In-depth Bird Watching Tour
Join a 21-day birding expedition across Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes—from ancient cities and misty highlands to lush rainforests and national parks. Spot all 35 endemic species, regional specialties, and migrants, while enjoying the island’s rich cultural heritage along the way.
Avian Encounters: 21 Days of Ornithological Discovery
Katunayake to Anuradhapura
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayaka in the morning, you’ll be transferred to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s most historically rich cities. After settling in, the afternoon is reserved for relaxation and light birdwatching around the hotel premises, allowing you to ease into the tour while beginning to spot some local avian species. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at Rajarata Hotel in Anuradhapura.
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Anuradhapura
After breakfast, the morning will be spent birdwatching around the ancient city of Anuradhapura and its surrounding tanks—man-made lakes that attract a rich variety of birdlife. This serene setting offers excellent opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species in their natural habitat. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Rajarata Hotel in Anuradhapura.
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Anuradhapura to Sigiriya
After breakfast, you will depart for Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural and historical significance. In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching in and around the Sigiriya Sanctuary, where diverse habitats support a wide range of bird species. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Hotel Sigiriya in Sigiriya.
Watch out for
Sigiriya
After breakfast, set out for Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscape and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, explore the Sigiriya Sanctuary with a focused birding session, taking in the rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Hotel Sigiriya in Sigiriya.
Watch out for
Sigiriya
After breakfast, set out for Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking landscape and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, explore the Sigiriya Sanctuary with a focused birding session, taking in the rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Hotel Sigiriya in Sigiriya.
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Sigiriya to Kandy
After breakfast, depart for Kandy with a stop en route to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its intricate murals and ancient statues. In the afternoon, visit the beautifully landscaped Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, home to a rich collection of tropical flora. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Hotel Thilanka in Kandy..
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Kandy
After breakfast, travel to Kandy with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple en route. In the afternoon, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Thilanka, Kandy. The next morning, visit Udawattakele Sanctuary for birding, followed by an afternoon visit to the Temple of the Tooth. Return for dinner and overnight stay at Hotel Thilanka.
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Kandy to Nuwara-Eliya
After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya, a scenic hill country town known for its cool climate and colonial charm. In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching in Victoria Park, a well-known hotspot for spotting highland species. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Heaven Seven in Nuwara Eliya.
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Nuwara-Eliya
After breakfast, head out for a morning excursion to Surrey Estate in Welimada or the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, both offering excellent birding opportunities. In the afternoon, continue birdwatching at Galway’s Land Sanctuary, a haven for highland bird species. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Heaven Seven in Nuwara Eliya.
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Nuwara-Eliya
After breakfast, head out for a morning excursion to Surrey Estate in Welimada or the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, both offering excellent birding opportunities. In the afternoon, continue birdwatching at Galway’s Land Sanctuary, a haven for highland bird species. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Heaven Seven in Nuwara Eliya.
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Nuwara-Eliya to Thissamaharama
After breakfast, depart for Tissamaharama and spend the morning birdwatching around its rich wetland areas, known for attracting a variety of waterbirds. Continue with additional birding in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Kithala Resort or Rain Tree in Tissamaharama.
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Thissamaharama
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and excellent birding opportunities. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at Kithala Resort or Rain Tree in Tissamaharama.
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Thissamaharama
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and excellent birding opportunities. Return in the evening for dinner and overnight stay at Kithala Resort or Rain Tree in Tissamaharama.
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Thissamaharama to Kalametiya to Embilipitiya
After breakfast, depart for Embilipitiya with a visit to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary en route, offering excellent coastal and wetland birding. In the afternoon, embark on a jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park, known for its large elephant population and diverse birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Centauria Wild in Embilipitiya.
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Embilipitiya to Singharaja
After breakfast, enjoy a morning jeep safari in Uda Walawe National Park, continuing your search for both bird and mammal sightings. In the afternoon, proceed to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last remaining tropical rainforest. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Blue Magpie Lodge in Sinharaja.
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Singharaja
Spend the full day birdwatching in the Sinharaja World Heritage Wilderness Area, a haven for endemic and migratory species. Explore the lush rainforest trails with a picnic lunch amidst the serene natural surroundings. In the evening, return for dinner and overnight stay at Blue Magpie Lodge in Sinharaja.
Watch out for
Singharaja
Spend the full day birdwatching in the Sinharaja World Heritage Wilderness Area, a haven for endemic and migratory species. Explore the lush rainforest trails with a picnic lunch amidst the serene natural surroundings. In the evening, return for dinner and overnight stay at Blue Magpie Lodge in Sinharaja.
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Singharaja to Kithulgala
After breakfast, depart for Kitulgala, a charming town known for its lush greenery and vibrant birdlife. In the afternoon, enjoy birdwatching around the area, known for its diverse avian species. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Kitulgala Rest House.
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Kithulgala
Spend the full day birdwatching in the Kitulgala Forest Reserve, where you’ll encounter a variety of endemic and migratory species in their natural habitat. In the evening, enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Kitulgala Rest House.
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Kithulgala to Ingiriya to Bellanwila to Katunayake
After breakfast, depart for your hotel near the airport, stopping en route to explore the Ingiriya Forest Reserve (Bodinagala), a lesser-known gem for birding. Enjoy lunch in Ingiriya before continuing to the Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary for afternoon birdwatching. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Tamarind Tree in Katunayake.
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Katunayake
After breakfast, enjoy a morning boat excursion through the Muthurajawela Swamp, a coastal wetland rich in birdlife and biodiversity. Later that night, transfer to the airport for your departure.
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