Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Wilpattu
• Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, receive a warm welcome
• You will be escorted to your private luxury vehicle
• Your journey then takes you to Wilpattu, where your birding adventure begins
• Check into your accommodation and settle in
• A good night's sleep is the perfect way to adjust to the time zone and recover from your journey
• Overnight stay in the Wilpattu region
Arrival:
- Airport arrival scene
- Wilpattu wilderness area
Day 2 - Wilpattu National Park Safari
• Today, embark on a full-day jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park
• This is Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park
• Home to a rich array of resident and migratory bird species
• Search for painted storks, openbills, egrets, herons, and numerous waterfowl
• Take a break amidst nature to enjoy a picnic lunch with refreshing drinks during your safari
• Continue exploring the park's iconic "villus" (natural lakes) that attract diverse birdlife
• Overnight stay in thrilling Wilpattu
Birding Highlights:
- Sunrise jeep safari experience
- Bird watching in natural habitat
Day 3 - Wilpattu to Mannar
• Depart to discover the coastal beauty of the Mannar region
• This area is famous for its unique arid landscape and lagoons
• Evening exploration of the Mannar countryside including:
• Thiruketheeswaram (Paalavi) Tank – a vital wetland for waterbirds
• Ranapadu Fishing Village – observe traditional coastal livelihoods
• Lagoon ecosystems – home to waders and migratory species
• Mannar Fort – historic Dutch-era fortification
• Overnight stay in untouched Mannar
Coastal Exploration:
- Mannar landscape
- Lagoon ecosystems and bird habitats
Day 4 - Mannar Birding Excursion
• Early morning departure to spot migratory birds in Mannar's famous wetlands
• Key birding locations include:
• Korakulam Wetland – prime habitat for flamingos and other waders
• Mannar Salt Pans – shallow waters attract shorebirds and terns
• Keeri Beach – coastal bird species along the shoreline
• Thallady Junction Ponds – freshwater pools teeming with waterfowl
• Target species include greater flamingos, spoonbills, painted storks, and numerous waders
• Overnight stay in untouched Mannar
Birding Paradise:
- Flamingo sightings
- Coastal and lagoon bird species
Day 5 - Mannar to Sigiriya/Habarana
• Head east toward the cultural heartland of Sigiriya
• Journey through changing landscapes from arid zone to dry evergreen forest
• Experience the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress during golden hour
• Watch as the setting sun creates dramatic lighting on ancient rock formations
• The play of light offers breathtaking photography opportunities
• Check into your accommodation in the Sigiriya region
• Overnight stay in historic Sigiriya
Sunset Experience:
- Bentota region en route
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset
Day 6 - Explore Sigiriya / Habarana Birding & Village Life
• Early morning visit to Sigiriya sanctuary – a scrubland ecosystem
• This area consists of dry mixed evergreen forest with small to medium-sized reservoirs (tanks)
• Excellent location to spot dry zone bird species including:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, parakeets, and woodpeckers
• Waterbirds around the tank edges
• Discover the essence of Sri Lankan village life including:
• Scenic lake journey by catamaran
• Meaningful exchanges with local villagers
• Delightful traditional cooking experience
• Overnight stay in historic Sigiriya
Cultural & Birding Blend:
- Sigiriya village landscape
- Authentic rural village life experience
Day 7 - Sigiriya to Kitulgala
• Begin your morning by exploring the historic Dambulla Cave Temple
• This UNESCO World Heritage site features five caves filled with ancient Buddhist art
• Transfer to the adventure hub of Kitulgala
• Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting session on the Kelani River
• This activity spices up your birding journey with some adrenaline-filled adventure
• Navigate through exciting rapids surrounded by dense rainforest
• Relaxing overnight stay in adventurous Kitulgala
Adventure & Heritage:
- Dambulla Cave Temple complex
- Waterfall scenery in Kitulgala
Day 8 - Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya
• Morning trek through the lush rainforest of Kitulgala
• This area is a haven for endemic birds including:
• Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – a stunning forest bird
• Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Green-billed Coucal, and Layard's Parakeet
• Transfer toward Nuwara Eliya with en route stops at:
• St. Clair Waterfall – beautifully cascading through tea country
• Devon Waterfall – a scenic photography spot
• Evening tour through picturesque "Little England" including:
• Tea plantation and factory visit
• Charming old post office building
• Victoria Park – home to highland bird species
• Scenic Gregory Lake – spot mountain birds
• Overnight stay in misty Nuwara Eliya
