Sri Lanka · Bird Watching

18-Day Birdwatching Safari in Sri Lanka with National Parks and Heritage

18 Days Round trip from Negombo Easy pace
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Bundala National Park
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The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Spot migratory and resident birdlife at Bundala, Kumana, and Anawilunda wetlands
  • 02 Explore Kitulgala Forest Reserve and Horton Plains for rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes
  • 03 Visit Yala and Wilpattu National Parks for safari experiences in Sri Lanka's wild habitats
  • 04 Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock for incredible views
  • 05 Experience Sri Lankan village life with bull cart driving, river safari, and paddy field activities
  • 06 Seek blessings at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
  • 07 Discover the architectural heritage of Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 08 Tour Gampaha Botanical Garden and see Sri Lanka's first rubber plant

Embark on an exciting 18-day birdwatching safari through Sri Lanka's national parks, including Kitulgala Forest Reserve, Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Minneriya, Bundala, Kumana, and Horton Plains. Go on multiple safaris to spot a variety of endemic and migratory bird species while also exploring cultural and scenic attractions such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiriya, Galle Dutch Fort, and Gangaramaya Temple. This journey combines wildlife, birdlife, trekking, village experiences, and heritage sites across some of Sri Lanka's most diverse landscapes.

Embark on an exciting 18-day birdwatching safari through Sri Lanka's national parks, including Kitulgala Forest Reserve, Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Minneriya, Bundala, Kumana, and Horton Plains.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 18 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla, Negombo, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, Kitulgala, Horton Plains National Park, Tissamaharama, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, Bundala National Park, Kataragama, Knuckles Mountain Range, Gampaha, Ahungalla
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Negombo

  • On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you will get your first taste of warm Sri Lankan hospitality from your tour representative.
  • Then, transfer to your accommodation in Negombo for an overnight stay.
2
Day 02

Gampaha Botanical Garden and Negombo

  • After breakfast, visit Gampaha Botanical Garden. Spreading over 43 acres of beautiful landscape with a lake beside the garden, it is a well-tended space displaying a wide range of plants. The garden possesses an array of botanical and horticultural attractions, with a rich history and a wonderful plant collection from the wet zone.
  • Next, visit the first rubber plant of Sri Lanka.
  • Explore the fishermen's village, enjoy beach life, and relax. See Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen's huts, feeding into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal, which leads south to Colombo. Negombo is one of the major commercial hubs in the country and the administrative centre of Negombo, known for its long sandy beaches and centuries-old fishing industry.

Relax at the hotel and stay overnight.

3
Day 03

Anawilunda Wetland and Wilpattu

  • Leave early from the hotel and transfer to Wilpattu.
  • En route, visit the Anawilunda wetland zone, which includes endemic species such as fowls, pigeons, parrots, parakeets, malkoha, coucal, owl, owlet, hornbill, barbet, magpie, bulbul, warbler, babbler, thrush, white-eye, mynah, starling, flycatcher, flowerpecker, flareback, wood shrike, drongo, and swallow.
  • In the evening, head to Wilpattu Sanctuary, which was declared a National Park in 1938.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

4
Day 04

Minneriya National Park Safari

  • Early in the morning, leave to visit Minneriya National Park.
  • Enjoy afternoon game drives and an elephant ride.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

5
Day 05

Sigiriya and Pidurangala Experience

  • After breakfast, leave for Sigiriya Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock climbing.
  • Take on the challenging climb at Sigiriya and enjoy the incredible view of the majestic Sigiriya Rock from Pidurangala.
  • Get a valuable experience of Sri Lankan village lifestyle.
  • Engage in fun activities such as bull cart driving, river safari, and paddy field activities.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

6
Day 06

Dambulla and Kandy Heritage Tour

  • Transfer to the Cave Temple and Golden Temple of the heritage city of Dambulla.
  • Then, head to Kandy.
  • Spend the evening within the mesmerizing interiors of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by a concert showcasing traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
  • Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, which includes more than 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees.
  • Next, move to scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake).
  • Afterwards, enjoy watching the Kandyan dance show.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

