stork-billed kingfisher, grey-headed fish eagle, changeable hawk eagle, shaheen falcon, banded bay cuckoo, Malabar pied hornbill, peacock, white-browed bulbul. The migratory species include Indian pitta, brown-breasted flycatcher and brown shrike.
Day 3
Day 03 - Sigiriya
SCHEDULE
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Early breakfast at the hotel.
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Birding trail in Sigiriya Sanctuary.
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On conclusion, visit the Sigiriya Lion Rock.
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Return to the hotel.
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Overnight stay at your hotel in Sigiriya (BB)
The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sigiriya is well-known not just for the rock fortress, but also for its birdlife. For example shaheen falcon, peregrine’s resident species, can be spotted in Sigiriya Sanctuary.
The fortress itself, built by the young king Kashyapa in the 5th century, was a royal citadel. The central part takes the form of a lion figure with gigantic paws. In English, Sigiriya translates to 'Lion Rock', alluding to the time when travelers could climb through the open throat, “giriya", of a lion, “sinha”. Today, the only remains are the lion’s gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of a 600-foot-tall rock rising above lush, green jungle.
Day 4
Day 04 - Sigiriya – Kandy (100Kms/ Approx. 03 hrs)
SCHEDULE
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Early morning birding trail in Sigiriya.
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After breakfast, transfer to Kandy.
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Check in to the hotel in Kandy.
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Birding trail in Udawatta Kele Sanctuary.
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Visit to the Temple of Tooth in the evening.
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Overnight stay at your hotel in Kandy [BB]
After a morning birding trail and breakfast, you will be transferred to Kandy and taken to Udawatta Kele. This forest sanctuary is known as a birder’s paradise with its plethora of bird species and its easy accessibility. The forest has a host of nocturnal birds as well including the brown fish owl. Apart from the birds the forest is also home to other animals including toque macaque, wild boar, fishing cat and water monitor lizards. There are around 460 plant species in this forest which makes it an important site for botanists and researchers.
In Udawatta Kele Forest Sanctuary, you may spot Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka Layard’s parakeet, brown fish Owl, brown-capped babbler, common kingfisher, Oriental dwarf kingfisher, crested serpent eagle, white-bellied fish eagle, black-naped monarch, velvet-fronted nuthatch, Asian paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta and brown breasted flycatcher among others.
The beautiful city of Kandy is nestled amidst three mountain ranges. Built in this location as a natural fortress against attack, the capital of the Central Province was not an easy target for the foreign invaders. This town is also home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the most sacred site in the Buddhist world. The impressive temple complex is made up of numerous buildings, decorated with paintings and carvings depicting Buddha. The Sacred Tooth of Buddha is kept in a gold casket and stored amidst great security in the Inner Chamber.
Day 5
Day - 05 - Kandy - Kitulgala (70 Kms / Approx. 02h30)
SCHEDULE
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After breakfast, transfer to Kitulgala.
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Check in to a hotel in Kitulgala.
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Afternoon short birding trail in a nearby village.
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Return to the hotel.
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Overnight stay at your hotel in Kitulgala (BB).
Today, you will be transferred to Kitulgala, located in western Sri Lanka and considered as one of the most important holdings of the country’s biodiversity. Recently, Kitulgala has stated attracts outdoor enthusiasts to its beautiful setting, used in 1956 for the filming of the Academy Award-winning 'The Bridge on the River Kwai'. The nature trails and forests are ideal for bird watching, and Kitulgala is considered as one of the island’s hotspots for endemic species.
In this region, you may encounter some of Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species including the orange-billed babbler, chestnut-backed owlet, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka Layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush. Also, oriental dwarf kingfisher, black-naped monarch and emerald dove can be spotted here, as well as Indian pitta is during the migrant season.
Day 6
Day - 06 Kitulgala
SCHEDULE
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Early morning birding trail in Makandawa Forest with packed breakfast.
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Return back to the hotel.
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Leisure time in the afternoon.
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Short birding trail in another village nearby.
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Overnight stay at your hotel in Kitulgala (BB).
Spanning over 192 hectares, Makandawa Forest Reserve is one of the oldest forest reserves in the country. This area has a very unique biodiversity, and the rare and endemic birds make it a must for all the bird enthusiasts !
Mankadawa Forest is home to many wet zone endemic species such as orange-billed babbler, Sri Lanka brown-capped babbler, chestnut-backed owlet, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka black-capped bulbul, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush. Also the serendib scopes owl can be spotted here. The common species found in this area include white-rumped shama, Sri Lanka paradise flycatcher, common Iora, black-hooded oriole, crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk eagle and white-bellies fish eagle.
