Birdwatcher’s Journey

Gallery Summary and Map Detailed Itinerary Inclusion, Exclusion & Conditions Travel Tips

Starting from USD

1,600
(PP Twin Share)

Duration: 10N | 11D

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Summary and Map

This 11-day birdwatching expedition explores the best avian habitats of Sri Lanka—from rainforest canopies and mountain mist zones to coastal wetlands and dry-zone sanctuaries. Spot elusive endemics in Sinharaja, highland treasures in Horton Plains, and migratory wonders in Bundala. Each day is a carefully curated blend of nature walks, guided safaris, and peaceful moments in eco-lodges close to bird-rich zones. Ideal for birders, nature photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s feathered wonders.

Perfect for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, ornithologists, nature lovers, and eco-travelers looking to explore Sri Lanka’s rich bird biodiversity.

Birdwatcher’s Journey

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival | Negombo

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to a hotel near the Muthurajawela Wetlands
Explore the Negombo Lagoon and Muthurajawela Sanctuary by boat – a haven for waterbirds like Purple Heron, Glossy Ibis, and Black Bittern
Evening birdwatching walk near Hamilton Canal
Optional: Visit a nearby fishing village to see aquatic birdlife in action
Overnight stay in Negomb

Muthurajawela Wetlands

Hamilton Canal

Negombo Dutch Fort

Accommodation: 4* Hotel (5* on request | subject to additional cost)

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 30 mins | Activity Time: Approx. 3–4 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 02 - Kithulgala

Travel to Kithulgala, a tropical rainforest area rich in lowland bird species
Check in to a jungle eco-lodge near the Kelani River
Guided birding trail to spot Sri Lanka Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Spurfowl, and Chestnut-backed Owlet
Optional: Night walk to observe nocturnal species and owls
Relax amidst rainforest sounds at your lodge

Bird Watching

Rainforest Trekking

Butterfly Watching

Accommodation: Jungle eco-lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 4–5 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 03 - Horton Plains

Depart early morning to the high-elevation plateau of Horton Plains National Park
Afternoon birdwatching in cloud forest edge zones near park entrance
Stay overnight near Ohiya or within park access zones
Look for highland endemics such as Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Dull-blue Flycatcher, and Yellow-eared Bulbul
Prepare for the early hike next day

Bird Watching

Butterfly Watching

Baker’s Falls

Accommodation: Jungle Eco Lodge or Camping

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 4 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 3–4 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 04 - Ella

Early morning hike inside Horton Plains to World’s End and Baker’s Falls – prime birdwatching hours
Spot rare highland birds including Sri Lanka Bush Warbler and Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon
Continue journey to Ella, stopping at scenic viewpoints and waterfalls
Optional evening walk to spot birds along the tea estates
Overnight stay in a hillside lodge in Ella

Baker’s Falls

World’s End

Bird Watching

Accommodation: Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 3 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 5–6 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 05 - Sinharaja

Depart to Sinharaja Rainforest, the best location in Sri Lanka for endemic bird species
Check in to a lodge near the forest entrance
Optional: Evening nature trail for butterflies and reptiles along forest edge
Relax with sounds of jungle birds echoing through the valley

Bird Watching Expeditions in Sinharaja

Rainforest Trekking

Butterfly Watching

Accommodation: Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 4.5 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 2–3 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 06 - Sinharaja Rainforest

Full-day guided birdwatching tour inside Sinharaja UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Spot rare endemics such as Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Red-faced Malkoha, and mixed-species bird flocks
Learn about bird calls, nesting behaviors, and endemic plant-bird interactions
Optional: Visit a local conservation project or research station
Overnight stay at rainforest lodge

Rainforest Trekking

Bird Watching Expeditions in Sinharaja

Forest Bathing

Accommodation: Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 1–1.5 hrs (local) | Activity Time: Approx. 6–7 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 07 - Udawalawa

Transfer to Udawalawa National Park, known for both its elephants and waterbird population
Late afternoon safari focused on wetland birds, such as Painted Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Changeable Hawk-Eagle, and Pied Kingfisher
Optional: Visit the Elephant Transit Home for a short stop
Stay overnight at a nature lodge or riverside camp

Udawalawe National Park

Bird Watching

Plains and Reservoirs

Elephant Transit Home

Accommodation: 4* Hotel (5* on request | subject to additional cost)

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 3.5 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 3–4 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 08 - Bundala

Morning departure to Bundala, Sri Lanka’s premier wetland birding site and a Ramsar Wetland
Check in to an eco-lodge near the park
Afternoon safari to spot Greater Flamingo, Glossy Ibis, Lesser Whistling Duck, Black-necked Stork, and other migratory and endemic birds
Enjoy sunset at a coastal lagoon filled with waders and herons

Bundala National Park

Bird Watching

Butterfly Watching

Accommodation: Eco Lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 2.5 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 4–5 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 09 - Bundala National Park

Early morning and late afternoon birdwatching safaris with a specialist guide
Explore salt pans, scrub forests, coastal lagoons, and dunes – diverse habitats in one park
Spot large flocks of migratory waders, raptors, and endemic waterbirds
Optional: Participate in a conservation photography session
Overnight stay at same lodge near Bundala