7
Day 07

Knuckles Range Village Trek

  • At 7:00 am, your trekking guide will provide a brief introduction to the village and the trek.
  • Midway, take a tea break at Game Gadara.
  • Start the trek by 8:00 am. You are encouraged to walk and become part of village life.
  • Witness Heeloya Waterfall and enjoy a refreshing river bath.
  • Then, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a village house.
  • Head back to your Kandy hotel for an overnight stay.
8
Day 08

Nuwara Eliya and Tea Country

  • Today, drive about 80 km (approx. 3 hours) along winding roads lined with green slopes of tea plantations to reach Nuwara Eliya, the heart of the tea-growing industry and a town full of colonial charm.
  • En route, visit Ramboda Waterfalls.
  • Then, enjoy the experience of tea factory style.
  • Go for a city tour of Nuwara Eliya and visit Victoria Hakgala National Park.
  • Next, head to Seetha Amman Temple.

Relax and stay overnight at the hotel.

9
Day 09

Horton Plains and Lake Gregory

  • Today, travel to Horton Plains and Baker's Falls.
  • En route, visit Ambewela New Zealand Farm, the vegetable farm, and the strawberry farm.
  • Then, proceed to Hakgala Botanical Garden to see spice plants.
  • Explore Lake Gregory and enjoy the cool weather.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

10
Day 10

Kitulgala Forest Adventure Camp

  • Arrive at Kitulgala Adventures Camp by 11 am, where a welcome drink will be served.
  • Have lunch at the camp and go for natural rock pool sliding and confidence jumps.
  • Head back to the camp and enjoy a cup of tea with snacks.

Dinner and overnight stay at Kitulgala Adventures Camp.

11
Day 11

Udawalawe National Park

  • Transfer from Kitulgala to Udawalawe National Park.
  • In the afternoon, go for a game drive in Udawalawe National Park.

Overnight stay at Udawalawe Safari Hotel.

12
Day 12

Full-Day Yala National Park Safari

  • Early in the morning, transfer via Tissamaharama to Yala National Park for a full-day game drive.
  • Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch.

Overnight stay at the eco hotel.

13
Day 13

Bundala Birdwatching and Kataragama

  • Early in the morning, leave for Bundala National Park.
  • Watch some of the migrants, including the openbill, ibis, heron, egrets, pelicans, cormorant, water-cock, swamphen, watermen, stilts, duck, and grebe.
  • Then, visit the Kataragama Hindu Temple.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

14
Day 14

Kumana National Park Birdlife

  • Early in the morning, leave for Kumana National Park.
  • Watch some of the migrants, including the openbill, ibis, heron, egrets, pelicans, cormorant, water-cock, swamphen, watermen, stilts, duck, and grebe.
  • Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at the park.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

15
Day 15

Galle Fort and Maduganga

  • After breakfast, visit Dutch Fort Galle.
  • Go for a river safari at Maduganga.
  • Explore Castle Farm and a mask factory in the morning.
  • Spend a free afternoon relaxing on the beach.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

16
Day 16

Spice Garden and Moonstone Mine

  • Today, head to Galle Spice Garden.
  • Visit the Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine, a centre point in Sri Lanka.
  • Then, proceed to Castle Farm Ahungalla and the mask factory in Ambalangoda.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

17
Day 17

Colombo City Tour

  • Leave for a Colombo city tour in the morning.
  • Visit Gangaramaya Temple (water lake temple).

Overnight stay at the hotel.

18
Day 18

Departure from Sri Lanka

  • Transfer to the airport to board your return flight.

Tour ends.

Yala National Park, Sigiriya Lion Rock, Horton Plains, Bundala National Park

Where this trip takes you

Yala National Park, Sigiriya Lion Rock, Horton Plains, Bundala National Park

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Negombo 19 cities · 18 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation for 16 nights in different cities as per the itinerary in star hotels.
  • On the first night of arrival, our company provides accommodation for you.
  • English-speaking guide service, with the guide also acting as your driver.
  • Expert site guides who are reliable, experienced, and friendly, with excellent knowledge of nature, ancient archaeological sites, and cultural sites.
  • Day-to-day monitoring and communication with drivers and guests for smooth operation.
  • HB meal plans at the hotels where you will be spending the night. Snacks are not included.
  • Experienced driver and luxury van, car, or bus with A/C for safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
  • Free entrance to the Spice Garden, Gem Museum, Wood Carving Center, and Tea Factory and Plantation.

