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The Sri Lankan Birding Odyssey is a comprehensive exploration of the island’s most important bird habitats, carefully paced for serious birders and nature enthusiasts. From the dry-zone wilderness of Wilpattu and Mannar’s coastal wetlands to the rainforests of Kitulgala and Sinharaja, and the rich wetlands of the south, this journey offers exceptional diversity in landscapes and species. With extended stays in key locations, expert guiding, and a balance of forest, wetland, and national park birding, the tour delivers an in-depth understanding of Sri Lanka’s avifauna while remaining immersive, comfortable, and rewarding throughout.
On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are met and transferred north towards Sinharagama. If the flight arrives before midday, lunch is enjoyed en route. The drive introduces Sri Lanka’s changing landscapes before settling into your hotel for a relaxed evening and overnight stay.
Spend the entire day exploring Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest protected area. The park’s distinctive villu lakes attract a wide variety of waterbirds, raptors, and forest species, while open areas offer chances to encounter mammals. The day unfolds slowly to allow careful observation before returning to the hotel for the night.
After breakfast, travel toward the northern coastal town of Mannar. In the afternoon, explore the Vankalai Ramsar Wetlands, a vital stopover for migratory birds. The wetlands, mudflats, and lagoons provide excellent opportunities to observe waders, terns, and coastal species. Overnight in Mannar.
A full day is dedicated to birding in the Vankalai Ramsar Wetlands and the surrounding Mannar area. From shallow lagoons to salt pans and coastal scrub, the diversity of habitats ensures a productive day with both resident and migratory species. The relaxed pace allows time for photography and detailed observation.
After breakfast, depart Mannar and travel inland to Habarana. Following a late lunch at the resort, spend the afternoon birding around the resort grounds, Habarana Tank, and nearby forest patches. This transition day introduces dry zone woodland and wetland species in a peaceful setting.
An early breakfast is followed by a morning visit to Sigiriya Sanctuary, where forest and rock outcrops support a variety of endemic and dry zone birds. After lunch back at the resort, the afternoon is spent birding within the resort precinct, allowing for relaxed exploration and additional sightings.
After breakfast, journey toward the hill capital of Kandy with lunch en route. In the afternoon, explore Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of the best locations to observe forest birds and the impressive Flying Fox roost. The evening is spent at leisure in Kandy.
Begin the day with an early morning visit to Udawattakele Forest Reserve, a quiet sanctuary rich in forest birdlife. After a few hours, continue toward Kitulgala. The afternoon is spent birding in and around the Kitulgala village area, where riverine forest and secondary growth attract many species.
Spend the morning exploring the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, one of Sri Lanka’s most productive lowland birding areas. Dense rainforest, riverbanks, and forest edges provide excellent opportunities for mixed species flocks. The afternoon continues with relaxed birding around the Kitulgala village and surrounding trails.
After breakfast, travel south toward Sinharaja Rainforest. Lunch is taken at the lodge, followed by an afternoon birding session within the forest. The first encounter with this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers rich biodiversity and a sense of stepping into an untouched rainforest.
After an early breakfast, spend the full day exploring Sinharaja Rainforest with a picnic lunch. The dense canopy and ancient forest trails provide chances to observe many of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds, often within mixed feeding flocks. The day is paced for careful observation and deep immersion in rainforest ecology.
A very early start takes you to a known site for Sri Lanka Spurfowl, offering a rare and rewarding opportunity. Afterwards, travel to Udawalawe. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, where open grasslands and reservoirs attract a wide range of birds and mammals.
Begin the day with a second jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, including a picnic breakfast. This morning offers different light and activity patterns, often revealing new sightings. Afterwards, proceed to Tissamaharama and spend the afternoon exploring the Tissa Wetlands, known for waterbirds and migratory species.
Start the day with an early morning jeep safari in Bundala National Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland famed for its rich diversity of resident and migratory birds. A picnic breakfast is enjoyed during the safari before continuing the journey toward the hill country, with lunch en route. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya, spend the late afternoon birding in Victoria Park, a rewarding site for highland species.
Depart before dawn to reach Horton Plains National Park at first light, offering excellent chances to spot the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and other highland endemics. After a picnic breakfast and a morning in the park, return to Nuwara Eliya. The afternoon is spent exploring Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its scenic setting and forest birdlife.
After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure. The journey
concludes with lasting memories of Sri Lanka’s extraordinary birdlife, diverse habitats, and immersive natural experiences gathered over sixteen rewarding days.