Butterfly Watching

Bird Watching

Bundala National Park

Accommodation: 4* Hotel (5* on request | subject to additional cost)

Meal Plan: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 1–1.5 hrs (within park) | Activity Time: Approx. 6–7 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned) | 4-wheel Safari Jeep

Day 10 - Mirissa

Depart to Mirissa, a relaxing beach destination to end your journey
Optional stop at Weligama wetlands to spot Purple Swamphen, Jacanas, and Black Bittern
Arrive and check in to a cozy beachfront hotel or nature-inspired resort
Enjoy a quiet evening walk along the coast or watch seabirds from the bay

Mirissa Beach

Coconut Tree Hill

Parrot Rock Bridge

Accommodation: 4* Hotel (5* on request | subject to additional cost)

Meal Plan: Breakfast & Dinner

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 2.5–3 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 2–3 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Day 11 - Departure

Breakfast at your beach hotel and optional early walk to spot coastal bird species
Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure
Depart with memories and photos of Sri Lanka’s rich and diverse birdlife

Accommodation: N/A

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Travel Time: Travel Time: Approx. 3.5–4 hrs | Activity Time: Approx. 1–2 hrs

Transport: Private vehicle (Air conditioned)

Inclusion, Exclusion & Conditions

Inclusions
Exclusions
Conditions

Comfortable accommodation in eco-lodges and nature resorts near key birding sites
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Private transport with airport transfers and 4x4 jeeps for safaris
Daily guided bird watching walks and safaris in top locations like Sinharaja, Horton Plains, Bundala, and more
Services of a professional birding guide and local trackers
All national park entrance fees, permits, and government taxes
Use of birding checklists, spotting scopes, and ID guides
On-tour first aid and 24/7 local support
Two 500ml water bottles per day per person
One free sim card to fulfill the local communication requirements

International air travel to/from Sri Lanka
Visa processing fees for Sri Lanka (ETA)
Travel insurance (highly recommended but not included unless requested}
Personal items: laundry, mini-bar, room service, souvenirs, etc.
Alcoholic drinks and beverages not mentioned in the inclusions
Optional activities not included in the official itinerary (e.g., spa treatments, night safaris)
Professional photography equipment rental or high-end optics (binoculars may be available upon request)
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Meals/snacks not included in the itinerary

Tour prices may vary based on the travel season, exchange rate changes, and applicable government taxes. All rates are based on current market conditions and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Please ensure that you have secured the relevant visa / entry permits & valid passport. The best source of visa information is the embassy of the country itself.
If you are interested in going ahead with this booking, we would require deposits or payments as follows either in the form of cash or cheque:

– 30 days to 21 days prior to arrival date: 50%.

– 21 days to 01 days prior to arrival: 100%.

Prices in this quotation are subject to availability. Wind & Wild reserves the right to offer services of similar or higher standard based in the event of non-availability at the time of booking, at amended cost.
CANCELLATION POLICY

– If cancelled 30 days or more prior to arrival – No charge – Any payments made prior to this date will be reimbursed (less any bank charges).

– If cancelled between 14 to 29 days (inclusive) prior to arrival – 30% of the total booking value will be charged.

– If cancelled between 7 to 14 days prior to arrival – 75% of the total booking value will be charged.

– If cancelled less than 7 days prior to arrival – 100% of the total booking value will be charged.

Travel Tips

Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island nation in South Asia. It sits in the Indian Ocean, just southwest of the Bay of Bengal and southeast of the Arabian Sea. Known as “the pearl of the Indian Ocean” for its shape and setting, it blends British colonial heritage, lush scenery and very friendly people. Since the 26-year civil war ended in 2009, this tropical isle has attracted many more travellers.

Trip Planning:

Planning your trip well can make all the difference and even become part of the fun. You’ll have many choices to make—from where to stay to what to see—and plenty of details to work through.

Entry and Exit Formalities:

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Some visitors can get a visa on arrival; others should apply in advance. For requirements and applications, visit the official Sri Lankan ETA website: www.eta.gov.lk.

Transportation:

Deciding how to travel around Sri Lanka is a major choice before you go. Our holiday experts can guide you on trains, buses, cars or tuk‑tuks based on your itinerary. You’ll also find many practical tips for getting around smoothly.

Money:

Use your funds smartly. Learn when to pay with cash or card, and how to avoid extra fees. Don’t forget to follow local tipping customs.

Phones and Technology:

Smartphones and gadgets can save time or drain your budget. Check our advice on using tech abroad, including calls home with or without your own SIM card.

Packing Light:

You’ll meet two types of travellers: those who pack just what they need and those who end up hauling too much. Travelling light makes moving between places easier and more fun.

Sleeping and Eating:

Choosing where to sleep and dine can feel like a chore—or an adventure. Your hotel and restaurant picks can help you connect with local culture and people.

Health & Hygiene:

Rest assured: clinics, hospitals, laundries and restrooms here are much like back home. Managing your health and cleanliness can even add an interesting layer to your trip.