Handpicked Itineraries • Tailor Your Experience
Discover the Soul of Sri Lanka
Embark on a grand birding expedition across Sri Lanka’s wetlands, rainforests, highlands, and national parks. Discover endemic and migratory birds in Kitulgala, Sinharaja, Horton Plains, Bundala, Yala, and Wilpattu while enjoying scenic tea country landscapes, thrilling wildlife safaris, and cultural surroundings. This journey perfectly combines birdwatching, nature photography, eco experiences, and comfortable budget-friendly stays throughout the island.
Journey Route
Itinerary
Day-by-day journey
1Day 1
Day 01 – Arrival - Negombo Birding
Negombo
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Day 1
Day 01 – Arrival - Negombo Birding
Negombo
Arrive in Negombo and relax after airport pickup. Evening birdwatching at Muthurajawela Wetlands and Negombo Lagoon to spot waterbirds, kingfishers, herons, and migratory species.
Accommodation
Uga Riva Negombo • Jetwing Lagoon Wellness, A Luxury Reserve - Adults Only • Wallawwa
Meals
Dinner
Travel Time
30.00 minutes
Distance
15.00 KM
2Day 2
Day 02 – Negombo to Kitulgala
Kitulgala
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Day 2
Day 02 – Negombo to Kitulgala
Kitulgala
Travel to Kitulgala, famous for rainforest birding. Evening nature walks to observe Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Layard’s Parakeet, and other endemic species along the Kelani River forest trails.
Accommodation
Kitulgala Heritage Rest House • Moksha at Kitulgala Rainforest Boutique • Moksha at Kitulgala - Rainforest Boutique Hotel
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
3.00 hours
Distance
95.00 KM
3Day 3
Day 03 – Kitulgala Birding Exploration
Kitulgala
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Day 3
Day 03 – Kitulgala Birding Exploration
Kitulgala
Early morning rainforest birding excursion. Search for endemic species including Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, and Green-billed Coucal. Enjoy scenic rainforest surroundings.
Accommodation
Kitulgala Heritage Rest House • Moksha at Kitulgala - Rainforest Boutique Hotel • Moksha at Kitulgala Rainforest Boutique
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
1.00 hours
Distance
20.00 KM
4Day 4
Day 04 – Kitulgala to Sinharaja
Sinharaja
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Day 4
Day 04 – Kitulgala to Sinharaja
Sinharaja
Proceed to the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in endemic birds and biodiversity. Evening village walk and rainforest relaxation.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
5.00 hours
Distance
165.00 KM
5Day 5
Day 05 – Sinharaja Rainforest Birding
Sinharaja
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Day 5
Day 05 – Sinharaja Rainforest Birding
Sinharaja
Full-day rainforest birding trek with chances to observe mixed feeding flocks, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, and endemic babblers amidst lush tropical forest.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
45.00 minutes
Distance
15.00 KM
6Day 6
Day 06 – Sinharaja to Udawalawe
Udawalawe
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Day 6
Day 06 – Sinharaja to Udawalawe
Udawalawe
Travel to Udawalawe National Park. Evening safari offers opportunities to spot elephants, eagles, peacocks, bee-eaters, and wetland birds around the reservoir.
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
4.00 hours
Distance
135.00 KM
7Day 7
Day 07 – Udawalawe to Bundala
Bundala
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Day 7
Day 07 – Udawalawe to Bundala
Bundala
Drive towards Bundala National Park, a paradise for migratory birds. Enjoy lagoon birding with flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, and shorebirds.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Wild Yala • Jetwing Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
2.50 hours
Distance
95.00 KM
8Day 8
Day 08 – Yala National Park Safari
Yala
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Day 8
Day 08 – Yala National Park Safari
Yala
Morning safari in Yala National Park for birdwatching and wildlife sightings including leopards, crocodiles, hornbills, and raptors in dry-zone forest habitats.
Accommodation
Jetwing Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive • Cinnamon Wild Yala
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
1.00 hours
Distance
40.00 KM
9Day 9
Day 09 – Yala to Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
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Day 9
Day 09 – Yala to Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
Travel to the cool hill country of Nuwara Eliya through tea plantations and waterfalls. Evening birding for highland endemic species around Gregory Lake and Victoria Park.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel • Araliya Red • The Blackpool Hotel
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
5.50 hours
Distance
190.00 KM
10Day 10
Day 10 – Horton Plains Birding
Horton Plains
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Day 10
Day 10 – Horton Plains Birding
Horton Plains
Early morning visit to Horton Plains National Park. Observe Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Yellow-eared Bulbul, and montane bird species while trekking scenic grasslands and cloud forests.
Accommodation
Grand Hotel • The Blackpool Hotel • Araliya Red
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
1.00 hours
Distance
32.00 KM
11Day 11
Day 11 – Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
Kandy
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Day 11
Day 11 – Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
Kandy
Proceed to Kandy via scenic mountain roads and tea estates. Evening visit to Udawatta Kele Sanctuary for birding and nature photography.
Accommodation
Kings Pavilion • Santani Wellness Kandy • Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
2.00 hours
Distance
80.00 KM
12Day 12
Day 12 – Kandy to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
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Day 12
Day 12 – Kandy to Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
Travel to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Explore tanks and wetlands attracting painted storks, cormorants, owls, and other waterbirds.
Accommodation
Rajarata Hotel • The Lake Forest Hotel • Uga Ulagalla - Anuradhapura
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
3.00 hours
Distance
140.00 KM
13Day 13
Day 13 – Wilpattu National Park Safari
Wilpattu
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Day 13
Day 13 – Wilpattu National Park Safari
Wilpattu
Full-day safari in Wilpattu National Park, known for lakes, forest birds, owls, eagles, and elusive wildlife including leopards and sloth bears.
Accommodation
Cinnamon Wild Yala • Jetwing Yala • Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais and Chateaux - All Inclusive • Wild Trails Yala
Meals
Breakfast • Dinner
Travel Time
1.50 hours
Distance
45.00 KM
14Day 14
Day 14 – Wilpattu to Colombo - Departure
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Day 14
Day 14 – Wilpattu to Colombo - Departure
Drive back to Colombo or airport for departure. Enjoy final scenic views and optional stopovers for shopping or photography.
Meals
Breakfast
Travel Time
5.00 hours
Distance
180.00 KM