What's Not Included

  • Tickets for various activities.
  • Medical and insurance tickets to gardens.
  • The orphanage, boat rides, safaris, massage, laundry, trips, mini bar, shopping, and similar personal expenses.
  • Any phone calls made locally or internationally. If you prefer to call us, it will be free of charge, but for others, the hotel will charge.
  • Price list for entrance tickets per person is not included in the tour cost.

Know before you go

  • We will follow Covid-19 rules and regulation guidelines from WHO and the Tourist Board to protect our clients and the country. Travel is a vital part of the human experience. It expands our understanding of people and cultures exponentially. Re-establishing confidence in tourism is crucial for the industry, the destinations and communities visited, and the travelling public.
  • With global recognition, Sri Lanka has gained by effectively managing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 within the country. Potential travellers and tour groups have already inquired regarding travel into the country. While welcoming such gestures of good faith by tourists, Stelaranholidays (Pvt) Ltd realizes the importance of implementing planned, organized, and well-structured health protocols when resuming tourism in the country, so as to ensure the safety and good health of all guests, industry stakeholders, and the general public.
  • PERSONAL SAFETY MEASURES
    • Ensure the use of the traditional greeting of Sri Lanka, 'Ayubowan', at all times instead of hugging or handshaking.
    • Before entering the hotel, we will need the required Covid-19 vaccine reports.
    • The driver/tour leader should maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 meters between two people at all times.
    • Ensure all tourists wear face masks and maintain a safe 1.5-meter distance at all times.
    • The driver/tour leader should wear face masks and gloves when interacting with passengers.
    • Travellers are requested to sanitize their hands frequently during the tour and site visits; further, they should wash their hands with soap and running water at the end of each site visit.
    • Personal protective equipment is available in the vehicle, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and wipes for passengers when needed.
  • All outside-country visitors must complete pre-departure Covid-19 PCR testing.
    • A negative PCR test is required prior to boarding your flight and on arrival in Sri Lanka. The test should be no older than 72 hours prior to boarding.
  • The Kithulgala forest is a secondary rainforest situated beside the Kelani River, one of Sri Lanka's longest rivers. There is a tributary flowing through the forest to this river. The forest reserve has high biodiversity. Though it is mostly secondary forest, its faunal and floral diversity is very similar to a primary forest. Wild boar, toque macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey, and barking deer are some of the interesting mammal species. Among the interesting bird species, Red-faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Frogmouth, and Layard's Parakeet are outstanding. Kithulgala is ideally located as a stop-off between Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and the Tea Country. This beautiful landscape is home to jungle, tea and rubber plantations, and spectacular mountains looming in the distance, and was the backdrop for the Academy Award-winning 'The Bridge on the River Kwai', which was filmed on the Kelani River - although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene. A few kilometers upstream are the bases from which white-water rafting expeditions take place - Kithulgala is the best place to go in Sri Lanka for those seeking adventure travel. You can also go canyoning, trekking, and canoeing on the river. Sinharaja Rainforest is within reach from Kithulgala - trek through this mysterious land of tropical plants and stay on the lookout for colorful birds, exotic butterflies, and a variety of other creatures.
  • Yala National Park's most popular animal is the leopard, and they are the lords of the jungle. With a leopard density higher than anywhere else on this planet, these menacing predators prowl majestically in Yala, while elephants roam in numbers with cautious deer scampering by their side. Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean in southeast Sri Lanka. It is home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Yala National Park gives the best opportunity to witness Sri Lanka's broad variety of wildlife: colorful painted storks in groups are seen perched at the shores of lagoons where crocodiles too have chosen to doze off; lovely fantailed peacocks in their resplendent blues and greens parade about amidst the woods where monkeys hang, leap, and chatter; in the bush jungle are the elephants; crossing the tracks and wandering off into the thorny scrub jungle is the star attraction of the park: the leopard. A total of 32 species of mammals have been recorded. Threatened species include sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya), elephant (Elephas maximus), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), wild boar (Sus scrofa), spotted deer (Axis axis ceylonessis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), and golden jackal (Canis aureus).
