Let’s plan your journey
Starting with the endemic birds in Kitulgala where you will explore the Makandawa rainforest, we will then head to the Sinharaja Rainforest which is home to 95% of the endemic bird species of Sri Lanka. You will do your birding for a few days in Udawalawe, Tissamaharama & Bundala to bag all the beautiful dry zone forests which provide refuge to a variety of bird species as well as other wild fauna. We go to Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya & Udawattakele are some of the locations where you will be able to explore hill-country bird species. Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary in Chilaw is one of Sri Lanka’s 6 RAMSAR sites that you will cover before you depart and witness various wetland birds.
Read MoreIdeal for:
Bird lovers who are eager to explore the wilderness and admire the beauty of these creatures. Solo travelers/ couples/friends/families with kids and teenagers / small groups consisting of friends and family are welcome.
Sri Lankan birdlife is waiting for you to experience and feel its glamour. Meet your chauffeur at the arrival lobby at the airport and you will be driven to Kitulgala after completing your formalities. Being famous for the Award-winning movie; The Bridge over the River Quai”, Kitulgala is the only location that offers White Water Rafting in Sri Lanka. You can have a thrilling ride in the white waters of the Kelani River at Kitulgala in addition to your birding experiences. The nature trails and forests are ideal for bird watching, and Kitulgala is considered as one of the island’s hotspots for endemic species. Makandawa Rainforest is there for you to explore and witness its birdlife including the noctural species which is one of the highlight in Kitulgala. Not only birdlife, but also many species of reptiles in Kitulgala make your experience a more diversified.
Spanning over 192 hectares, Makandawa Forest Reserve is one of the oldest forest reserves in the country. This area has a very unique biodiversity, and the rare and endemic birds (such as the black eagle, the trogon, Sri Lanka Orange-billed babbler, Chestnut backed owlet, the blue magpie and the Red Faced Malkoha) make it a must for all the bird enthusiasts ! Mankadawa Forest is home to many wet zone endemic species such as orange-billed babbler, Sri Lanka brown-capped babbler, chestnut-backed owlet, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka layard’s parakeet, Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka black-capped bulbul, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush. Also the serendib scops owl can be spotted here. The common species found in this area include white-rumped shama, Sri Lanka paradise flycatcher, common Iora, black-hooded oriole, crested serpent eagle, changeable hawk eagle and white-bellies fish eagle.
There is no doubt that Sinharaja Rainforest is the best place for ornithologists who visit Sri Lanka for birdlife. You will be taken to Sinharaja and spend 3 nights there admiring the beauty of these most colorful creatures of Nature. Being designated as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Sinharaja has exceptional importance in terms of its biodiversity and fragility. Red Faced Malkoha and Blue Magpie are our bets in Sinharaja while 95% of the endemics are there to capture at Sinharaja Rainforest. You are free to have full-day walks in the Nature Reserve of have half a day trails in different areas of the nature reserve. Having a night walk will reward you with capturing many noctunal species like Serendib Scope Owl an endemic species that was discovered recently. Having an Al-Fresco bath in nearby waters will help you chill yourself with unpolluted waters.
Even though Udawalawe is famous for Elephant lovers, hundreds of bird species make Udawalawe to attract bird lovers to visit Udawalawe Nationl Park and experience its maginificant diversity. Moving from Wet zone to dry zone, the birdlife in Udawalawe National Park is different from what you have experienced in Kitulgala & Sinharaja so far. Your afternoon Jeep Safari in Udawalawe National Park will make you more close to the bird life in the park including seven endemic species, some resident and migratory birds. Storks are commonly seen at the park while a few varieties of birds of prey could be seen patiently waiting for their meal. Asian Elephants are the big bet on this safari, while the other animals could be seen too. A night drive in the buffer zone of the park wil enable you to witness the behaviour of the giants at night as well as some nocturnal species.
We will drive to Tissamaharama, another spot for dry zone birds. A morning jeep safari in Udawalawe nationa park will give you opportunities for spotting more bird species while visiting Elephant Transit Home and witness bottle feeding of milk to elephant calves is also a possible post safari activity before you driving to Tissamaharama. A birding safari in Bundala National Park is one of the best ways to see the migratory birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala is home for more than 150 species including endemic and migratory birds. The period between the month of August and April is the best time for migratory birds, being Bundala Natioal Park a winter home to the greater flamingo, it is possible to see over 1500 flamingos at once! Jeep Safari in Yala National Park is a great opportunity to capture the best moments of the birds as well as the big shots like Sri Lankan Leopard, Asian Elephant and Crocodiles.
