BIRDING PARADISE (18 DAYS 17 NIGHTS)

"Sometimes you just need to Go off the GRID and GET your Soul RIGHT."

Description

Sri Lanka is one of the best birding destinations in Asia. This trip covers all “not to miss bird watching sites” in Sri Lanka which includes almost every birding site in the country. Perfect tour for professional bird watchers, wildlife photographers and naturalists. We hire experience and professional bird guides and selected site guides to ensure that you can see more birds. This tour will not only cover birds but also all the ecosystems surrounding it. Visitors can observe all kinds of fauna and flora distributed all over the island. Migratory birds can be observed starting October but there are good observations throughout out year.

You can customize the tour as per your personal requirements. During this package you will be staying in the specially picked accommodations that are closer to nature. This package will leave you with thousands of photographs and timeless memories.

Locations Covered

Chilaw
Mannar
Jaffna
Sigiriya
Knuckles
Kandy
Nuwaraeliya
Kumana
Tangalle
Deniyaya
Kithulgala

Travel Route

itinerary

Day 01 | Arrival - Transfer to Chilaw - Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary

Ayubowan !! Welcome to Sri Lanka. You will be met by representatives of Real Lanka Holidays at the airport and and we will proceed for Chillaw. On our way we will first stop at Chilaw sand spits. This is a location on the beach next to an estuary and is very good for waders, Terns and Gulls. The main sand spit is to the right of the main land and can be reached by a very short boat ride across the river. We will stop here for around one hour.

Then we will move to town to have a lunch after which we will check in to our first hotel near to Anawilundawa bird Sanctuary.After couple of hours rest we will explore the Anawilundawa bird sanctuary which comes under the Department of Wild Life Conservation is 1,397 hectares in area. It is primarily a complex of large tanks and adjoining forest. The largest of the tanks holds a large breeding colony of Herons and other water birds mainly during the months of April – June.
A walk on the bund of this tank will permit one to get close to the breeding colony. During the season many species of migratory birds can also be observed here. A spotting scope would add much value to get the most out of this locality.

Anawilundawa is a best place for photographers and nature lovers to see different kinds of birds in their natural habitats. This amazing bird sanctuary is located in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. The uniqueness of Anawilundawa is its immediate proximity to three vastly different ecosystems such as the coast, the mangroves and the fresh water tanks making it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka. Some of the bird species found here are a large breeding colony of Herons, the Open-bill, Great cormorant, White ibis, Egret, Stalk, Pheasant tailed jacna and the Purple swamp hen.

Day 02 | Nawadankulama Tank - Doric Bunglow - Mannar & Vankalai Sanctuary

Today after breakfast we will travel more north of the island to discover birds around intermediate and dry zone forests, tanks and lagoons. So our first stop will be after 30 mins drive from our hotel Nawadankulama Tank which is devoid of water during the dry season exposing large area of lake shore studded with small islands of trees and shrubs.
This is the southern most location in the country where some of the species which are commonly found in the northern part of the country such as the Collared Dove, Indian Grey Partridge can be regularly seen. It is also a location which is favoured by large flocks of migrant ducks. One could walk on the bund as well as drive passing the main turn to the bund and drive down to the dried up tank shore. To reach Mannar we have chosen the route which is crossing Sri Lanka’s largest national park – Wilpattu National Park so our clients can observe more birds.

We will also stop at the resident of the first English governer Frederick North “The Doric Bunglow”. The house was planned by the governor himself, the building was later known as ‘The Doric’ due to the architectural design of the columns which was similar to the Ancient Greek Doric order style.

Then we proceed to our last birding spot Mannar/Vanakalai Sancuatary this is one of the most important areas located in the north of the country for the migrating waterfowl. This is an arid locality with seasonal water bodies, marshes, lakes, mudflats, thorny scrub, salt marshes, swamps, mangroves, coastal lagoons and sea grass beds. Vankalai is also given Ramsar status as it supports a very large population of migrant waterfowl during the season. A good spotting scope is of immense value to the avid birder who wants to study the many species of waders found at the causeway as well as the many water bodies in Mannar. Our day will end at the hotel in Mannar.

