Storm the Rainforest

Our Sri Lanka rainforest birding tour takes you through 10 days of stunning habitats, home to 35 endemic birds and rich wildlife, with expert guides and comfortable stays.

Avian Encounters: 10-Day Storm the Rainforest Tour

21-Day Timeline

Day 10

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Katunayake to Kitulgala

Upon arrival at Colombo International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your expert Naturalist Tour Leader who will accompany you throughout the journey. Keep an eye out for your first glimpses of Sri Lankan wildlife, such as the Indian Palm Squirrel or Yellow-billed Babbler. A scenic two-hour drive takes you to the lush village of Kitulgala, nestled along the Kelani River and surrounded by misty, biodiverse mountains. Dinner and overnight stay at Kitulgala Rest House.

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Kitulgala

The day begins with a pre-breakfast bird walk around Kitulgala village, searching for early-morning species. After breakfast, we’ll cross the river by raft to explore the Mahakandarawa Rainforest, spotting waterbirds like the Little Cormorant and Indian Pond Heron along the way. The afternoon is spent birding in the forest before returning to the hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay at Kitulgala Rest House.

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Kitulgala to Nuwara-Eliya

Before leaving Kitulgala, we’ll take one last walk through the village to look for any missed bird species. After breakfast, we head to Nuwara Eliya, a charming mountain town set at 1,900 meters and surrounded by tea plantations and cool misty air. Following lunch at the hotel, we’ll visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens for more birding opportunities. Dinner and overnight stay at Heaven Seven Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

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Nuwara-Eliya

We depart early with a packed breakfast for Horton Plains National Park, perched at 2,200 meters and known for its cool climate and unique highland bird species. After a rewarding morning of birding, we return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Victoria Park in the city center, a well-known hotspot for elusive highland birds. Dinner and overnight stay at Heaven Seven Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

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Nuwara-Eliya to Thissamaharama

As we bid farewell to Nuwara Eliya, our journey continues into Sri Lanka’s dry zone with a stop at Surrey Estate Sanctuary for some morning birding. We’ll then break for lunch in scenic Ella, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding valley. By late afternoon, we aim to arrive in Tissamaharama and explore the renowned tank, home to a rich diversity of birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at Kithala Resort or Rain Tree, Tissamaharama.

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Thissamaharama

Today, we set out on a full-day jeep safari in the renowned Yala National Park, with packed breakfast and lunch provided. This premier wildlife reserve offers excellent chances to spot a variety of birds, along with elephants, crocodiles, and possibly the elusive leopard. The diverse habitats of Yala make for an exciting and rewarding day in the field. Dinner and overnight stay at Kithala Resort or Rain Tree, Tissamaharama.

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Thissamaharama to Udawalawe to Singharaja

Our day begins with pre-breakfast birding around the Tissamaharama tank, a haven for waterbirds and waders. After breakfast, we head to Udawalawe National Park with a packed lunch for an exciting jeep safari, known for its large elephant herds and raptor sightings. Following the safari, we continue our journey to Sinharaja for a two-night stay. Dinner and overnight at Blue Magpie Lodge.

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Singharaja

After an early breakfast, we’ll set out with a packed lunch to explore the magnificent Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka’s premier biodiversity hotspot. Traveling by jeep over rugged terrain, we’ll reach the forest entrance and spend the day birding along its rich, shaded trails. Look out for mixed-species flocks and rare endemics in this dense, ancient rainforest. Dinner and overnight stay at Blue Magpie Lodge.

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Singharaja to Katunayake

With a packed breakfast, we’ll visit a nearby village in the buffer zone of Sinharaja Rainforest for a final morning of birding. After lunch, we’ll travel to our hotel near the airport, enjoying a relaxed drive through changing landscapes. If time permits, we’ll explore the hotel garden for any last sightings. Dinner and overnight stay at Tamarind Tree Hotel, Katunayaka.

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Katunayake

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport in time for your departure, bringing to a close an unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka’s incredible birdlife and landscapes.

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