Birdwatching in Sri Lanka

Your Guide to
Birdwatching in Sri Lanka

Spot 35 endemics and 240+ species in two weeks!

Explore Sri Lanka’s birdlife with expert guides.

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Birdwatching in Sri Lanka Discover the Breathtaking World of Unique Avian Species.

Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 240+ bird species, including 35 rare endemics found nowhere else on Earth. From the lush rainforests of Sinharaja to the shimmering coastal lagoons of Bundala, birdwatching in Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary adventure through some of Asia’s most breathtaking ecosystems.

At Adventure Birding, we bring you closer to the island’s most spectacular and elusive avian species — whether you are an experienced birder chasing rare endemics, a wildlife photographer seeking the perfect shot, or a nature lover exploring the outdoors for the first time.

With expert local guides, carefully crafted birding tours, and an intimate knowledge of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife habitats, we make birdwatching in Sri Lanka a truly unforgettable experience.

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Perry’s Legacy :
Sri Lanka’s Premier
Birding Experience.

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Perry’s Legacy :
Sri Lanka’s Premier
Birding Experience.

Explore More

Our Top Guides:
Experts in Birding.

Saman Gamage

Saman, born near Bundala National Park, has been immersed in wildlife since childhood. A seasoned ranger and tracker for Bundala, Yala, and Udawalawe, he has deep expertise in the terrain and species of these parks. He has worked on conservation raids, assisted researchers, and contributed to BBC documentaries, including Elephant Island. Also experienced in human-elephant conflict mediation, his renowned birding skills make him a sought-after guide.

Dhanushka Perera

Dhanushka, a former banker, became a naturalist to pursue his passion for wildlife. An expert in birds, mammals, and reptiles, he holds a chemistry degree from ICHEM and was a member of the Young Zoologists Association. He is also a wildlife photographer, video editor, and conservation activist. With extensive field experience, he is a sought-after guide for nature tours.

Gayomini Panagoda

Gayomini is a Sri Lankan birding enthusiast and PhD researcher specializing in waterbird migration. She leads field expeditions on Mannar Island for the Central Asian Flyway-Sri Lanka Waterbird Tracking Program. A dedicated conservationist, she conducts bird ringing and satellite-tagging. Her work earned her the Young Conservation Scientist Award.

Saman Gamage

Saman, born near Bundala National Park, has been immersed in wildlife since childhood. A seasoned ranger and tracker for Bundala, Yala, and Udawalawe, he has deep expertise in the terrain and species of these parks. He has worked on conservation raids, assisted researchers, and contributed to BBC documentaries, including Elephant Island. Also experienced in human-elephant conflict mediation, his renowned birding skills make him a sought-after guide.

Dhanushka Perera

Dhanushka, a former banker, became a naturalist to pursue his passion for wildlife. An expert in birds, mammals, and reptiles, he holds a chemistry degree from ICHEM and was a member of the Young Zoologists Association. He is also a wildlife photographer, video editor, and conservation activist. With extensive field experience, he is a sought-after guide for nature tours.

Gayomini Panagoda

Gayomini is a Sri Lankan birding enthusiast and PhD researcher specializing in waterbird migration. She leads field expeditions on Mannar Island for the Central Asian Flyway-Sri Lanka Waterbird Tracking Program. A dedicated conservationist, she conducts bird ringing and satellite-tagging. Her work earned her the Young Conservation Scientist Award.

The Partners We Fly With

Naturetrek

Avi Fauna Tours

Heaterlea

Wildlife Worldwide

The Traveling Naturalist

Tropical Birding Tours

Birdquest

Wild Images

Birdsafari Sweden

Birdfinders

Guest Chronicles

My Guide Janaka was very polite, extraordinarily helpful and open for all suggestions. All demands were solved immediately. Very good knowledge on land and people. Excellent general knowledge on nature topics and species. With regard to birds, good expertise on sites and birds’ habitats. 10 skills solid. Target was reached: 35 endemics – Mission accomplished on day 10/12.

Ground Arrangements, Agent in Sri Lanka* Everything well organized and prepared. Highly recommended.

No. of Birds seen: 196
No. of Endemics seen: 35
No. of Mammals seen: 18
No. of Butterflies seen: X
No. of other species seen: 11
Dr Christian Dietzen Germany
I recently enjoyed a ten-day birding tour in Sri Lanka with Janaka Srimal Abeysinghe of Adventure Birding, and it exceeded all expectations. Despite my 2:00 AM arrival in Colombo, Janaka greeted me warmly and we quickly began birding, recording seven endemic species before breakfast in Kitulgala. Over the next ten days, we covered major birding sites including Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Yala, Bundala, Udawalawe, and Sinharaja, ultimately finding all 34 Sri Lankan endemics and nearly 200 additional species.

Janaka’s expertise, dedication, and companionship made the experience exceptional. The tour was well organized, and the booking process with Dhanushka Samarasinghe was smooth and professional. I highly recommend Adventure Birding for a truly rewarding birding experience.
David B. StantonCook, Minnesota, USA
This was the first tour back to Sri Lanka after several years which had been completely modified to include rarely visited areas of the northwest around Mannar and Wilipattu. These two areas proved to be a hotbed of migrant species and scarce island birds which are generally absent from the south. From the north we visited the more familiar areas in the dry and wet zones including Sinaraja, Yala, Bundala and Sigiriya. The final number of birds observed was 255 species an impressive total which was attained by visiting the north which is open fully after the thirty years of conflict which ended earlier in the century. Mammals also featured with sightings of Leopard and Sloth Bear the latter is rarely seen on any tours.

My thanks go out to Melissa for the ground arrangements within the country and our excellent guide Thilanka who without his knowledge and skills in both mammals and birds made the tour a huge success.

The next trip is planned for January 2027 with a maximum of 6 clients and the guide.
Mark FinnUK