Endemic Birds in Sri Lanka
For an Island of its size, Sri Lanka has a high density of species of birds. A total of 462 birds have been recorded including migrants. No less than 34 species of birds are endemic, found nowhere else in the world. The mixed species bird flocks in Sinharaja (dubbed the ‘Rainforest Rainbow’) are the longest study in the world. The birds are also relatively tame and easy to watch.
10 days/ 9 nights
Colombo, Anuradhapura, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Kirinda, Yala, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Kosgoda, Negombo.
Galle face hotel, Palm Garden Village, Sorowwa, Cinamon Citadel, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Kirinda Beach Resort,, Jetwing Lighthouse, Jetwing Sea.
- Explore Talangama Lake
- Explore Bodhinagala forest
- Explore Sinharaja
- Birding at Kelani Valley forest reserve
- Explore Victoria Park
- Explore Horton Plains
Day 01
Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer to Villa Talangama, Colombo for one night. Afternoon walk along Talangama Lake for Black and Yellow Bitterns, Watercock & other common sub-continental species.
Villa Talangama
Standard Room
Bed & Breakfast
Day 02
After breakfast leave for Blue Magpie Lodge, Sinharaja for two nights. En route visit Bodhinagala Forest Reserve, which is a lowland rainforest closer to Colombo. We look for Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot and if lucky the scarce endemic Green-billed Coucal. Thereafter proceed to Sinharaja for three nights.
Blue Magpie Lodge
Deluxe
Bed & Breakfast
Day 03
Full day visit to Sinharaja Rainforest (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) for lowland endemics and mixed species bird flocks. According a study of the mixed species bird on average 42 individual birds occur in the flocks, which makes this the world’s largest mixed species bird flock. The mixed species Bird flock study of Sinharaja forest has been continuing since 1981 and is considered as the World’s longest studied bird flock study. Birding highlights include Red-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling, Scaly Thrush, Spot winged thrush, Sri lanka Jungle fowl and serendib scops-owl.
Blue Magpie Lodge
Deluxe
Bed & Breakfast
Day 04
Full days visit to Sinharaja Rainforest.
Blue Magpie Lodge
Deluxe
Bed & Breakfast
Day 05
After breakfast leave for Plantation Hotel, Kithulgala for two nights. Afternoon Cross the Kelani River in a dugout canoe and reach the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, which is a lowland tropical rainforest rich in endemic fauna and flora. The Kelani Valley Forest Reserve is ideal for any missed lowland endemics such as Sri Lanka Myna, Green-billed Coucal, Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler and Red-faced Malkoha.
Plantation Hotel
Superior Deluxe
Bed & Breakfast
Day 06
Morning and afternoon endemic birding at Kelani Valley Forest Reserve.
Plantation Hotel
Super Deluxe
Bed & Breakfast
Day 07
After breakfast leave for Jetwing St.Andrew’s Hotel, Nuwara Eliya for two nights. Afternoon visit Victoria Park highlights include Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Hill White-eye and Dull blue Flycatcher.
Jetwing St. Andrew’s
Superior
Bed & Breakfast
Day 08
Pre dawn start for Horton Plains National Park for the endangered Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. Other highlights include Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Sri lanka Wood Pigeon.
Jetwing St. Andrew’s
Superior
Bed & Breakfast
Day 09
After breakfast leave for Jetwing Blue, Negombo for one night
Jetwing Blue
Deluxe
Bed & Breakfast
Day 10
Transfer to International Airport. Though it will be difficult to say goodbye, all good things come to an end. Your representative from Sri Lanka will meet you on time in the hotel lobby to return you by way of a scenic drive to the international airport for your departing flight and a safe journey home.
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