Wilpattu National Park spans the border between North Central Province and North Western Province of Sri Lanka. It’s varying natural habitats; coastal belt, natural lakes (villus), rocky outcrops, scrublands, open grasslands and dense forest provide for numerous species of animals. Among the species are 31 mammals. The biggest draws in Wilpattu are leopards and sloth bears. Jeep Safari is the regular norm in exploring the Wilpattu National Park

Day 03 & 04 | Local Cuisine - Jaffna Peninsula

After two busy days with birding we would have more relaxing day today. We are taking our breakfast at outside restaurant so you can taste local cuisine. In the morning hours we offer our clients city tour of Mannar. You can visit the Mannar Pier, fish market, St. Sebestian Cathedral, Thiruketheeswaram Hindu Temple, etc.
Then we will transfer to Jaffna. As we pass the Jaffna Lagoon you can observe few more species of birds as well.
Clients who wants to grab some more pictures and adventure we offer Chundikulam National park visit which is on the way. We will rest at the hotels after check in. We have chosen nice resort besides the beach for you. During two days of Jaffna we offer our clients Tamil cuisine which you can taste only in Jaffna.

On our second day in Jaffna we will cover few more birding spots. Jaffna Peninsular with its numerous water bodies has always been a haven for migrant waterfowl. The many water bodies which teem with migrant waterfowl dries up grass lands during the non migrant season. It is this grass that the “upending” ducks feed on so voraciously during their stay here. A drive towards Kaits, Manalkadu at Point Pedro as well as the Avranghal Plains and the Kaithardy Bridge are some of the more important localities.

Day 05 & 06 | Sigiriya Forest Reserve - Sigiriya - Village Bicycle Ride - Kandalama Lake

Now its time to go to southern side of the country. We drive to Sigiriya through our first kingdom Anuradhapura so clients can stop here and see the ancient city. After four and half drive first we will check in to the hotel.

In the evening we will arrange traditional boat ride in Kandalama lake. Next day we will watch the birds around Sigirya and Pidurangala rock. As they are not far away we would like to offer our clients bicycle ride. All the equipment will be carried by our staff.Sigiriya Lion Rock & Its Pleasure Gardens: Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is nicknamed Lion Rock for its formerly lion-shaped peak—of which the only remaining features are a pair of massive clawed feet. Sigiriya has water gardens, cave and boulder gardens, and also terraced gardens. It`s a lovely place to sit and be in one with nature.

Anuradhapura: This sacred city was established around a cutting from the ‘tree of enlightenment’, the Buddha’s fig tree, brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. Hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the city is rich in archaeological and architectural wonders with elevated brick towers, ancient pools, mammoth dagobas and crumbling temples. All of these wonderful establishments were created during the ruling period of different dynasties.

Day 07 & 08 | Knuckles Mountain Range - Waterfall Hunt

After breakfast we will leave for Knuckles mountain range which is another famous birding area. This is a unique area which provides habitat for many forms of life which are endemic to this mountain range. The one which we recommend for observation of birds in particular is the road from “Loolwatta” passing “Corbett’s Gap” to an ancient village called “Meemure”. Second day of the tour we will do waterfall trekking through the Knuckles mountain. We will explore the Huluganga waterfall, Gerandi ella waterfall and Knuckles waterfall.We are staying in eco lodge for 2 days

Knuckles Mountain Range: At a distance, this mountain range looks like a clenched fist and hence the name Knuckles. The knuckles mountain range is a world heritage site protected as a conservation area by UNESCO and this destination offers adventure activities such as mountain biking, camping, trekking, hiking and bird watching. The changing terrain of grasslands, rugged mountain peaks interspersed with streams and cascading waterfalls make Knuckles mountain range that covers an area of 18512 hectares the trekker’s paradise

