15-Day Bird Watching tour Across Sri Lanka

Embarking on a birdwatching tour across Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to observe a diverse array of avian species in their natural habitats. Below is a meticulously planned 15-day itinerary starting from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), designed to cover seven prime birdwatching locations. The itinerary is structured to minimize travel distances while maximizing birdwatching experiences.

Sri Lanka is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting over 500 bird species, including 34 endemics and many migratory birds that visit seasonally. Its diverse habitats, ranging from tropical rainforests and highland plateaus to wetlands and coastal regions, make it one of the richest birding destinations in South Asia. Here’s a detailed overview of Sri Lanka’s birdlife and specialties:

Transport : Embark on an unforgettable journey spanning over 1,500 km across Sri Lanka’s most iconic destinations. To ensure your comfort and ease, we provide a premium vehicle and a professional, experienced driver for the entire tour— all for just $990 USD!

Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to 34 endemic species, found nowhere else in the world. These species are mostly forest birds, thriving in protected areas and nature reserves.

1. Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata)
   • Habitat: Wet zone forests, especially Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
   • Specialty: Vibrant blue and red plumage; noisy and conspicuous.
2. Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii)
   • Habitat: Forests and scrublands nationwide.
   • Specialty: National bird of Sri Lanka; resembles a wild rooster.
3. Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus)
   • Habitat: Lowland and hill forests.
   • Specialty: Small, bright green parrot; often seen hanging upside-down.
4. Green-billed Coucal (Centropus chlororhynchos)
   • Habitat: Dense forests like Sinharaja.
   • Specialty: Rare and secretive; known for its green bill.
5. Red-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus)
   • Habitat: Rainforests in the wet zone.
   • Specialty: Red facial skin and long tail.
6. Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus)
   • Habitat: Highland forests, especially Horton Plains.
   • Specialty: Striking yellow ear tufts.
7. Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Myophonus blighi)
   • Habitat: High-altitude montane forests like Horton Plains.
   • Specialty: Elusive and best seen at dawn.
8. Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon (Columba torringtoniae)
   • Habitat: Montane forests and dense wooded areas.
   • Specialty: Large, shy pigeon with a maroon back and spotted neck.

Migratory Birds

Sri Lanka is a wintering ground for many migratory birds (November to March), with over 200 migratory species recorded.

1. Greater Flamingos
   • Habitat: Coastal wetlands like Bundala and Mannar.
   • Specialty: Large flocks during the migratory season.
2. Eurasian Spoonbills
   • Habitat: Wetlands like Wankalai and Bundala.
   • Specialty: Long, spoon-shaped bill used for feeding.
3. Pied Avocet
   • Habitat: Lagoons and salt pans in Bundala.
   • Specialty: Graceful wading bird with a unique upturned bill.
4. Pacific Golden Plover
   • Habitat: Coastal mudflats and lagoons.
   • Specialty: Golden-spotted plumage during breeding season.
5. Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura)
   • Habitat: Forests and gardens during the winter.
   • Specialty: Known as “Avichchiya” in Sinhala; bright and colorful.

Wetland Birds

Sri Lanka’s wetlands, including Bundala, Kumana, and Wankalai, attract waterbirds and waders.

1. Painted Stork
   • Habitat: Lagoons, marshes, and tanks.
   • Specialty: Vibrant pink and white plumage.
2. Black-necked Stork
   • Habitat: Freshwater wetlands.
   • Specialty: Tall, striking bird with a black neck and glossy plumage.
3. Purple Heron
   • Habitat: Marshlands across the country.
   • Specialty: Graceful heron with purplish feathers.
4. Whiskered Tern
   • Habitat: Lagoons and estuaries.
   • Specialty: Agile and elegant, often seen diving for fish.

Forest Birds

The forests of Sri Lanka, particularly Sinharaja and Knuckles, are teeming with birdlife.

1. Layard’s Parakeet (Psittacula calthrapae)
   • Habitat: Wet zone forests.
   • Specialty: Endemic parakeet with a distinct red beak.
2. Brown-capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus)
   • Habitat: Dense undergrowth in forests.
   • Specialty: Secretive and difficult to spot.
3. Sri Lanka Drongo (Dicrurus lophorinus)
   • Habitat: Forest edges and clearings.
   • Specialty: Aggressive bird known for mobbing predators.

Highland Birds

The hill country, particularly Horton Plains and Knuckles, hosts many high-altitude species.

1. Sri Lanka Bush Warbler (Elaphrornis palliseri)
   • Habitat: Thick undergrowth in montane forests.
   • Specialty: Shy and vocal bird.
2. Dull-blue Flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus)
   • Habitat: Highlands like Horton Plains and Knuckles.
   • Specialty: Endemic flycatcher with striking blue plumage.

Best Time for Birdwatching

• November to April: Best for migratory and endemic birds.
• Early mornings: Birds are most active during dawn.

Sri Lanka’s incredible diversity of birds ensures rewarding sightings for both novice and experienced birdwatchers. Let me know if you’d like to learn more about any specific species or plan a birdwatching trip!

