Destinations - Asia - Sri Lanka
Discover the rich diversity of
Birds in Sri Lanka
STAY OF SRI LANKA – 14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS
Fauna and Flora diversity of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world, renowned for its rich and unique flora and fauna. Sri Lanka is now recognized as a Global Biodiversity Hotspot. To qualify as a hotspot, a region must have at least 1,500 endemic vascular plants (Sri Lanka alone has around 1,000, and the Western Ghats more than 1,700: Jagtap, 1994) and must retain 30 percent or less of its original natural vegetation. The rainforests of southwestern Sri Lanka and the southern Western Ghats have been biotically isolated from each other for approximately the past 6 million years.
Despite its small size, Sri Lanka boasts a rich ecosystem diversity due to its topographic and climatic heterogeneity as well as its coastal influence. The island’s endemic plant species diversity includes 927 species, or 28% of its flowering plants, with 60% found in the lowland wet zone and 34% in the montane zone ecosystems. Among Sri Lanka’s approximately 930 vertebrate species, 30% are endemic to the island. This includes 16 of the 91 mammal species, 33 of the 482 bird species, and 101 of the 170 reptile species. The country also has 108 point (or micro) endemic species, each recorded only from a single site. These include 5 mammal species, 4 agamid lizards, 15 amphibians, 3 freshwater fish, and 81 flowering plant species. Sri Lanka’s remarkable biodiversity and high levels of endemism underscore the island’s ecological significant.
Airport - Colombo – The Urban Experience
Day 1
Colombo city walk
The most immersive way to experience the bustling old city of Pettah is by exploring it on foot. You’ll meet your knowledgeable &Beyond guide, who will lead you on a walking tour through Pettah’s lively trading district. Highlights of the area include the Dutch Reformed Church, and a museum dedicated to Dutch influence in Sri Lanka, housed in the 17th-century residence of a former Dutch Governor. After a brief pause for a soft drink at a local café, you’ll continue along York Street, passing through colonial landmarks like Cargills in the Fort area. The tour concludes with a stop at the recently restored Dutch Hospital, Colombo’s oldest surviving building, where you can relax with a drink or meal at one of the many outstanding restaurants or cafés.
Kithulgala – Explore endemics
Day 2 - 3
Arrive in Kithulgala Kelani Valley Forest Reserve and check into Arsulana Eco Lodge to experience Sri Lanka’s rich diversity of birdlife and butterflies. Witness the rare Sri Lankan Serendib scope owl, Dollar bird. This rainforest sanctuary is home to a remarkable variety of bird species, including the elusive, Green-billed Coucal, the captivating Chestnut-backed Owlet, the vibrant Red-faced Malkoha, and the enchanting Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush. Other notable avian residents are the Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Ceylon Junglefowl, and Yellow-fronted Barbet. The recent discovery of the Serendib Scops Owl has added to the forest’s allure, drawing bird watchers from all over the world.
Horton Plains – Explore birds in Central hills
Day 4 - 5
Day 4,Arrive in Nuwara Eliya and check in to Oliphant Bungalow. Afternoon, birding in Victoria Park for highland species and endemics Day 5, In the morning, head to Horton Plains National Park to experience Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and wildlife in the misty mountain forests. Leopards roam along the roads through the savanna grasslands, and rare birds adapted to the unique mountainous ecosystem are highlights of the journey.
Gal Oya
Day 6 - 7
Day6,Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Bungalow before heading to Gal Oya. Check in at the Gal Oya Lodge, your base for exploring the national park. Gal Oya National Park, located on the east side of the country, boasts diverse topography with varying elevations of isolated mountains and savanna forests. The park is home to the large Senanayake reservoir, which supports a significant population of elephants. In the morning, embark on a boat safari on the reservoir, perfect for spotting water birds. Enjoy breakfast on a secluded island in the lake, surrounded by serene nature. In the evening, we venture into the Nilagala Forest in search of the Painted Francolin and the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, both species are confined to the Gal Oya region. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe many other bird species that inhabit the area.
Yala – Thorn forests
Day 8 - 9
Embark on an exhilarating adventure to Kirigalpoththa, the second-highest peak in Sri Lanka, located within the stunning Horton Plains National Park. This experience offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and breathtaking views as you traverse through misty grasslands, cloud forests, and scenic landscapes unique to this highland plateau. Ideal for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers, the trek to Kirigalpoththa takes you through diverse flora and fauna, including rare endemic species. It’s a journey that promises not just a challenging climb but also the tranquility and beauty of one of Sri Lanka’s most pristine natural environments.
Bundala National Park to Mirissa
Day 10 - 11
Day 10, After breakfast, travel to Bundala National Park to explore the diverse array of migratory birds. This remarkable destination is known for its rare winter visitors, including Golden Plovers, Grey Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits, Sandpipers, Terns, and Gulls, which thrive in the marshy lands and high-salinity water bodies. Be captivated by the sight of large flocks of Flamingos gracefully wading through the shallow waters. Following your birdwatching adventure, head to The Mirissa Hills for a relaxing evening by the coast. Day 11, In the morning embark on an exciting whalewatching voyage in Dutch Bay. Mirissa is renowned for its high concentration of Blue Whales, offering one of the best locations in the world for observing these magnificent creatures up close. Enjoy this unforgettable marine adventure and witness the breathtaking beauty of these gentle giants in their natural habitat.
Sinharaja – Rainforest Eco Lodge
Day 12 - 13
Day 12, embark on an adventure to the Sinharaja Rainforest, where you will stay at a Rainforest Eco Lodge. Enjoy the pristine beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Explore the dense, biodiverse forest through guided walks, immersing yourself in the tranquility and natural splendor of this unique ecosystem. During your stay at the Rainforest Eco Lodge in Sinharaja, you’ll have the opportunity to observe endemic birds as they forage in feeding flocks. Photographers will be thrilled by the chance to capture rare species such as the white-faced starling, scaly thrush, and green-billed coucal, making for dream photography moments.
Bentota - Cinnamon Bentota Beach
Day 14
After breakfast, make your way to Bentota Beach, a picturesque village setting that offers stunning views of the crystal-clear Indian Ocean. Relax on the golden sands and soak in the serene beauty of this idyllic destination.