  • Sri Lankan leopards (Panthera pardus kotiya) are said to be a distinct subspecies from their Indian neighbours. Leopards can be seen throughout the park, though the best period for enjoying sightings of leopards is from January to July. Birdlife includes around 130 recorded species. Raptors include the crested serpent eagle and white-bellied sea eagle. Among the water birds attracted to the lagoons are lesser flamingo, pelican, spoonbill, painted stork, rare black-necked stork, grey heron, purple heron, night heron, and darter. During the northeast monsoon, the lagoons are visited by thousands of migrating waterfowl, including pintail, garganey, Eurasian curlew, whimbrel, and turnstone, which mix with residents such as whistling duck, yellow-wattled lapwing, red-wattled lapwing, and great stone plover. The forest is home to orange-breasted green pigeon, hornbills, and flycatchers, including the Asian paradise flycatcher, barbets, and orioles.
  • Reptiles of note include the mugger crocodile, which is abundant in the abandoned tanks, the estuarine crocodile found in the main rivers, and the common monitor. Other reptiles include cobra and Russell's viper. A variety of sea turtles, including olive ridley and leatherback, use the Yala coastline as a major nesting ground.
  • Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala harbours 197 species of birds, the highlight being the greater flamingo, which migrates in large flocks. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesignated as a national park on 4 January 1993. In 1991, Bundala became the first wetland to be declared a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005, the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka. An area adjacent to Bundala covering 3,339.38 hectares (12.8934 sq mi) was declared as the Wilmanna Sanctuary. Bundala National Park has been identified as an outstanding Important Bird Area in the South Indian and Sri Lankan wetlands. A total of 324 species of vertebrates have been recorded in the national park, including 32 species of fish, 15 species of amphibians, 48 species of reptiles, 197 species of birds, and 32 species of mammals. Fifty-two species of butterflies are among the invertebrates. The wetland habitats in Bundala harbour about 100 species of water birds, half of them being migrant birds. Of the 197 avifaunal species, 58 are migratory species. Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds. The park is 391 kilometers (243 mi) southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka's southeastern coast. Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park. Kumana was formerly known as Yala East National Park, but changed to its present name on 5 September 2006. Kumana Bird Sanctuary, declared in 1938, is included within Kumana National Park. Kumana is one of the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. A total of 255 species of birds have been recorded in the national park. The park's wetland areas are surrounded by dry-zone tropical thorn forest. The inland forest's flora is dominated by Manilkara hexandra (Sinhalese 'palu'), Hemicyclea sepieria, Bauhinia racemosa, Cassia fistula ('ehela'), Chloroxylon swietenia ('burutha'), and Salvadora persica species. The dominant tree of the Kumana villu is Sonneratia caseolaris, while Typha angustifolia is the dominant reed. Terminalia arjuna trees dominate the riverine forests along the Kumbukkan Oya. Common aquatic plants of the swamp are colourful Ludwigia spp., Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea pubescens, Aponogeton spp., and Neptunia oleracea. Kumbukkan Oya forms the southern boundary of the national park. Some 20 lagoons and tanks support the extensive birdlife of the national park. The lagoons are shallow, with depths of less than 2 metres (6.6 ft). Kumana villu is subject to occasional inundation with seawater. The elevation of the area ranges from sea level to 90 metres.
  • Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument which, even after more than 432 years, maintains a polished appearance due to extensive reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by UNESCO, and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criterion iv for its unique exposition of 'an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries'. Meetiyagoda, also spelt 'Mitiyagoda', is situated only 4 km from the ocean and 10 km north of Hikkaduwa.
  • Meetiyagoda is famous for its moonstone mines. Moonstone has been used in jewelry for millennia, including by ancient civilizations. The Romans admired moonstone, as they believed it was derived from solidified rays of the moon. Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar deities. In more recent history, moonstone became popular during the Art Nouveau period; French goldsmith René Lalique and many others created a large quantity of jewelry using this stone.