Day 09 & 10 | Kandy - Udawattakele Sanctuary - Nuwara Eliya - Victoria Park - Hortain Plains

Today we move to another hot spot for birding in Sri Lanka, Kandy the second largest city. Not far away from the city there is famous birds spot Udawattakele Sanctuary. This is a very popular site with the birders in Kandy. This is a tall, wet evergreen forest. The lake within the sanctuary attracts many species of birds that feed on fish. Our day will end at Nuwaraeliya hotel.Next day early morning we will trek the Hortain plains. We have arrange separate vehicle for transport but inside the park we will have to walk through the valleys.After morning hours in Hortain plains we will back to Nuwaraeliya and will do more birding in Victoria park

Udawattakele Forest Reserve or Kandy Forest Reserve sits just behind the tooth relic temple, which is one of the important tourist attractions in Kandy. Udawattakele forest reserve is included in most bird watching tours of Sri Lanka, due to its richness of avian fauna species. There are around eighty bird species recorded in the forest including many endemic bird species. The park covers an area of 3,160 hectares of montane grassland fringed and interspersed with patches of dense montane cloud forests. The park come under the purview of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and a permit is required to enter the park. There are motorable roads as well as foot paths to different location in the park including the locality referred to as the “worlds end” which is a near vertical drop of 884 m, and the picturesque Bakers falls etc. Most of the hill species of birds can be easily seen here during any walk in the park which is through forested areas, grasslands and streams. A walk to the “worlds end” is also through pristine hill bird habitat.

Horton Plains in Sri Lanka, is the coldest and windiest location in the country. It consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. On the southern edge of the Horton Plains at an altitude of 2140 m is famous World’s End, an escarpment that fall sheer 900 meters. On a clear morning the World’s End affords the view running to the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

Day 11 & 12 | Kumana Yala East National Park

After two days in hill station, its time to leave Nuwara Eliya. We will drive for 5.5 hours south side of the country.
We will reach the Kumana National Park. For next two days we will be here. We rest the first day after long drive.

Kumana National Park: The water bodies and mangroves of Kumana provide particularly a very important habitat for birds. Block II of the park was established in December 1969 and Block I in January 1970. The total extent of the park is 18,149 hectares with Block I consisting of 17,863 and Block II consisting only 265.3. The main feature this park is renowned for is the 200 hectare mangrove swamp which teams with nesting birds in May-June. It is surrounded by plains and jungle. There are saline large lagoons along the coast, often surrounded by extensive plains. The vegetation is mostly semi-arid thorn scrub with large areas of dense forest.

Day 13 & 14 | Bundala Bird Sanctuary - Bird Research Center

After breakfast we will leave for Hambanthota Bird research centre. We are spending full day here.We have arrange the lunch inside the restaurant. After this we will check in to hotel in Bundala.Next day we will do bird watching safari inside the Bundala National Park famous for bird watching situated in southern side of the county.

Hambanthota Bird research centre: This is Asia’s largest birds park and research centre. Birds park is a home to endemic and exotic birds with over 180 varieties and around 3200 birds. The park which is located in the southern part of the island expands on a landscape of 35 acres dedicated for bird enthusiast and for those who study ornithology.

Bundala National Park is located close to the city of Hambantota in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Each and every species of water bird found in Sri Lanka is believed to visit Bundala National Park. Nearly 200 species of birds have been recorded within the park, out of which 58 species are migratory birds. Bundala National Park shelters a small population of elephants that varies between 25 and 60 depending on the season. Bundala is home to 32 species of mammals. Among them are civets, wild boars, Grey & Ruddy mongoose, porcupine, etc. This is the first site in the country to acquire Ramsar status. Bundala is the most important site for resident as well as migrant water birds outside the northern part of the country. Bundala, which comes under the purview of the Department of Wild Life Conservation, was declared as a sanctuary in December 1969 and was granted Ramsar status in October 1990. The park consists of 6,216 hectares of dense thorny scrub, sand dunes and five shallow brackish lagoons. Namely Bundala, Embilikala, Malala, Mahalewaya & Koholankala. The road net work inside the park allows the birder to visit many bird rich sites located within the park in a vehicle. The Bundala saltern which is adjoining the park has a few motorable roads and is a locality where thousands of migrant waders can be observed during the season.