We will leave for Nuwara Eliya for another diverse birding experience. Driving through Ella would be more interesting if you could visit Nine Arches bridge when a train passing through. You will visit Hakgala Botanical Garden in the evening for another birding experience. Having a climate unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka, you will see many endemic species incuding hill land birds like Sri Lanka White Eye, Sri Lanka yellow-eared bull bull etc… in Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding areas. Being considered as a gathering place for mirgrant birds, you can see many migratory birds in the area in the month of April where they start flying back to their origins. You will go for an early morning nature trail in Horton Plains National Park for more birds including 9 species of Endemic birds. Not only birds, but also 24 species of mammals including Sri Lankan Leopards are the possible sightings at Horton Plains Nationa Park which is the only park that walking inside is allowed.
You will visit a Tea Plantation & a Factory which is a must see in Nuwara Eliya before you heading towards Kandy. You will be transferred to Kandy by your vehicle and check in at your hotel in Kandy upon your arrival. A nature trail in Udawattekele Santuary would be your highlight of the day by which you will be rewarded with is known as a birder’s paradise with its plethora of bird species. Endemics, resident and migratory birds could be seen in plenty here at Udawattekele, your nature trail will be overwhelmed with its extensive range of other animals and 460 plus flora species. You may spot endemic birds like Sri Lanka yellow-fronted barbet, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka hanging parakeet, Sri Lanka Layard’s parakeet plus more resident and migratory species. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to witness some nocturnal species like brown fish owl during your nature trail.
You will visit Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic after breakfast or prior to breakfast to witness the morning ceremony. Then our chauffeur will take you to Chilaw for a short beach relaxation before your departure from Sri Lanka. Your last bridging experience of this 14 days trip would be in Anawilidawa Bird Sanctuary which is one of the six RAMSAR Sites in Sri Lanka. Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of waterfowl, dragonflies, butterflies, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. A number of migrant species who use the sanctuary for breeding and feeding can be seen upon your visit.
Lying on the beach for a couple of hours and chilling in the pool while sipping a glass of wine or a Sri Lankan beer will keep yourself calm before your flight back to your origin or the next destination. Pack your bags and get ready for tomorrow’s departure.
1-2 persons
3-4 persons
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
The Palmstone Retreat is situated in a tropical jungle. You must travel 6 kilometers on a rural road from Kitulgala town to the property.
The most well-known Sinharaja Rain forest is about 5 minutes from where Blue Magpie Lodge is based. Their resort is a creation of simple...
The Big Game Safari Campsite at Udawalawe is set within dense jungle overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National...
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mirage Kings Cottage is a charming colonial building more than a century old, originally owned by the first prime minister of independent Ceylon, and...
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Hidden away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a soft sandy beach on one side...
1-2 persons
3-4 persons
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
The Palmstone Retreat is situated in a tropical jungle. You must travel 6 kilometers on a rural road from Kitulgala town to the property.
The most well-known Sinharaja Rain forest is about 5 minutes from where Blue Magpie Lodge is based. Their resort is a creation of simple...
The Big Game Safari Campsite at Udawalawe is set within dense jungle overlooking a man-made reservoir on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National...
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
One of the first bungalows in the valley of Sri Lanka's central hill country, Nuwara Eliya, Ferncliff is an 18 century family home set...
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Hidden away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a soft sandy beach on one side...
1-2 persons
3-4 persons
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
The Palmstone Retreat is situated in a tropical jungle. You must travel 6 kilometers on a rural road from Kitulgala town to the property.
Rainforest Eco Lodge is located in the Sinharaja Division of the Enselwatte Estate, formerly a tea estate, and it borders the southern boundary of...
Mahoora Tented Safari Camp Udawalawe is located in a thicket on the eastern boundary of the Udawalawe National Park, surrounded by bush forest.
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Another delightful offering from the boutique collection by Amaya, Langdale Boutique Hotel is a cheerful, laid-back hotel in aon old British colonial-style, 12 kms...
A haven of serenity and unrivalled elegance, the Radh Hotel is magnificently set in Kandy's old hill capital and centrally located, making it an...
Hidden away in the charming coastal town of Chilaw, Anantaya Resort & Spa is perfectly located with a soft sandy beach on one side...
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Ride the white waters of the Kelani River as it stumbles through a rocky gorge in Kitulgala, and take on the rapids from the...
Observe endless herds of wild elephants roaming the grasslands of Udawalawe National Park – the world’s best place to guarantee elephant sightings on every...
Birdwatching at Bundala National Park lets you explore 6000 hectares brimming with bright-eyed birdlife – with close to 200 species inhabiting the skies, trees...
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.