Sri Lanka Through The Lens ( Birdwatching)
Explore nature’s finest — from endemic birds and misty rainforests to golden light at ancient ruins. Designed for photographers and birders alike, this journey takes you into Sri Lanka’s best wilderness locations with guided experiences and breathtaking backdrops.
INCLUDED
- ✔️ Dedicated private chauffeur-guide fluent in multiple languages throughout the tour
- ✔️ All fuel charges, parking fees, and highway tolls covered
- ✔️ Accommodation in your chosen hotel category (Luxury, Boutique, Mid-range, etc.)
- ✔️ Daily meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- ✔️ Entrance fees and permits to all scheduled attractions
- ✔️ Private safari jeep experience in Udawalawe National Park
EXCLUDED
- ✖️ International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- ✖️ LPersonal expenses such as shopping, gratuities, and beverages
- ✖️ OAny optional experiences or activities not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Program ( 13 Nights | 14 Days )
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Day 1
Arrival – Into the Wetlands of Negombo
• Meet & greet at Bandaranaike International Airport
• Transfer to Negombo, a coastal town with thriving mangroves and wetlands
• Evening birding session at Muthurajawela Marshland: Spot purple herons, kingfishers, jacanas, and brahminy kites
• Sunset shoot over Negombo Lagoon
• Overnight in Negombo -
Day 2
Negombo to Kitulgala – Rainforest Canopy & River Life
• Travel to Kitulgala, a lush rainforest and riverine region ideal for lowland bird species
• Stop en route for village photography: local markets, lush paddy fields
• Afternoon birding & macro photography in Kitulgala Forest: Look for Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, and Malabar Trogon
• Overnight in Kitulgala -
Day 3
Kitulgala Exploration – Hidden Trails & Forest Birds
• Early morning trek through Makandawa Rainforest Reserve
• Spot rare endemics like Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Hanging Parrot, and Black-capped Bulbul
• Afternoon photowalk along the Kelani River with reflections, butterflies, and forest vistas
• Optional: visit to Belilena Cave for historical context
• Overnight in Kitulgala -
Days 4
Kitulgala to Sinharaja – Into the Biodiversity Core
• Depart for the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Afternoon nature walk near the buffer zone for early sightings
• Look for bird waves of mixed species: Red-faced Malkoha, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
• Overnight near Sinharaja -
Day 5
Sinharaja Full-Day Exploration
• Full-day guided birdwatching trek with a local naturalist
• Photograph insects, reptiles, frogs, and butterflies in macro-rich rainforest conditions
• Focus on endemics and rare species — bring telephoto and macro lenses!
• Packed lunch and field sessions throughout the day
• Overnight near Sinharaja -
Day 6
Sinharaja to Udawalawe – Dry Zone Birds & Elephants
• Transfer to Udawalawe National Park, famous for its open grasslands and elephant herds
• Evening safari in golden hour light – ideal for spotting raptors, Bee-eaters, and elephants in silhouette
• Overnight in Udawalawe -
Day 7
Udawalawe to Ella – Highland Transitions
• Morning safari or birding walk around Udawalawe Reservoir
• En route to Ella, stop at Diyaluma Falls for landscape shots
• Short break at Ravana Falls for long-exposure waterfall photography
• Overnight in Ella -
Day 8
Ella – Mountains, Mist & Micro-Wildlife
• Sunrise hike to Little Adam’s Peak for wide-angle photography
• Explore tea estates for shots of sunbirds, flowerpeckers, and mountain flora
• Optional visit to Nine Arch Bridge for architectural and train photography
• Overnight in Ella -
Day 9
Ella to Nuwara Eliya – Into the Cloud Forests • Scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya, the "Little England" of Sri Lanka
• Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden for highland endemics like Sri Lanka White-eye and Yellow-eared Bulbul
• Evening lake photography at Gregory Lake
• Overnight in Nuwara Eliya -
Day 10
Horton Plains National Park – Highland Rarities
• Early start to Horton Plains, home to Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Dull-blue Flycatcher, and Bush Warbler
• Landscape shots at World’s End Cliffs and Baker’s Falls
• Return for lunch and optional street photography in colonial Nuwara Eliya
• Overnight in Nuwara Eliya -
Day 11
Nuwara Eliya to Kandy – Tea & Culture
• Travel to Kandy, stopping at Ramboda Falls and a tea factory
• Short birding stop at Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya – a hotspot for Brown-headed Barbet, Parakeets, and Flycatchers
• Evening golden hour photography at Kandy Lake
• Overnight in Kandy -
Day 12
Kandy to Sigiriya – Sacred Landscapes
• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (interior photography limited)
• Depart for Sigiriya
• En route: brief photo stop at Nalanda Gedige
• Evening Pidurangala Rock hike – panoramic sunset ideal for landscape shooting
• Overnight in Sigiriya -
Day 13
Sigiriya – Fortress & Forest Birding
• Sunrise visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Mid-morning birding session in Habarana forest or Minneriya wetlands
• Optional elephant safari or village walk for lifestyle photography
• Final night celebration dinner with slideshow/photo sharing
• Overnight in Sigiriya -
Day 14
Departure via Airport Transfer
• Depending on flight time, stop at Negombo beach or a wetland reserve
• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for departure
• Farewell from the island of light, color, and life
GALLERY / PHOTOS
