Overview
Day 1 - BIA to Wilpattu
• Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, receive a warm welcome
• Your LF Lanka Tours Tours representative will greet you and escort you to your private luxury vehicle
• Your journey will then take you to Wilpattu, where your birdwatching adventure begins
• Check into your accommodation in the Wilpattu region
• A good night's sleep is the perfect way to adjust to the time zone and recover from your trip
• Prepare for an exciting birding journey ahead
Arrival:
- Airport arrival scene
- Wilpattu wilderness area
Day 2 - Wilpattu National Park - Full Day Bird Safari
• Today, go on a full day jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park
• Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park
• Home to a rich array of resident and migratory birds
Bird Species to Spot:
• Painted storks, openbills, and ibises
• Herons and egrets – several species
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl – national bird
• Peacocks displaying their magnificent feathers
• Birds of prey including eagles, hawks, and kites
• Waterfowl around the park's natural "villus" (lakes)
Take a break amidst nature:
• Enjoy a picnic lunch during your safari
• Refreshing drinks provided
• Listen to bird calls while dining outdoors
• Professional driver-guide helps spot and identify species
• Overnight stay in thrilling Wilpattu
Birding:
- Sunrise jeep safari experience
- Bird watching in natural wetland habitat
Day 3 - Wilpattu to Mannar
• Depart to discover the coastal beauty of Mannar
• Journey from the national park to the arid northwestern coast
Evening Exploration:
• Explore the countryside of Mannar including visits to:
• Thiruketheeswaram (Paalavi) Tank – vital waterbird habitat
• Ranapadu Fishing Village – observe traditional livelihoods
• Lagoon ecosystems – home to waders and migratory birds
• Mannar Fort – historic Dutch-era fortification
• Learn about the unique ecosystem of this dry zone coastal area
• Overnight stay in untouched Mannar
Coastal Exploration:
- Mannar landscape and lagoons
- Coastal wetland habitats for waterbirds
Day 4 - Mannar - Flamingos & Waterbirds
• Early morning departure to spot migratory birds in Mannar's famous wetlands
Birding Locations:
• 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:
• Greater Flamingos – seasonal visitors in large flocks
• Spoonbills, painted storks, and ibises
• Herons, egrets, and numerous waders
• Terns, gulls, and shorebirds along the coast
• Professional naturalist guide accompanies you
• Overnight stay in untouched Mannar
Migratory Spectacle:
- Flamingo flocks in Mannar wetlands
- Coastal and lagoon bird species
Day 5 - Mannar to Sigiriya
• Head east toward the cultural heartland of Sigiriya
• Journey through changing landscapes from arid zone to dry evergreen forest
Sunset Experience:
• Experience the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress during golden hour
• The play of light creates a breathtaking view over the jungle
• Climb approximately 1,200 steps to the summit
• UNESCO World Heritage Site – 5th century rock fortress
• View the famous frescoes and mirror wall
• Breathtaking 360-degree views from the top
• Check into your accommodation in Sigiriya
• Overnight stay in historic Sigiriya
Sunset:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset
- Ancient rock fortress silhouetted against evening sky
Day 6 - Explore Sigiriya - Birding & Village
• Early morning visit to Sigiriya sanctuary
• Scrubland and dry mixed evergreen forest habitat
• Small to medium tanks (reservoirs) attract waterbirds
Bird Species in Sigiriya Sanctuary:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl – national bird
• Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
• Parakeets (rose-ringed, Sri Lanka hanging parrots)
• Woodpeckers (several species)
• Waterbirds around tank edges including painted storks
Village Experience:
• Discover the essence of Sri Lankan village life
• Scenic lake journey by traditional catamaran
• Meaningful exchanges with local villagers
• Delightful cooking experience rooted in tradition
• Learn authentic Sri Lankan recipes
• Overnight stay in historic Sigiriya
Cultural:
- Sigiriya village landscape and lake
- Authentic rural village life experience
Day 7 - Sigiriya to Kitulgala
• Begin your morning by exploring the historic Dambulla Cave Temple
• UNESCO World Heritage Site – largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka
• Five caves with over 150 Buddha statues
• Stunning ceiling murals covering 2,100 square meters
Transfer to Kitulgala:
• Journey to the adventure hub of Kitulgala
White Water Rafting:
• Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting session
• Spice up your birding journey with some adrenaline
• Kelani River grade 2-3 rapids – suitable for beginners
• Professional guides ensure safety
• Overnight stay in adventurous Kitulgala
Adventure:
- Dambulla Cave Temple complex
- Waterfall scenery in Kitulgala rainforest
Day 8 - Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya
• Morning – trek through the lush rainforest of Kitulgala
• A haven for endemic birds
Endemic Species to Spot:
• Sri Lanka Blue Magpie – stunning forest bird
• Sri Lanka Spurfowl – secretive ground dweller