In the evening, you will be taken across the river in another village. The main interest in this birding trail is the endemic Sri Lanka green-billed coucal, but you may spot greater flameback woodpecker and black-rumped woodpecker too.
Day 7
Day 07 - Kitulgala – Nuwara Eliya (80 Kms / Approx. 02h30)
SCHEDULE
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Early morning birding trail in Kitulgala.
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Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nuwara Eliya.
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Check in to a hotel in Nuwara Eliya
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Evening birding trail in Victoria Park.
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Overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya (BB).
After the early morning birding trail and breakfast, you will be transferred to Nuwara Eliya, also known as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’. Set in the heart of the Tea Country at altitude of 1890 meters, Nuwara Eliya has a climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. For bird enthusiasts, the colonial Victoria Park offers an excellent location where about 50 different species of birds can be spotted.
In Victoria Park, you may see species such Sri Lanka yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lanka white-eye, Sri Lanka scimitar babbler, Sri Lanka dull-blue flycatcher, brown-headed barbet, white-breasted kingfisher, Asian koel, rose-ringed parakeet, pied bushchat, common mynah, large-billed crow, spotted dove, white-bellied drongo and grey-headed Canary flycatcher. Also, some migrant species such as Indian blue robin, Indian pitta and Kashmir flycatcher can be found here.
Day 8
Day 08 - Nuwara Eliya – Yala (190 Kms / Approx. 05 hrs)
SCHEDULE
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Transfer to Horton Plains National Park early in the morning with packed breakfast.
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Half-day birding trail in Horton Plains.
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Transfer to Yala.
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Check in to the camp site.
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Evening birding trail by the border of the national park.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the safari campsite in Yala (HB).
At 5.00 in the morning you will be taken to the Horton Plains National Park, located in the highest plateau of Sri Lanka at an altitude of 2,100-2,300 metres. Characterized by gorgeous landscapes over the rolling hills, this nature reserve is recognized as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBAs). The forests and grasslands offer a perfect ground to observe many rare and endemic highland birds (out of 87 species 14 are endemic). On the way to Yala, we will do a couple of stops to spot some rare species like wood owl.
Horton Plains is home to several endemic bird species such as the Sri Lanka yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lankan white eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, Sri Lanka scimitar babbler, Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lanka bush warbler, and most importantly, the endangered Sri Lanka whistling thrush and Sri Lanka scaly thrush. The resident species include pied bush chat, black bulbul and great tit. You may spot some migrant species too, such as Indian blue robin, Indian pitta, brown-breasted flycatcher and Kashmir flycatcher. Horton Plains hosts also 24 species of mammals including elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, wild hare, porcupine, leopard and the endemic purple-faced monkey.
Day 9
Day 09 - Yala
SCHEDULE
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Early birding safari at Yala National Park with packed breakfast.
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Return to the campsite for lunch.
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In the evening, visit to a nearby lake for bird watching.
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Dinner and overnight stay at campsite / hotel (FB).
Yala National Park, situated in the southeast region of the country, covers almost 1000 square kilometers and is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Boasting the highest leopard density in the world and fantastic bird life (215 different species!), the Yala National Park is a real haven for wildlife enthusiasts !
Leopards are the stars in Yala National Park, but the park is also home to the large herds of elephants as well as to the spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, jackal and mongoose. The numerous endemic bird species include Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, pompadour green pigeon, and crimson-fronted barbet, little green bee-eater, chestnut-headed bee-eater, white-browed bulbul, common kingfisher, barred buttonquail, paddyfield pipit. Also, the migratory birds Indian pitta, Indian paradise flycatcher and brown-breasted flycatcher can be spotted here.
By the lake area, you may see water and forest birds such as brown fish owl, jungle owlet, water hock, comb duck, black bitten and various species of barbets.
Day 10
Day 10 - Yala – Bundala – Udawalawe (140 Kms/ Approx. 03 1/2 hrs)
SCHEDULE
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Birding safari at Bundala National Park early in the morning with packed breakfast.
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On conclusion, transfer to Udawalawe.
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Birding safari at Udawalawe National Park.
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Check in to the safari camp site.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite in Udawalawe (HB)
Bundala National Park is a fantastic wetland sanctuary that shelters thousands of colourful birds ranging from little bee-eaters to grotesque open-billed stalks. In total, this wildlife wonderland covering 62-sq-km area, is home to 150 species of birds with many imigrating species arriving between August and April. It’s also a winter home to the greater flamingo, and it is possible to see over 1500 flamingos at once!
