Sri Lanka's Birds
Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

This 16 day itinerary provides the opportunity to observe the extraordinary wealth of birds that Sri Lanka has to offer as well as experiencing the stunning scenery and rich culture of this island nation. You will be staying in a range of unique eco lodges.

The tour begins with stays at two unique eco-retreats in Sri Lankas Dry Zone, providing a base to explore the ancient ruins of Sigiriya and the abundant wildlife of the surrounding jungle ecosystem. You will then head south to the Hill Country, an area famous for its tea plantations and onwards to the Sinharaja Rainforest, which boasts 17 of Sri Lankas 23 endemic bird species. Uda Walawe , an area particularly rich in Raptor species, is next on the list with a two night stay at the parks edge. Coming to the end of your trip is a three night stay at the Back of Beyond Kahanda Modera,an eco-villa set amongst lagoons and marshes - perfect for a spot of twitching.

From £2,378 pp inclusive of flights from the UK.

(This price is based on a tour price of £1,678 pp and international flights from the UK from £700 pp = £2378 pp)

Inclusions

- Direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines.

- Meals and accommodation as stated

- All taxes and surcharges

- Private transport within country with a qualified chauffeur-guide

Please note that the price of flights in particular can be higher during peak travel periods.

ALL EXPERIENCE TRAVEL TOURS ARE TAILOR MADE, PRIVATELY GUIDED AND DELIVERED BY THE BEST GUIDES IN THE COUNTRY.

DAY 1

Depart London Heathrow for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

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DAYS 2 & 3

Arrive in Colombo and be transferred to The Mudhouse for a two nights stay on a Full Board basis. Locally guided excursions are also included such a bicycling, visits to local temples, swimming trips, lake kayaking and picnics. This little visited but beautiful area of Sri Lanka is deeply rural and life moves at a tranquil pace.

Located in the heart of Sri Lankas dry zone, it is characterised by startling rock formations and scattered tanks village reservoirs which have provided the means for agriculture for thousands of years and continue to do so today. The rustic charm of the design complements the warm and friendly hospitality of the staff. The sleeping accommodation and facilities are very comfortable and luxurious considering the lack of electricity and modern building materials while the space available means that each party is afforded their own privacy and living space in abundance.

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DAYS 4, 5 & 6

You will be met by your chauffeur/guide (who will be an expert on Sri Lankas birds) and private car who will transfer you to your hotel in Sigiriya. He will remain with you until you are dropped at your beach hotel. You will be driven from The Mudhouse to the equally remote Back of Beyond Dehi Gaha Ela, an eco-lodge located in the jungle where you have the option to sleep amongst the wildlife in rustic tree-houses.

On your second day at Dehi Gaha Ela visit the world heritage site of of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The rest of your time here will be spent enjoying the wilderness and the abundance of birds that inhabit the area.

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DAYS 7, 8 & 9

From the Cultural Triangle you will head to the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range for three nights at Rangala House. This spacious villa, which can be rented per room or as an entire villa, is located on a hillside surrounded by tea plantations. There is an abundance of birdlife in the vicinity and the house provides a telescope on the balcony to allow for a more detailed view. They will also arrange trips into the Knuckles Mountains which contain almost 75% of Sri Lankas endemic bird species.

On route you will travel through Kandy, and have the opportunity to spend a few hours exploring the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens. These gardens, once used as a pleasure garden by the Islands royalty have a wealth of plants and tree species and in consequence, a variety of invertebrate, bird and bat species.

An alternative to Rangala House, is to stay at Illuks, a delightful hideaway villa that is also a centre of research into the biodiversity of the region.

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DAYS 10 & 11

Spend the morning visiting the bird sanctuary at Uda Wattakele. The forest reserve is famous for its extensive avifauna including species such as Layards Parakeet, the Yellow-fronted Barbet and the Brown-capped Babbler. The rare Three-toed Kingfisher has also been observed here.

Heading south from Kandy, we head towards the lowland rainforest reserve of the Sinharaja. This reserve is a must-see for any birding enthusiasts as it contains at least 17 of the 23 bird species endemic to Sri Lanka. Here you will stay at the Rainforest Edge, a superb eco-lodge overlooking the Sinharaja rainforest, making it the ideal base from which to explore the forest and surrounding area. Spend an entire day exploring the rainforest with a qualified guide.

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DAYS 12 & 13

Next on the itinerary is Uda Walawe National Park. This area is the most reliable place to see elephants in their wild habitat all year round with herds of up to 50 individuals commonly seen. The area is particularly well known for its richness of raptor species such as the White-bellied Sea Eagle and the Crested Serpent Eagle among numerous others.

You will spend the afternoon on safari in Uda Walawe, heading home to Kalus Hideaway after sunset.

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DAY 14, 15 & 16

As you head south towards the coast and your final location, spend the morning exploring Bundala National Park, an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds. In season, vast flocks of over 1000 individuals of Greater Flamingo can be seen congregating here. Other birds commonly seen in the area include waterfowl, cormorants, Ibis, Spoonbills and other waders of all sizes.

You will spend the next three nights at the Back of Beyond Kahandamodara, an exquisite eco villa set amongst lagoons and marshes providing the opportunity for bird watching and a little rest and relaxation all in one place.

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DAY 17

You will be picked up from your villa and taken to nearby Dickwella. You will take the seaplane back to Colombo that connects to your return flight to London.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...