• Green-billed Coucal
• Layard's Parakeet
Transfer to Nuwara Eliya:
• En route stops to witness beautifully cascading St. Clair and Devon Waterfalls
Evening – Little England Tour:
• Visit to tea plantation and factory
• Charming old post office – colonial building
• Victoria Park – highland bird species
• Scenic Gregory Lake – mountain birds
Highland Bird Species:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon
• Sri Lanka White-eye, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler
• Dull-blue Flycatcher, Pied Bushchat
• Overnight stay in misty Nuwara Eliya
Hill Country:
- Bird watching in Kitulgala rainforest
- Nuwara Eliya highland tea plantations
Day 9 - Horton Plains Trek
• Begin your day with a trek to Horton Plains National Park
• Leading to the breathtaking World's End viewpoint
Trek Details:
• Approximately 9.5 kilometer (5.9 mile) round trip
• Montane grasslands and cloud forest ecosystem
• Part of the Central Highlands UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spectacular Views:
• World's End – sheer cliff with 870-meter drop
• Baker's Falls waterfall
Bird Species to Spot:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl – national bird
• Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon
• Sri Lanka White-eye (endemic)
• Sri Lanka Bush Warbler (endemic)
• Dull-blue Flycatcher
• Yellow-eared Bulbul
Other Wildlife:
• Sambar deer grazing on the plains
• Purple-faced langurs
• Overnight stay in misty Nuwara Eliya
Highland Birding:
- Horton Plains landscapes with sambar deer
- World's End cliff viewpoint under clouds
Day 10 - Nuwara Eliya to Yala
• Transfer south to Yala National Park
• Journey from cool highlands to dry lowlands
En Route Stop:
• Ravana waterfall – photography opportunities
• Multi-tiered waterfall near Ella
• Great for birding along the way
Afternoon Jeep Safari:
• Yala National Park – diverse ecosystems
• Spot a variety of wildlife including birds
Bird Species to Spot:
• Painted storks
• Pelicans (spot-billed and great white)
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• White-bellied Sea Eagle
• Eagles, kites, and hawks
Other Wildlife:
• Leopards, elephants, crocodiles, deer
• Overnight stay in serene Bundala (near Yala)
Wildlife:
- Ravana Falls waterfall stop
- Sunrise jeep safari experience
Day 12 - Bundala to Udawalawe
• Morning transfer from Bundala to Udawalawe
Elephant Transit Home:
• Visit the conservation center for orphaned elephants
• Observe rescued baby elephants being fed
• Learn about rehabilitation and release programs
• Educational for all ages
Afternoon – Udawalawe Jeep Safari:
• Exciting safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Known for reliable elephant sightings
Bird Species in Udawalawe:
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl
• Malabar Pied Hornbill
• Storks, eagles, and waterbirds
• Sri Lanka Green Pigeon
• Bee-eaters (several colorful species)
• Overnight stay in adventurous Udawalawe
Wildlife:
- Bundala National Park wetland scenery (reference)
- Udawalawe jeep safari with elephants
Day 13 - Udawalawe to Sinharaja
• Head to Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sri Lanka's last remaining primary tropical rainforest
Evening Night Walk:
• Take a leisurely night walk guided by a naturalist
• Perfect for spotting nocturnal wildlife
Nocturnal Sightings:
• Slender Loris – elusive and rare
• Owls – several species including frogmouths
• Nightjars
• Palm civets and other nocturnal mammals
• Soak in the tranquil rainforest atmosphere after dark
• Overnight stay in tranquil Sinharaja
Rainforest Night:
- Sinharaja Rainforest canopy
- Loris watching night experience
Day 14 - Sinharaja - Full Day Birding
• Spend the day trekking through the magnificent Sinharaja Rainforest
• A paradise for bird enthusiasts – global biodiversity hotspot
Full Day Immersion:
• Guided trek with experienced naturalist
• 5-7 kilometers through dense forest
• Packed lunch provided amidst nature
Endemic Bird Species of Sinharaja:
• 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
• Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler
• Legge's Flowerpecker
• Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon (in adjacent hills)
Tips for Birding:
• Early morning best for activity
• Look for mixed-species feeding flocks
• Listen for distinctive calls
• Patience is key in dense forest
• Overnight stay in tranquil Sinharaja
Rainforest Endemics:
- Sinharaja wilderness with Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
- Black-capped Bulbul – endemic species
Day 15 - Departure from Colombo
• Enjoy a final breakfast at your Sinharaja eco-lodge
• Reflect on the incredible bird species observed over the past two weeks
Transfer to Airport:
• Hassle-free transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
• Thoughtfully arranged for your comfort and convenience
• Approximately 4-5 hours drive from Sinharaja
Departure:
• Arrive with ample time for check-in and security
End of Tour:
• Your Feathered Trails of Ceylon birding adventure concludes here
• We hope you have added many new species to your life list
• Please contact us for any future birdwatching tours or customizations
Farewell:
- Final birding memory
- Airport departure
