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This immersive birding journey is designed for true nature enthusiasts seeking Sri Lanka’s remarkable endemic species across diverse ecosystems. From the lush rainforests of Kitulgala and Sinharaja to the misty highlands of Horton Plains and the cultural forests of Kandy, the tour unfolds at a thoughtful pace guided by deep local expertise. Each day reveals rare birds, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes, blending focused birdwatching with comfortable stays and meaningful encounters in some of the island’s most important habitats.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you are warmly welcomed and transferred to Kitulgala or Adiambalama, depending on arrival time. The drive introduces you to Sri Lanka’s lush greenery before an afternoon birding session around the Kitulgala area. The day ends with relaxation amid rainforest sounds, followed by an overnight stay in Kitulgala.
After breakfast, spend the full day birding in the Kitulgala region and the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve. These forests are rich in endemics and mixed species flocks, offering rewarding sightings throughout the day. The tranquil riverine setting enhances the experience before returning to your lodge for the night.
Begin with a short birding session around Kitulgala village before travelling toward Sinharaja Rainforest. After lunch en route, the late afternoon is dedicated to birding along the forest edges and surrounding trails, where many endemic species are often active. Overnight near Sinharaja allows the forest sounds to set the mood for the days ahead.
An early breakfast is followed by a full day inside Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dense canopy, forest streams, and ancient trees provide ideal conditions for observing endemic birds and mixed feeding flocks. The day is paced to allow for careful observation and photography, with a return to the lodge by evening.
Another full day is spent exploring different sectors of Sinharaja, increasing the chances of encountering elusive species. The experience deepens with expert guidance that explains forest ecology, bird behaviour, and their conservation importance. The evening is spent relaxing amid the rainforest setting.
After a short birding session around the lodge, travel to Udawalawe. In the afternoon, enjoy a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, well known for elephants, raptors, and open grassland species. The contrasting landscape adds variety to the birding experience before overnighting near the park.
Begin with a morning jeep safari in Udawalawe, including a picnic breakfast in the park. Afterwards, journey toward Nuwara Eliya through scenic hill country roads, stopping for lunch along the way. The late afternoon is spent birding in Victoria Park, a prime location for highland species.
A pre-dawn departure with a picnic breakfast takes you to Horton Plains National Park at first light. The cool plateau offers excellent chances to observe highland endemics in open grasslands and cloud forest. In the afternoon, continue birding at Hakgala Botanical Garden, known for its diverse highland birdlife.
After breakfast, travel to Kandy with a visit to a tea factory en route to learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage. Following lunch, explore Peradeniya Botanical Garden, home to an impressive Flying Fox roost and a variety of bird species. In the evening, you may optionally visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic or enjoy a traditional dance performance.
An early morning visit to Udawattakele Forest Reserve offers a final opportunity to observe forest birds in a serene setting. After lunch, transfer to a hotel near the airport for dinner before a late-night departure, concluding an enriching journey through Sri Lanka’s endemic bird habitats.