Day 1: Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)

• Activity: Arrive and transfer to Negombo (20 minutes by road from BIA). Rest and explore the nearby marshlands for an introduction to Sri Lanka’s birdlife.
• Special Sightings: Purple Herons, Black-headed Ibis, Kingfishers.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Negombo.
• Approx. Cost: $60–$100 for accommodation.

Day 2: Negombo to Wilpattu National Park

• Travel: Drive from Negombo to Wilpattu National Park (3.5 hours by road).
• Activity: Afternoon safari in Wilpattu National Park.
• Special Sightings: Painted Francolin, Malabar Pied Hornbill, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Changeable Hawk-Eagle.
• Entrance Fee: $15 per adult.
• Accommodation: Lodge near Wilpattu National Park.
• Approx. Cost: $75–$150 for accommodation.

Day 3: Full Day at Wilpattu National Park

• Activity: Full-day birdwatching safari focusing on forest and waterbirds.
• Special Sightings: Storks, Eagles, and Jungle Owlets.
• Accommodation: Lodge near Wilpattu National Park.

Day 4: Wilpattu to Wankalai Sanctuary

• Travel: Morning drive to Wankalai Sanctuary (1.5 hours by road).
• Activity: Afternoon birdwatching in the wetlands.
• Special Sightings: Greater Flamingos, Eurasian Spoonbills, Black-tailed Godwits, Plovers, and Sandpipers.
• Entrance Fee: Free (local guides may charge ~$10–$15).
• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mannar.
• Approx. Cost: $50–$80 for accommodation.

Day 5: Full Day at Wankalai Sanctuary

• Activity: Explore the lagoons, mangroves, and surrounding areas for birdwatching.
• Special Sightings: Painted Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, Purple Swamphens.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Mannar.

Day 6: Wankalai to Knuckles Mountain Range

• Travel: Drive from Mannar to Knuckles Mountain Range (6 hours by road).
• Activity: Evening at leisure with opportunities for night birdwatching.
• Special Sightings: Nightjars and Owls.
• Accommodation: Eco-lodge in Knuckles.
• Approx. Cost: $75–$150 for accommodation.

Day 7: Birdwatching in Knuckles Mountain Range

• Activity: Full-day trek in the lush mountain range.
• Special Sightings: Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Dull-blue Flycatcher.
• Entrance Fee: Free (local guide charges ~$20).
• Accommodation: Eco-lodge in Knuckles.

Day 8: Knuckles to Horton Plains National Park

• Travel: Drive to Horton Plains National Park (4 hours by road).
• Activity: Afternoon birdwatching in the cloud forests.
• Special Sightings: Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler.
• Entrance Fee: $15 per adult.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Nuwara Eliya.
• Approx. Cost: $50–$120 for accommodation.

Day 9: Birdwatching in Horton Plains

• Activity: Early morning trek to World’s End and other trails for high-altitude bird species.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 10: Horton Plains to Kumana National Park

• Travel: Morning departure to Kumana (6 hours by road).
• Activity: Evening at leisure.
• Accommodation: Lodge near Kumana National Park.
• Approx. Cost: $75–$125 for accommodation.

Day 11: Birdwatching in Kumana National Park

• Activity: Full-day safari in the wetlands and grasslands.
• Special Sightings: Painted Storks, Black-necked Storks, Great Thick-knees, Indian Cormorants.
• Entrance Fee: $10 per adult.
• Accommodation: Lodge near Kumana National Park.

Day 12: Kumana to Bundala National Park

• Travel: Drive from Kumana to Bundala National Park (3 hours by road).
• Activity: Afternoon birdwatching in salt pans and lagoons.
• Special Sightings: Greater Flamingos, Whiskered Terns, Eurasian Spoonbills.
• Entrance Fee: $16 per adult.
• Accommodation: Guesthouse near Bundala National Park.
• Approx. Cost: $60–$100 for accommodation.

Day 13: Bundala to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Travel: Morning departure to Sinharaja Forest Reserve (4 hours by road).
• Activity: Afternoon birdwatching in the rainforest.
• Special Sightings: Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Green-billed Coucal, Red-faced Malkoha.
• Entrance Fee: $20 per adult.
• Accommodation: Eco-lodge near Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
• Approx. Cost: $75–$125 for accommodation.

Day 14: Birdwatching in Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Activity: Full-day birdwatching with focus on endemics and mixed-species feeding flocks.
• Accommodation: Eco-lodge near Sinharaja.

Day 15: Sinharaja to Colombo

• Travel: Morning departure to Colombo (3.5 hours by road).
• Activity: Depending on flight schedule, explore Colombo or proceed to BIA for departure.

Estimated Costs

1. Transport: Private car/van with driver-guide: $990 for the entire trip.
2. Accommodation: $50–$150 per night (depending on location and comfort).
3. Entrance Fees: ~$80–$120 per person for all parks.
4. Guide Fees: TaxiDo.lk provide you a experienced local birding guide free.

Key Equipment to Pack

• Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42).
• Bird identification book (e.g., A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka).
• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.
• Notebook and camera for documenting sightings.

This itinerary ensures you maximize your birdwatching experience while enjoying Sri Lanka’s natural beauty! Let me know if you need more customizations or booking assistance.