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Nature Adventure

Wings of Wonder — Sri Lanka Endemic Birding Tour (10 Days)

Ten days of birdwatching paradise — lowland rainforest, montane forest and the UNESCO-listed Sinharaja Rainforest. Over 30 endemic species in one route.

Duration
10 days
From
€1,780
Best time to travel
November to April

A 10-day endemic birding tour covering Sri Lanka's most productive habitats — the lowland rainforests of Kitulgala, the montane forests of Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, the dry-zone scrub of Udawalawe, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Rainforest. Expert naturalist guides help you find Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, and many more of the island's 30+ endemic species.

Itinerary

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1

    Airport → Kitulgala

    Welcome at the airport by our Naturalist Guide and ~3-hour drive to Kitulgala. Lodge check-in. Evening introductory birding session near the hotel — target species: Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Yellow-fronted Barbet.

  2. 2

    Day 2

    Kitulgala — Full Day Birding

    Full-day birding expedition in the Makandawa Rainforest Reserve — one of Sri Lanka's premier birding hotspots. Target endemics: Serendib Scops Owl, Green-billed Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Spot-winged Thrush.

  3. 3

    Day 3

    Kitulgala → Nuwara Eliya

    Drive to the central highlands of Nuwara Eliya (~2 hrs). Afternoon guided birding session in Victoria Park — endemic focus: Sri Lanka White-eye, Dull-blue Flycatcher, Yellow-eared Bulbul.

  4. 4

    Day 4

    Nuwara Eliya — Horton Plains

    Early breakfast then off to Horton Plains National Park — a unique high-altitude ecosystem. Birding for the rarest montane endemics: Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon. Optional: walk to the famous World's End viewpoint.

  5. 5

    Day 5

    Nuwara Eliya → Udawalawe

    Scenic drive via Ella (4–5 hrs) with photo stops at Ella Gap and Ravana Falls. Evening jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. Key species: Malabar Pied Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Painted Stork. Elephant sightings are frequent.

  6. 6

    Day 6

    Udawalawe → Sinharaja Rainforest

    Morning jeep safari in Udawalawe or birding by the reservoir. Then transfer (~3 hrs) to the Sinharaja Rainforest (UNESCO World Heritage). Evening birding in the buffer zone.

  7. 7

    Day 7

    Sinharaja — Full Day Birding

    Guided birding expedition inside Sinharaja primary rainforest — famed for its exceptional rate of endemism. Key endemics: Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, Spot-winged Thrush.

  8. 8

    Day 8

    Sinharaja — More Birding

    Guided morning forest walk focused on additional endemic species, rare insects and rainforest flora. Afternoon rest at the lodge.

  9. 9

    Day 9

    Sinharaja → Colombo

    Drive to Colombo (~3 hrs). City tour exploring key landmarks and cultural sites, or leisure shopping. Hotel check-in.

  10. 10

    Day 10

    Colombo → Airport (Departure)

    After breakfast, ~45-minute transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.

What's included

  • • Welcome assistance at the airport
  • • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • • 9 nights' accommodation (eco-lodges / nature resorts)
  • • Half board (HB — breakfast and dinner)
  • • Expert English-speaking birding naturalist guide
  • • Private A/C car (1–2 pax) or van (4–6 pax) with driver-guide for 10 days
  • • Park entrance fees and safari costs incl. permits
  • • Bottled water during travel
  • • All government tax

Not included

  • • Air fare / insurance
  • • Visa fee charges
  • • Optional excursions not in itinerary
  • • Expenses of a personal nature
  • • Lunch
  • • Alcoholic beverages
  • • Tips & gratuities

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