Bird-watching Holiday in Sri Lanka

Day 2: Tapping into Toddy & Sinharaja Exploration (2 Night Sinharaja)

Embark on your first birdwatching experience at Muthurajawela Wetlands, gliding through the Dutch-built canal. This lush sanctuary offers an incredible introduction to Sri Lanka's birding paradise.

Journey to Sinharaja Rainforest, the heartbeat of bird lovers, via Wadduwa, where you'll witness traditional toddy tappers skillfully walking on coir ropes to collect palm nectar.

In the afternoon, take a scenic trek through Sinharaja, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with endemic bird species and rare wildlife.

Stay: Eco-lodge in Sinharaja (2 nights) – Nestled amidst rainforest

Travel: 3 hours (with scenic & cultural stops)

Things to Do:

Early birding at Muthurajawela Wetlands via a boat along a Dutch canal.

Stop at Wadduwa to witness traditional toddy tapping.

Afternoon nature trek into Sinharaja Rainforest – a UNESCO-listed a biodiversity hotspot teeming with endemic bird species and rare wildlife.

Day 3: Early Birds Catch the Best Views (Stay in Sinharaja)

Wake up early for an immersive birdwatching trek in Sinharaja, where the sounds of nature create a symphony of calls. Be on the lookout for the Sri Lanka Drongo (Dicrurus lophorhinus), the master of mimicry, known for its deceptive alarm calls.

Stay: Sinharaja (2nd night)

Travel: None – explore on foot AND 4X4

Things to Do:

Early morning birding trek through dense forest trails.

Spot endemics like the Sri Lanka Drongo, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, and more.

Learn bird calls, mimicry, and jungle lore with your expert guide with Majestic Sinharaja Rain forest all day 4x4 Vehicle, Morning & Night Walks with Tracker.

AIMING TO WATCH: Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – Urocissa ornata, Sri Lanka Junglefowl – Gallus lafayettii, Red-faced Malkoha – Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus, Green-billed Coucal – Centropus chlororhynchos, White-faced Starling – Sturnus albofrontatus, Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush – Zoothera dauma imbricata, Ceylon Hill Myna – Gracula ptilogenys.

Day 4: Expedition into the Wild (1 Night Udawalawa)

Head to Udawalawa National Park, A paradise for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts! Spot majestic elephants in their natural habitat and discover a variety of exotic bird species in the park's lush surroundings.

Stay: Safari lodge near Udawalawa National Park

Travel: 2 hours

Things to Do:

Jeep safari through Udawalawa National Park.

Spot elephants, water buffalo, crested serpent eagles, and more.

Visit Elephant Transit Home (optional).

AIMINING TO WATCH : Sri Lanka Junglefowl – Gallus lafayettii, Ceylon Serpent Eagle – Spilornis cheela ceylonensis, Red-faced Malkoha – Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill – Ocyceros gingalensis, White-bellied Drongo – Dicrurus caerulescens, Ceylon Swallow – Hirundo hyperythra, Sri Lanka Woodshrike – Tephrodornis affinis.

Day 5: Flamingo Haven at Bundala (1 Night Thissamaharama)

Rise early for a trip to Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland site and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. From September to March, you'll witness huge flocks of Greater Flamingos, a dream sight for bird enthusiasts. In the evening at Tissamaharama Wetland, various owl species, including the Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena), Brown Fish Owl (Ketupa zeylonensis), and Brown Wood Owl (Strix leptogrammica), emerge from their daytime roosts, adding to the mystical ambiance of the twilight -a dream come true for bird watchers.

Stay: Charming guesthouse in Tissamaharama

Travel: 2 hours

Things to Do:

Morning safari at Bundala National Park – a haven for migratory birds & flamingos (Sept–Mar).

Evening birdwatching at Tissamaharama Wetlands.

Spot owls like Indian Scops Owl, Barn Owl, Brown Wood Owl.

AMINING TO WATCH : Sri Lanka Junglefowl – Gallus lafayettii, Ceylon Flamingo – Phoenicopterus ruber roseus, Ceylon Crested Drongo – Dicrurus lophorinus, Red-faced Malkoha – Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus, Indian Peafowl – Pavo cristatus, Greater Flamingo – Phoenicopterus roseus, Ceylon White-eye – Zosterops ceylonensis.

Day 6: NuwraEliya-Serene, Vibrant, Picturesque, Tranquil (2 Nights NuwaraEliya)

Travel towards Nuwara Eliya, a magical adventure awaits as you embark on a serene dawn safari to Yala National Park. Spot the endangered Sri Lankan birds, majestic elephants, and elusive leopards amidst stunning landscapes. It's the perfect way to connect with nature's beauty and witness incredible wildlife in its natural habitat!

Stay: Colonial-style resort in Nuwara Eliya (2 nights)

Travel: 3 hours (via Yala & hill country)

Things to Do:

Optional: Early morning safari in Yala National Park – chance to see leopards!.

Scenic drive through tea country to Nuwara Eliya.

Check-in to your peaceful hill-country retreat.

AIMING TO WATCH : Sri Lanka Junglefowl - Gallus lafayetti, Greater Adjutant Stork - Leptoptilos dubius, Painted Stork - Mycteria leucocephala, Grey-headed Fish Eagle - Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus, Spot-billed Pelican - Pelecanus philippensis, Indian Peafowl (Peacock) - Pavo cristatus.

Day 7: Standing at the World's Edge - (Stay in NuwaraEliya)

Embark on a morning hike at Horton Plains National Park, a mystical cloud forest home to rare highland birds, adapted to thrive in cool, misty conditions. The trek culminates at the breathtaking World's End, a dramatic cliff offering panoramic views.

Stay: Nuwara Eliya (2nd night)

Travel: 4x4 Safari

Things to Do:

Explore a Tea Plantation & Factory – try tea-picking & tasting world-famous Ceylon Tea.

Visit a Gem Factory & Wood Carving Workshop – ideal for unique souvenirs.

Optional: Stroll through Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens – orchids, palms & giant bats.

Capture breathtaking views at Lake Gregory – perfect for photography & unwinding.

AIMING TO WATCH: Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush - Myophonus blighi, Yellow-eared Bulbul - Pycnonotus penicillatus, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler - Horornis vulcani, Dusky Striped Squirrel - Funambulus sublineatus.

Day 8: Birds of Prey in Kitulgala - (1 Night in Kithulgala)

Proceed to Kitulgala, a tropical haven nestled in the Kelani River Valley. Enjoy a scenic hike through the lush forests and spot the majestic Mountain Hawk Eagle soaring above. With a little luck, and under the expert guidance of your seasoned birding guide, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive and endemic Serendib Scops Owl, along with other special birds like the Ceylon Junglefowl and Indian Pitta. A paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike! 

Stay: Eco-cabin in Kitulgala

Travel: 2 hours

Things to Do:

Trek through Kitulgala Rainforest – lush, tropical, and rich in birdlife.

Look for the elusive Serendib Scops Owl, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, and Sri Lanka Frogmouth.

Enjoy riverside relaxation or optional white-water rafting.

AIMING TO WATCH: Ceylon Green Pigeon – Treron pompadora, Serendib Scops Owl – Otus thilohoffmanni, White-faced Starling – Sturnus senex, Greater Flameback – Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus, Yellow-fronted Barbet – Megalaima flavifrons, Ceylon Lorikeet – Psitteuteles duvaucelii.

Start your day early with a visit to Udawattakele Forest Reserve, home to Sri Lanka's largest owl, the Brown Wood Owl, ominously nicknamed the “Devil Bird” (Ulama).

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant, served on a banana leaf with a variety of flavourful curries.

Stay: Kandy (2nd night)

Travel: Minimal – local excursions

Things to Do:

Early morning birding walk in Udawattakele Forest Reserve.

Chance to spot the Brown Wood Owl, known as the mysterious “Ulama” or Devil Bird.

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch served on a banana leaf – full of flavour and authenticity.

AIMING TO WATCH : Sri Lanka Hill Myna – Gracula ptilonorhyncha, Ceylon Junglefowl – Gallus lafayettii, Yellow-fronted Barbet – Megalaima flavifrons, Ceylon Woodshrike – Tephrodornis pondicerianus, Sri Lanka White-eye – Zosterops ceylonensis, Black-capped Bulbul – Pycnonotus melanicterus, Ceylon Drongo – Dicrurus ceylonicus.

Drive through the lush countryside to Dambulla Cave Temple (optional visit), a fascinating art gallery of ancient rock paintings. Explore the five main grottoes and uncover the intriguing story of the Second Cave.
In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the serene Hiriwaduna Wetland for a relaxing bird-watching experience. Keep an eye out for unique species, including the Purple Heron and Little Egret, as you wander through the wetlands.
Later, head to Minneriya National Park, where you can witness playful baby elephants and massive herds gathering around the water. A perfect day to immerse in both wildlife and cultural beauty!

Stay: Tranquil lodge in Habarana

Travel: 3 hours

Things to Do:

Optional: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple – ancient Buddhist artistry carved into rock.

Gentle nature walk in Hiriwaduna Wetland – birdwatching in a peaceful village setting.

Evening safari in Minneriya National Park – home to one of the world's largest wild elephant gatherings.

AIMING TO WATCH : Sri Lanka Spurfowl – Galloperdix bicalcarata, Ceylon Grey Hornbill – Ocyceros gingalensis, Yellow-fronted Barbet – Megalaima flavifrons, Ceylon Green Pigeon – Treron pompadora, Red-faced Malkoha – Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus, Sri Lanka Swallow – Hirundo hyperborea, Purple Heron – Ardea purpurea.

Start your day with a peaceful morning bird-watching session at Hiriwaduna Wetland, where you'll catch glimpses of vibrant birds like the Purple Heron and Little Egret in their natural habitat.

If time permits, enjoy a relaxing late check-out from your hotel.

Then, embark on a scenic drive back to Colombo Airport, where your memorable journey comes to a close.

Stay: N/A – Departure day

Travel: 3 hours to Colombo Airport

Things to Do:

Early morning birdwatching at Hiriwaduna Wetland.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and optional late check-out.

Scenic drive to Colombo Airport for your departure.