14 Day Bird watching tour Sri Lanka

Muthurajawela Marsh, Relax on beach.

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a boat ride through the Muthurajawela Marsh. The Negombo lagoon houses one of the most bio diverse flora and fauna sanctuaries. The Muthurajawela Marsh is said to be the islands largest peat bog which has nearly 200 species of flora, over 200 species of fauna and over 100 species of birds. You could go on a city tour of Negombo and relax on the beach the rest of the day.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Traditional Dance Performance.

Prepare to leave for the hill country of Kandy; on the way visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which looks after a large number of Elephants. The main attractions are the feeding and bathing of the elephants. Check into your hotel and relax. In the evening enjoy a visit to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth followed by a viewing of a traditional cultural dance performance.

Udawattakele Sanctuary, Peradeniya Gardens

Today you will visit the Udawattakele Sanctuary. This 257 acre forest sanctuary which lies north of the Tooth Relic Temple is home to various species of birds, animals and butterflies. Some birds you will often find in this forest are ; Sri Lanka Yellow-fronted Barbet , Sri Lanka Layard’s Parakeet , Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush , Emerald Dove, Black-Backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Crimson-Backed Flameback, White-Rumped Shama, Tickell’s Blue Flyctacher and many more.

Afterwards visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden which is Sri Lankas largest botanical garden. This garden is wonderful for bird watching as there are about 80 species of birds including 10 endemic and rare migrant birds. Some birds you will find in this park are ; Sri Lanka Small Barbet, Indian Pitta,  Common Hawk-cuckoo and Large Cuckooshrike.

Tea Factory, Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Prepare to leave for Nuwara Eliya after breakfast. On the way visit a Tea factory. Often referred to as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka it is the heart of the tea industry which began its journey to produce the green gold of the country after the British influence in the colonial era. You will see many bungalows, houses and hotels with a touch of British taste.

Option: If you wish you may visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens  which attracts many visitors with its picturesque surroundings. The garden is ornamented with a touch of English cottage garden flowers, curious little nooks and corners of ferns and rocky pathways, vibrant rose gardens and glorious orchid house which has an endemic mountain orchid.

Horton Plains, Victoria Park

Spend a day in Horton Plains National Park as you go trekking in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The strange and mysterious silence of the surrounding is almost meditative. This high altitude plateau is stretched out in grassland with intervals of forests. Some birds you may sport here are ; Eurasian Blackbirds, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Bush-Warbler, Pied Bush Chat, Greater Flamebacks, Orange-billed Babbler, Great Tit, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Kashmir & Dusky Blue Flycatcher.

In the evening visit Victoria Park. This 27 acre public park was once a research field for Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The Nanu Oya river flows through this park and you will find hill country birds such as Kashmir Fly Catcher or Grey Tit cozying up in the cool climate.

Relax on beach

After breakfast prepare to leave for Arugam Bay in the eastern coast.  This small fishing village just 2.5km from Pottuvil, is one of the top ten surfing spots in the world! It attracts many budget tourists and surfers from all corners of the globe. Nestled along this chilled out beach stretch are colourful fishing boats, lagoons, restaurants, cafes and budget hotels. Not only is the spot treasured for its blazing waves, it is also close to wildlife parks, historic and religious sites.

Birding in Kumana National Park

Get ready for some serious bird watching as you go on a safari in Kumana National Park, a bird lovers sanctuary and eco tourism attraction,. Bird lovers are beckoned by the impressive birds ranging over 200 species. The natural swamp (Kumana Villu) in this park attracts thousands of migratory birds such as Pelicans, Painted Storks, Spoonbills, White Ibis and wading birds. The rare Black Necked Stork has also been spotted here. Rare migrants include Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Trogon. You may also spot Red-faced Malkoha, and Sirkeer Malkoha.  Apart from birds look out for  wild boar, elephants, fishing cats and jackals.

Safari in Lahugala National Park

Today you will go on a safari in Lahugala National Park located just fifteen minutes North of Pottuvil.. It was once the “Elephant Corridor”, were the mighty giants used to crossover to the South Eastern side during the dry seasons of July and August. The elephants come to feed on a special beru grass found only in Sri Lanka.  Even though it is one of the smallest national parks in the island, it is an important habitat for elephants and endemic birds.  The water tanks in the park attract a large variety of birds. Noteworthy birds you may spot here are ; Great White Pelican, Purple Heron, Painted Stork, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Common Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-throated Kingfisher, Spot-billed Pelican, Asian Openbill, Red faced Malkoha and Sri Lanka Spurfowl.

Relax on Beach

Leave for Passekudah, one of the most pristine beaches in Sri Lanka. It is situated close to Batticcalo and well known for its beauty and calm blue waters. It’s alluring beauty and charm attracts many foreigners and locals. Passekudah is said to have the longest shallow coastline in the world. Enjoy the day at leisure and relax on the beach or by the pool.

Polonnaruwa Ruins

Today you will visit the city of Polonnaruwa.  Once a flourished Kingdom well equipped with knowledge, skill and creativity, this ancient city is a proud display of our ancestral heritage. The vast reservoir Parakrama Samudhraya bordering the city is considered to be one of the largest manmade lakes in Sri Lanka. In the evening on your way to Habarana you will visit the Minneriya National Park, which is famous for its large herds of Elephants, who gather around the lakes in the afternoons. The lakes also attract large number of birds. It is recorded that nearly 160 species of birds are found in the park.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Birding in Sigiriya Sanctuary

In the morning you will visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 5th century B.C this 8th wonder of the world displays landscaped gardens, beautiful water gardens, moats and ramparts, twisted steps and stairways and remnants of the Kings palace on top of the rock. You may enjoy some bird watching in the surrounding area of Sigiriya Forest Sanctuary which is home to a variety of birds.

City Tour, Shopping, Nightlife

After breakfast leave for Colombo. You may enjoy a city tour, do some shopping and later explore Colombo nightlife.

Birding in Talangama Wetland

Today you will go bird watching in Talangama Wetland, which is located close to Colombo. This urban oasis is an excellent excursion to photograph birds, butterflies and dragonflies as it houses over 100 species of birds and various species of butterflies and dragon flies. There are also a few mammals residing in the wetland.  Some noteworthy sightings would be; Herons, Cormorants, Egrets, Ibis, Painted Stork, Raptors and Kingfisher (4 varieties). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight.