Bird Watching Tours in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a birdwatchers’ dream destination, being a hotspot for both resident and migratory birds. It is a pastime that is well-respected and held in high regard by locals. We offer curated birdwatching tours in Sri Lanka, handling everything for you from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about any of the travel or accommodation arrangements and simply engage in your preferred activity. Allow us to craft birdwatching excursions that satisfy all your travel cravings with immersive experiences – from boat rides through mangroves to peaceful treks through a forest trail. Our tours cater to all levels of birdwatching – from curious beginners to experienced birders – guaranteeing a rewarding experience for all those who are partial to this truly enriching activity.
8
EXPERIENCES
10 DAYS
Duration
Anawilundawa
Habarana
Sigiriya
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Horton Plains National Park
Sinharaja Forest
Why You’ll Love this Trip
- A chance to spot over 400 species of birds – each one more vibrant and fascinating than the last.
- Explore rich biodiversity hotspots in a way that allows you to experience nature in its purest form.
- Enjoy fun facts and insightful info from expert naturalists to enhance your experience.
- Journey to less-popular off-the-beaten-path locations that are home to rare avian species.
- Combine your love for birdwatching with enriching activities like photography and light trekking.
Is This the Right pick For You?
- You’re an avid birdwatcher – or someone who’s always been keen to try it out.
- You’re a nature lover who craves quiet, meaningful moments of peace.
- You prefer slow-paced, immersive travel surrounded by nature rather than thrilling activities.
- You love learning about local wildlife and prefer to be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
Day 1 Arrival in Colombo – Kelani Wetlands Intro
Arrival in Colombo – Kelani Wetlands Intro
Stay:
The Wallawwa (Kotugoda)
Highlights:
- Meet your birding guide over dinner
- Late afternoon visit to Kelani Wetlands – species like Purple Heron, Black Bittern, and endemic Sri Lanka Swallow
Day 2 Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Stay:
Palm Garden Village, Anuradhapura
Highlights:
- Early transfer to Anawilundawa Sanctuary (2 hours)
- Wetland species: Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black-capped Kingfisher, and Asian Openbill
- Evening checklist session with your guide
Day 3 Wilpattu National Park – Dry Zone Birding
Wilpattu National Park – Dry Zone Birding
Stay:
Leopard Trails Wilpattu (Tented Camp)
Highlights:
- Full-day jeep safari focusing on dry-zone birds:
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- Sri Lanka Junglefowl
- Brown Fish Owl
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Optional night walk around camp for owls & nightjars
Day 4 Sigiriya & Habarana Forest
Sigiriya & Habarana Forest
Stay:
Aliya Resort & Spa
Highlights:
- Morning birding at Sigiriya’s forest edge – Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, and Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher
- Afternoon in Habarana Forest for raptors & parakeets
Day 5 Kandy & Udawatta Sanctuary
Kandy & Udawatta Sanctuary
Stay:
The Kandy House
Highlights:
- Drive to Kandy (2.5 hours)
- Afternoon birding at Udawatta Sanctuary: Layard’s Parakeet, Spot-winged Thrush, and Brown-capped Babbler
- Relaxing evening at your boutique hotel
Day 6 Nuwara Eliya – High-Altitude Birding
Nuwara Eliya – High-Altitude Birding
Stay:
Jetwing St. Andrew’s
Highlights:
- Early drive to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours)
- Afternoon at Victoria Park: Pied Thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher, and Forest Wagtail
Day 7 Horton Plains – Cloud Forest Specialties
Horton Plains – Cloud Forest Specialties
Stay:
Same as Day 6
Highlights:
- Pre-dawn departure to Horton Plains National Park:
- Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush
- Sri Lanka Bush Warbler
- Dull-blue Flycatcher
- Yellow-eared Bulbul
- Return by late morning; optional stroll through tea estates in the afternoon
Day 8 Sinharaja Rainforest – Endemic Heaven
Sinharaja Rainforest – Endemic Heaven
Stay:
Rainforest Ecolodge Sinharaja
Highlights:
- Transfer to Sinharaja (5 hours)
- Evening briefing on Sinharaja’s mixed-species feeding flocks – a true highlight for birders
Day 9 Sinharaja Full- Day Trek
Sinharaja Full- Day Trek
Stay:
Same as Day 8
Highlights:
- Guided trekking inside Sinharaja Rainforest:
- Red-faced Malkoha
- Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
- Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush
- Scaly Thrush
- Best chance to complete your endemic checklist
Day 10 Departure via Colombo
Departure via Colombo
Highlights:
- Optional morning birding near Sinharaja
- Transfer back to Colombo airport (4 hours) for onward flight
Key Endemic Targets
- Sri Lanka Spurfowl
- Sri Lanka Junglefowl
- Layard’s Parakeet
- Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler
- Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush
- Sri Lanka Bush Warbler
- Yellow-fronted Barbet
- Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush
- Sri Lanka Frogmouth (near Sinharaja)
Add-Ons (Optional)
- Bundala National Park: Best for waders & flamingos (Oct–Mar).
- Boat ride in Muthurajawela Wetlands (Colombo extension).
- Night birding for owls & nightjars (multiple locations).
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
FEATURED EXPERIENCES
Whale & Dolphin Watching in Sri Lanka
Sail towards the horizon alongside these majestic sea creatures….