  • Ambalangoda mask making is a popular tradition in Sri Lanka. Many Sri Lankan mask artisans ply their trade along the western, southwestern, and southern coasts of the island. Of these, the Ambalangoda area on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka is renowned for its talented artisans. Ambalangoda is famed for its history, expertise in mask carving, and culture, and the best place to get your fill of mask lore is the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum in Sri Lanka. Madu Ganga is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. The estuary spreads over 900 hectares, of which 770 hectares are covered with water, and is inhabited by 64 islands, of which 15 have a larger landmass. Abundantly rich in biodiversity, the area surrounding the Madu River includes swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. It is also home to 300 species of plants and about 250 wildlife species. Ahungalla turtle is the most commonly found turtle in Sri Lanka. They are also found in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans. Their English name refers to the colour of the fat found under their shells, which unfortunately is used to make turtle soup, though this practice is less common today. Young green turtles are mainly carnivores. Adults, however, are herbivores, feeding only on marine vegetation with the help of their finely serrated jaws. They grow to a maximum length of 1 m and can weigh 250 kg. Adult females lay between 120 and 140 eggs at one time. Green turtles are regularly found on the beach at night close to the KSTCP. They tend to nest only every few years, but when they do, they lay several times in one season.
  • Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. Colombo, a port city with a rich colonial heritage on the western coast, is a potpourri of races, religions, and cultures. Colombo displays the best and worst the country has to offer. The city is a contrast in itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, and shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands standing next to urban slums, diesel-fumed congested roads, and street markets. It is the financial center of the island and a tourist destination. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, commonly known as Kotte, is the official administrative capital of Sri Lanka. It is home to the legislative capital Sri Jayawardenapura as well as Colombo, the nation's administrative and business center. As Sri Lanka's economic hub, all the major local and international corporations have their presence in the city, and so do all the major designer and high street retailers, so be ready to indulge in some retail therapy in the Western Province. The Colombo metropolitan area has a population of 5.6 million, and 752,993 in the city proper.
  • Anawilunda wetland zone includes endemics such as fowls, pigeons, parrots, parakeets, malkoha, coucal, owl, owlet, hornbill, barbet, magpie, bulbul, warbler, babbler, thrush, white-eye, mynah, starling, flycatcher, flowerpecker, flareback, wood shrike, drongo, and swallow. Anawilunda, Sri Lanka, is rich in nature, with several sanctuaries and national parks protecting the wildlife that inhabits the country's varied ecosystems. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is one of the more obscure sanctuaries on the coastal belt between Negombo and Puttalam. The Anawilundawa Wetlands are a birdwatcher's haven, with over 150 species of birds, both resident and migratory. Resident and endemic bird species can be seen throughout the year, while the period from October to April is the best time for glimpsing many rare migratory birds. Anawilundawa is also the nesting site for many exotic birds, including some of the rarer species of cormorants, egrets, storks, and ibis, along with the pheasant-tailed jacana and the purple swamphen. There are also over 20 species of mammals, including the toque macaque monkey, five threatened species of slender loris, rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, and the Indian otter. Over 70 species of butterflies breed here, while over 50% of the country's freshwater fish species are found in these waters. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is especially good for birdwatching, hiking, and boat rides, and is fast growing into one of Sri Lanka's most important eco-tourism attractions.
  • Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast, close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. The dry-zone jungle is thickly grown. Wilpattu National Park is home to many villus, or natural lakes, which dot the landscape. Except for two, these lakes contain rainwater and are therefore important for resident and migratory water birds. The history of the park is also of interest, with ancient ruins having been discovered in Wilpattu National Park. Queen 'Kuweni', considered to be the mother of the Sinhala race, is said to have lived in the place known as Kalli Villu. Historical evidence also shows that Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, lived in Wilpattu over 2,000 years ago. There are approximately 30 species of mammals in Wilpattu National Park, including the Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan leopard, Lankan sloth bear, spotted deer, buffalo, sambar, and mongoose. Reptiles and amphibians in the park include monitor lizard, mugger crocodile, common cobra, rat snake, Indian python, pond turtle, and soft-shelled turtle.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Colombo Airport Transfers, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Tour start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 18 days finish where they began, in Negombo.

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