Wild Experiences

11-Day Sri Lankan Bird Exclusive

From breathtaking misty mountain forests, vast grasslands and lush rainforests, this 11-day Sri Lankan Bird Exclusive Tour offers you unmatched views to see over 35 endemic bird species. With 11 brilliant days of exploration, search legendary birding spots and encounter Asian elephants, primates and elusive leopards. This is truly the experience of a lifetime.

Rainforests, Plains and Forests; this 11-day Sri Lankan bird exclusive tour gets you closer to endemic species and brilliant wildlife encounters. Enjoy jeep safaris and walks through stunning landscapes, mountain regions and a range of different habitats.

Sri Lanka is famous for its 35 endemic bird species, many of which we hope to see on this incredible tour. This includes some that have recently been discovered like the Serendib Scops Owl, discovered in 2004. These species can only be found here in Sri Lanka.

Whilst birds are certainly the star of the show here, you’ll also have many opportunities to search for rare mammals like Leopards, Asian Elephant, Mongoose, Giant Squirrels and Water Buffalo.

This tour combines luxury accommodations with wildlife exploration and will be a tour to treasure. With expert local guidance, you’ll get exclusive opportunities to see Sri Lanka’s wildlife at it’s best.

With beautiful stays, unforgettable wildlife and breathtaking scenery – this 11 day Sri Lanka Bird Exclusive exploration will be completely life changing.

What’s included

Accommodation and all meals
Daily Guided Activities
Guided Wildlife Experiences
Travel during the trip

What’s not included

Travel Insurance
International Flights
Visas

Day One – Arrival / Kitulgala

You’ll arrive at Colombo International Airport and you’ll meet your tour leader who will welcome and guide you through your incredible Sri Lankan experience. Watch as you leave the airport for the delightful Indian palm squirrel and Common Myna. A 2-hour drive transports you to magnificent views of the Kelani River and local village of Kitulgala. We’ll explore the hotel and surrounding ground to find some of our first endemic species like Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot and the Sri Lanka Green Pigeon. You’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and rest at Kitulgala Rest House.

Day Two and Three – Kitulgala Exploration and Nuwara Eliya

Head out early for a morning bird walk around Kitulgala Village. Watch for more endemic species like Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl and the Sri Lanka Red-backed Flameback. Crossing the river, we’ll search for kingfishers, woodpeckers and bee-eaters and explore the rainforest for owls, frogmouths and eagles. Day two will journey to Nuwara Eliya, a hill-station 1,900m above sea-level to search for primates like Purple-faced Leaf Monkey and Toque Macaque, as well as more Sri Lankan endemics.

Day Four – Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains

Exploring montane landscapes and reaching 2,200m above sea-level, you’ll watch for rarities like the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and the Sri Lankan Leopard, the apex predator here. After a day of exploration, enjoy dinner and a rest at a stunning mountain retreat.

Day Five – Journey to Tissamaharama

Journeying down towards the dry areas of Sri Lanka, we’ll find several spots for wildlife watching. Stopping at Surrey Estate Sanctuary, we’ll watch for Brown Wood Owls and Sunbirds. Observing beautiful valleys from mountain viewpoints, we’re likely to see eagles and other raptors as we descend into the valley below. Arriving at Tissamaharama, we’ll search for Indian Flying Foxes and incredible avian biodiversity.

Day Six – Yala National Park

Day 6 holds a full-day safari with breakfast and lunch, adventuring round Yala National Park. Stopping at various places, the watering holes offer the best opportunities to spot various waders, owls, eagles and mammals. This is a great day for photography as you’ll be able to get close to these spectacular animals.

Day Seven and Eight – Bundala National Park and Udawalawe

After breakfast, journey on a fantastic half-day safari to Bundala National Park. This coastal wetland and RAMSAR site is a remarkable place for diverse bird life. It’s a key migration spot for many migrating birds and mammals like Spotted Deer and Grey Langurs. Spend your evening exploring open grassland in Udawalawe for Malabar pied hornbills, plum-headed parakeets and blue-tailed bee-eaters. Jeep Safaris will take you to one of the best locations to spot Jungle Cats and Asian Elephants that stand over 8ft tall.

Day Nine and Ten – Sinharaja Rainforest and Katunayake

After breakfast, the rainforest of Sinharaja awaits you with endemics like Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, Sri Lanka Hill Myna, Green-billed Coucal and other fascinating bird species. You’ll be travelling by jeep through rough terrain and stopping at various spots to target specific species. You’ll also search for the rare Sri Lanka Spurfowl which can be spotted in one of the local villages. You can also head out on an evening safari to search for the Collared Scops Owl and Brown Hawk Owl before heading to your hotel, ready to depart.

Day Eleven – Departure

You’ll be transferred back to the airport to conclude your incredible Sri Lankan Adventure.

Upgrades available for this tour:
We are able to take personal requests to make this experience magical.

Terrain will be uneven in some locations – walking sticks are recommended.

Accommodation & Travel Details

Accommodation Address:

Kitulgala Rest House – Situated beneath misty mountains with an enormous variety of bird life within it’s grounds.
Heaven Seven Hotel – Located 1,900m above sea level. Stunning Mountain panoramic views.
Kithala Resort – Relaxing hotel with swimming pool and scenic views.
Centauria Wild Udawalawe – Charming location with pool, fine dining and picturesque setting.
Blue Magpie Lodge – Comfortable lodge with mountain and garden views.
Tamarind Tree Hotel, Katunayaka – Beautiful garden resort.

Meeting:

Your local guide and our Wild Experiences guide will be meeting you at Colombo International Airport where they will remain with you for the duration of the tour.

Meet Your Guide

Arron Roberts

Arron is our Wild Experience Lead. Travel has been a constant throughout Arron’s life; he’s always searching for the next incredible wildlife encounter and natural wonder. From the Highlands of Papua New Guinea to admiring the Aurora Borealis in Norway or to searching for moose in Canada, Arron’s realisation of sharing these experiences with others has become more and more important, creating special memories that last a lifetime.

Dates & Prices

Dates

22nd November – 2nd December