Arrival & Wetland Discovery: A Gentle Start to Your Journey

• Ayubowan! A warm welcome to Sri Lanka
• Meet our representative from Real Lanka Holidays at the airport
• Transfer to your hotel in Pamunugama (approx. 30-minute drive)
• Time to relax and unwind after your journey
• In the afternoon, enjoy a boat safari through the Muthurajawela Wetlands
• Discover rich birdlife and unique wetland ecosystems

Muthurajawela marsh is located in the southern region of the Negombo lagoon in Sri Lanka. Muthurajawela harbors over 194 species of flora distributed over seven major vegetation types which includes marsh, lactic flora, shrub land, reed, swamp, grasslands, stream bank and mangrove forest. Birds are the dominant group of vertebrates in Muthurajawela. It consists of 102 species including one endemic. The mixture of vegetation types and aquatic habitats in Muthurajawela has made it an ideal Eco-zone for a variety of birds. 

Birds can be seen here

Into the Wild South: Journey to Sinharaja Rainforest

• Departure after breakfast, heading south to your second birding base
• Scenic drive (approx. 4 hours) towards the lush Sinharaja Rainforest
• Arrival at your eco-lodge near the UNESCO World Heritage rainforest
• Enjoy a relaxed nature walk around the lodge and its surroundings
• Early morning exploration of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve the next day
• Discover one of Sri Lanka’s best locations for endemic bird species

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 95% 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.

Birds can be seen here

From Rainforest to Coast: Kumana Birding Adventure

• Morning departure towards the dry lowlands of Kumana National Park
• Scenic drive through changing landscapes of Sri Lanka
• Arrival and check-in at your accommodation
• Relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Kumana / Arugam Bay
• Early morning safari in Kumana National Park the following day
• Explore this remarkable habitat in search of dry-zone bird species, abundant in the area

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.

Birds can be seen here

Into the Highlands: Little England Experience – Nuwara Eliya

• After breakfast, journey to the highest region of Sri Lanka
• Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”
• Scenic long drive through tea-covered highlands
• Relax upon arrival at your hotel
• Leisurely walk through the charming town of Nuwara Eliya
• Enjoy a traditional Ceylon tea in the evening
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya: Nicknamed as “Little England” it is one of coldest city in the country. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence including red telephone boxes and well-tendered hedgerows. The town’s high altitude affords visitors breath-taking vistas over the valleys, grasslands and mountains. Many tourists come through the town on their way to hike up incredible peaks such as Adam’s Peak. You will also see lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls. Nuwara Eliya is also one of the biggest tea plantations areas on the island.

Morning Birding & Scenic Journey to Kandy

• Early morning walk through Victoria Park
• Small but excellent birding spot close to the city
• Opportunity to observe a variety of local species
• Return to the hotel after the birding session
• Departure towards Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka
• En route photo stops at scenic viewpoints
• Visit tea plantations along the highlands
• Stop at the beautiful Ramboda Waterfalls

Victoria Park – This is a small but well preserved patch of motane forest that has been preserved which offers habitat for many species of hill birds.  A permit is required to walk in to the park.

Birds can be seen here

Forest Birding & Journey North: Udawattakele to Wilpattu

• Morning exploration of the Udawattakele Sanctuary
• Renowned birding site located just outside Kandy
• One of the most popular spots among birders in the region
• Walk through a tall, wet evergreen forest habitat
• The sanctuary’s lake attracts many fish-eating bird species
• Continue your journey towards Wilpattu
• Arrival and overnight stay at your hotel in Wilpattu

Udawattakele Sanctury – 104 hectares of this forest has been declared as a sanctuary and comes under the purview of the department of wild life conservation and 119 hectares is protected as a forest reserve by the forest department. Vehicles are are not permitted and ticket has to be obtained to enter the sanctuary. This is tall wet evergreen forest. The lake within sanctuary attracts many species of birds that feed on fish.

Birds can be seen here

Safari & Wetland Birding: Wilpattu to Anawilundawa

• Early start with a packed breakfast
• Full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park, the largest national park in Sri Lanka
• Excellent opportunities to spot a wide variety of bird species and wildlife
• Return to your hotel in Wilpattu for the evening
• The following day, travel to Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary
• Continue birdwatching in this important wetland habitat, rich in birdlife

Wilpattu National Park – Wilpattu was originally declared as a Sanctuary in 1905 and upgraded as a National Park in February 1938. Wilpattu north Sanctuary was declared in November 1947. With an extent of 131,693 hectares, this is the largest National Park in the country. The main topographical feature in Wilpattu is the concentration of “villus” or lakes within the park. These water bodies though looking similar to lakes are formed by flat basin like depressions with the surface containing purely rain water. The park is unique in having a number of these with large sandy lake shores (Villus) which provide the animals with a continuous water supply during the dry season.  Two of these “villus” are saline due to a characteristic of the soil. A permit is needed to be purchased at the entrance and a game guard is also provided by the Department of Wild Life Conservation. Except at a few locations, visitors are not permitted to get off their vehicles. This is a very scenic park. There are bungalows inside the park which has to be pre booked through the Department of Wild Life Conservation.

Birds can be seen here

Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary – This sanctuary which comes under the Department of Wild Life Conservation is 1,397 hectares in extent. 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. The dominant species is the Openbill but Great Cormorant, White Ibis and a whole host of other species breed here. A walk on the bund of this tank will permit one to get close to the breeding colony. During the season many species of migrants can also be observed here. A spotting scope would add much value to get the most out of this locality. Meals and accommodation for those interested in staying over night is avaible at the Chilaw or Puttlam Rest House as well as at private guest houses in the area.

Birds can be seen here