Read more about species in Bundala National Park:
During the birding safari in Bundala National Park, you will be encounter many endemic bird species including Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka yellow fronted barbet and Sri Lanka grey hornbill, painted stalk, Asian open-bill stalk, Eurasian spoonbill and greater thick-knee. During the winter period Bundala is very much popular for migrating water-birds such as the rare greater flamingo and glossy ibis.
Udawalawe National Park is located on the boundary of Sri Lanka's wet and dry zones, which provides diversity in both flora and fauna. With approximately 400 elephants residing within the park's boundaries, it is not unusual to see big herds gathering to feed and bath at the waterholes. In addition to this main attraction, Udawalawe is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard. The bird enthusiasts shall be in their own winged paradise with not only the variety, but the quantity of bird species in the park.
In Udawalawe National Park, you may see an array bird species including endemics such as Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka brown-capped babblers, Sri Lanka jungle fowl, Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, greater flameback, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka pompadour green pigeon. Also, peacock, Asian open bill, Oriental darter, small cormorant, great egret, Indian pond heron, lesser whistling duck, spotted dove, white-bellied fish eagle and crested serpent eagle can be spotted in Udawalawe. The migrant birds such as paradise flycatcher, forest wagtail, Indian pitta and blue-tailed bee-eater are very common too.
Day 11
Day 11 - Udawalawe – Sinharaja (130 Kms/ Approx. 03 1/2 hrs)
SCHEDULE
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After breakfast, transfer to Sinharaja.
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Check in to the camp / hotel in Sinharaja.
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Birding trail in Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
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Dinner and overnight stay at camp/ hotel in Sinharaja (HB).
After breakfast, you will head to Sinharaja rainforest, designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. The forest reserve has an exceptional importance in terms of its biodiversity and fragility. Birding in Sinharaja is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka! During the evening trail by the borders of forest reserve, you will have a chance to spot Sri Lanka Legge’s flowerpecker, crimson-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka blue magpie among others. When in Sinharaja, you may go for a bird trail at night time also and discover some of Sri Lanka’s nocturnal species including the Sri Lanka chestnut-backed owlet and serendib scopes-owl.
Day 12
Day 12 - Sinharaja
SCHEDULE
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Early breakfast at the campsite / hotel.
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Full day birding trail in Sinharaja Forest Reserve with packed lunch.
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Lunch to be taken in a suitable location.
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On conclusion, return back to the camp / hotel.
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Dinner and overnight stay at the campsite / hotel (FB).
Today, enjoy a full day birding trail in the beautiful Sinharaja rainforest that is home to wet lowland forest birds including many endemic species. Depending on your interest, our guide will help you to identify many butterflies, dragonflies, reptiles and forest mammals too.
Read more about bird species in Sinharaja Rainforest:
A specialty of this forest are world’s largest mixed-species bird flocks, averaging up to 42 individual species. The endemic birds of this region include the Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka green-billed coucal, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka red-faced malkoha, Sri Lanka blue magpie, Sri Lanka white-faced starling, crested drongo, serendib scopes owl, Sri Lanka spot winged thrush and Sri Lanka scaly thrush. Also, greater flameback woodpecker, Oriental dwarf kingfisher, plum-headed parakeet, Oriental scopes owl, and emerald dove can be found in Sinharaja. During the migratory season, Indian pitta, Indian blue robin, brown-breasted flycatcher, brown flycatcher and large-billed leaf warbler take part in the diverse avifauna of Sinharaja.
Day 13
Day 13 - Sinharaja – Negombo (170 Kms / Approx. 04 hrs)
SCHEDULE
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Birding trail at Sinharaja Forest Reserve early in the morning.
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Return to the campsite / hotel for breakfast.
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Transfer to Negombo.
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Check in to the hotel around 4 pm.
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Evening city tour in Negombo.
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Overnight stay at your hotel in Negombo (BB).
In the morning, you will be taken for another birding trail in Sinharaja rainforest proceeding to Negombo, is a fishing town with a fascinating colonial past. British, Dutch, and Portuguese all fought over this town as it was a lucrative source of cinnamon. The spice trade impacted the future of this town, but so did the Catholic church too. Today, Negombo is alive in its own blend of culture, religions and colonial-style architecture, but local traditions appear to have outlived the colonizers. The lagoon has abundant with marine life, and fishermen have been harvesting lobsters, crabs, and prawns here for centuries.