Day 15 & 16 | Sinharaja Rain Forest

After breakfast you will transfer to Deniyaya village edge of the Sinharaja Rain Forest. Rest of the day you can relax at the hotel. Next day we will explore the Sinharaja rain forest by walk.

Sinharaja Rain Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), an area of 18900 acres is located within southern provinces of Sri Lanka. It is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rain forest has over 60% of the trees endemic and many of these are rare; there are 21 endemic bird species, and a number of rare insects, reptiles and amphibians. Sinharaja is biologically the most unique wet ever green rain forest in the country with an exceptionally high degree of endemism. Sinharaja is famous for its mixed feeding bird flocks and a high degree of endemic birds can be observed during the bird walks.

Sinharaja Rain Forest is home to numerous indigenous birds such as the Ceylon Hanging Parrot, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Layard’s parakeet the Jungle fowl, the Spur fowl, the Ceylon Wood Pigeon, the Brown- capped Babbler, the Red-faced Malkoha, and the Ceylon Blue Magpie. 19 of Sri Lanka’s 20 species of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka are found in the Sinharaja Reserve.

Day 17 | Kithulgala

Today we head to our bird watching tour Kithugala Forest Reserve which is 4.5 hrs drive away from Sinharaja. We will start the day at our earliest so that we spend our evening for birding. The forest is across the river. A boat man on a “paruwa” is available to cross the river. Once across the foot path through the village will take the birder to the forest. The area is protected as a Forest Reserve which comes under the purview of the Forest Department. It is 1,155 hectares in extent.

Kithulgala (Makandawa Forest Reserve): Over 50 rare species of birds can be seen, The Makandawa Forest Reserve is one of Sri Lanka’s richest and most unspoiled rainforests. And the oldest forest reserve in Sri Lanka. It covers an area of 1155 hectares and lies close to the village of Kithulgala, one of Sri Lanka’s centers for adventure sports. The reserve hosts a plethora of rare and endemic flora and fauna.This secondary lowland rainforest has several interesting geographical features; such as crystal clear natural rock pools, waterfalls, wonderfully challenging trails that meander through the thick tropical rainforest, and of course the Kelani River running right through the jungle.

Birds you can be seen here – Green-Billed Coucal, Ceylon Lorikeet, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Green Hornbill, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Red Faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Jungle & Ceylon Spurfowl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Broad Billed Roller, Spotted Winged Thrush, Yellow Fronted Barbet, Black Naped Monach, Common Hill Myna, Crested Serpent, Hawk Eagle, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle and more.

Day 18 | DEPARTURE

After the breakfast proceed to airport for departure.

Today is the last day of your tour. Our guide will transfer you to departure terminal of the airport. Hope to see you again. Our representative will see you off at the airport. Have a safe flight !!

End of the Tour -Thank You !!!!!

Inclusions

17 nights’ accommodation at the mentioned resorts, eco lodges, guest houses with breakfast and dinners.
Arrival and departure assistance at the airport and transportation by AC vehicle on private basis with passenger insurance.
Service of the English-speaking professional guides having good experienced in birdwatching.
A "Photographic Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka" by Gehan De Silva and two more guide books related to butterflies and dragonflies for every client as a complimentary gifts.
Preparing the Trip Report before the departure.
Free water bottles, wi-fi (sim card).
All government taxes are included for above all

Exclusions

Air fares and visa charges.
Sightseeing entrance charges (unless specified).
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Tips, portage, laundry excludes.
Any expenses on private basis.
Anything not mentioned under inclusions.