Hill Country Birding:
- Bird watching in Kitulgala rainforest
- Nuwara Eliya highland landscapes
Day 9 - Horton Plains Trek
• Begin your day with a trek to Horton Plains National Park
• Walk through montane grasslands and cloud forests to reach breathtaking World's End
• Revel in spectacular views where the plateau drops 870 meters straight down
• Discover unique endemic flora including rare orchids and rhododendrons
• Keep your binoculars ready to spot highland bird species including:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl (national bird)
• Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon
• Sri Lanka White-eye
• Sri Lanka Bush Warbler
• Dull-blue Flycatcher and Yellow-eared Bulbul
• Return to Nuwara Eliya for overnight stay
Highland Birding:
- Horton Plains landscapes
- Moose (Sambar deer) in Horton Plains
Day 10 - Nuwara Eliya to Yala
• Transfer south toward Yala National Park
• En route, make a stop at Ravana Waterfall for photography opportunities
• Capture this stunning multi-tiered cascade surrounded by jungle
• Afternoon jeep safari through Yala National Park
• Spot a wide variety of wildlife including bird species such as:
• Painted Storks
• Pelicans (spot-billed and great white)
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Overnight stay in serene Bundala (adjoining Bundala National Park)
Wildlife & Waterfalls:
- Ravana Falls scenic stop
- Sunrise jeep safari experience
Day 11 - Bundala National Park Safari
• Dedicate today to a full-day or half-day safari in Bundala National Park
• This park is renowned for its wetlands that host vibrant waterbirds and migratory species
• Bundala is Sri Lanka's first Ramsar wetland site of international importance
• Prime bird species to spot include:
• Greater Flamingos (seasonal, large flocks)
• Herons and egrets (cattle, little, great, and intermediate)
• Spoonbills, ibises, and openbills
• Terns, gulls, and shorebirds along the coastline
• Painted storks and Asian openbills
• Overnight stay in serene Bundala
Wetland Birding:
- Bundala National Park wetlands
- Flamingo flocks in lagoon habitat
Day 12 - Bundala to Udawalawe
• Transfer north to the Udawalawe region
• Visit the Elephant Transit Home – a conservation center where you can observe rescued baby elephants
• Watch young elephants being fed and cared for in their natural habitat
• Afternoon exciting jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park
• See freely roaming elephants – reliable sightings throughout the year
• Bird species to spot include:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Malabar Pied Hornbill
• Storks, eagles, and numerous waterbirds around the reservoir
• Sri Lanka Green Pigeon and various bee-eaters
• Overnight stay in adventurous Udawalawe
Elephants & Birds:
- Bundala National Park wetland scenery
- Udawalawa jeep safari experience
Day 13 - Udawalawe to Sinharaja
• Head to Sinharaja Rainforest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• This is Sri Lanka's last remaining primary tropical rainforest
• Check into your eco-lodge nestled at the forest edge
• In the evening, take a leisurely night walk guided by a naturalist
• Perfect opportunity for spotting nocturnal wildlife including:
• Slender Loris
• Owls, frogmouths, and nightjars
• Palm civets and other nocturnal mammals
• Soak in the tranquil rainforest atmosphere after dark
• Overnight stay in tranquil Sinharaja
Rainforest Night Walk:
- Sinharaja Rainforest canopy
- Loris watching experience
Day 14 - Sinharaja Rainforest Birding
• Spend the day trekking through the magnificent Sinharaja Rainforest
• This is a true paradise for bird enthusiasts – a biodiversity hotspot
• Endemic bird species to look out for include:
• Sri Lanka Spurfowl – secretive forest bird
• Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – stunning long-tailed beauty
• Black-capped Bulbul – endemic to Sri Lankan rainforests
• Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill – often seen in pairs
• Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal
• Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, White-faced Starling
• Legge's Flowerpecker and Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler
• Your guide will help you spot and identify these special birds
• Return to your lodge for a final night in the rainforest
• Overnight stay in tranquil Sinharaja
Rainforest Endemics:
- Sinharaja wilderness
- Black-capped Bulbul (endemic species)
Day 15 - Departure
• Enjoy breakfast at your Sinharaja eco-lodge one last time
• Hassle-free transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
• Journey through scenic countryside to Colombo
• Your transfer is thoughtfully arranged for your comfort and convenience with LF Lanka Tours Tours
• Arrive at the airport in time for your departure flight
• Take home unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's magnificent birdlife
• End of your Feathered Trails of Ceylon birding adventure
Departure:
- Final airport transfer
- Conclusion of birding tour
