Wild Life of Sri Lanka

Embark on an immersive 10-day expedition through Sri Lanka’s most diverse ecosystems. Specially designed for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this journey takes you from lush tropical rainforests and misty cloud forests to open grasslands and world-renowned national parks.

Guided by expert naturalists, you will explore top biodiversity hotspots—including the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Yala, and Horton Plains—while seeking elusive leopards, Asian elephants, and a vast array of rare endemic bird species. Whether you are trekking through rainforest canopies or embarking on a thrilling jeep safari, this tour offers the ultimate wildlife adventure in the wild heart of Sri Lanka.

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

• Enjoy three days of guided birdwatching in Sinharaja, home to many of Sri Lanka’s endemic bird species and mixed-species feeding flocks.

• Search for rare and endemic wildlife, including the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Serendib Scops Owl, Red-faced Malkoha, and Sri Lanka Junglefowl.

• Discover fascinating rainforest mammals such as the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Red Slender Loris, Toque Macaque, and Giant Squirrel.

• Experience an optional nocturnal wildlife walk in Sinharaja to observe owls, frogs, and other nighttime forest inhabitants.

• Embark on an exciting jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its large population of wild Asian elephants.

• Explore the rich wetlands around Tissamaharama, an excellent location for waterbirds and raptors.

• Enjoy an early morning safari in Yala National Park, famous for its high density of leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

• Visit Horton Plains National Park, a spectacular highland plateau featuring cloud forests, grasslands, and endemic high-elevation bird species.

• Observe iconic highland wildlife including Sambar deer, Yellow-eared Bulbuls, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrushes, and Sri Lanka White-eyes.

• Optional visit to the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Garden, renowned for its diverse collection of montane flora.

• Journey through Sri Lanka’s famous tea country with a visit to a traditional tea factory.

• Explore the lush forests of Kitulgala, one of the island’s premier birdwatching destinations.

• Enjoy expert guidance from experienced naturalists throughout the tour.

• Stay in carefully selected eco-lodges and wildlife-friendly accommodations close to nature.

Ideal For

This tour is perfect for:

• Birdwatchers and ornithologists

• Wildlife photographers

• Nature enthusiasts

• Eco-tourists

• Conservation-minded travelers

• Adventure seekers

• Researchers and wildlife lovers

• Travelers looking for an in-depth wildlife experience

Why Choose This Tour?

The Wildlife of Sri Lanka tour is an extraordinary journey through one of the world’s most biologically diverse islands. Combining rainforest exploration, world-class birdwatching, thrilling wildlife safaris, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this carefully curated itinerary offers unparalleled opportunities to encounter Sri Lanka’s remarkable endemic birds, elusive mammals, reptiles, and breathtaking landscapes. From searching for the elusive leopard in Yala to observing elephants in Udawalawe, every day promises an unforgettable encounter with nature.

Day 1: Arrival & The Rainforest Sanctuary

• Route: Airport to Sinharaja

• Activities: Arrival, nature walk in buffer zone

• Overnight: Sinharaja

Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your naturalist guide. Proceed to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka’s last primary tropical rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check in at your eco-lodge and spend the afternoon with light birding around the lodge’s buffer zone and village forest patches.

• Birding Highlights: Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lanka Junglefowl.

• Mammals: Purple-faced Leaf Monkey (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel.

Day 2: Birding in the Sinharaja Canopy

• Route: Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Activities: Guided rainforest trekking

• Overnight: Sinharaja

Embark on a full-day guided birding session inside the primary lowland rainforest. Focus on mixed-species feeding flocks and endemic specialists.

• Target Species: Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Sri Lanka Crested Drongo, White-faced Starling.

• Other Wildlife: Red Slender Loris, Toque Macaque, endemic agamid lizards, monitor lizards, and rare butterflies.

Day 3: Deep Forest Exploration

• Route: Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Activities: Deep forest trekking, nocturnal wildlife walk

• Overnight: Sinharaja

Enjoy an early start to spot species missed on previous days, with a focus on frogmouth roost sites, owlets, and canopy species. Take time to photograph unique reptiles and amphibians. In the evening, join an optional night walk to observe nocturnal mammals and owls.

Day 4: Elephants of Udawalawe

• Route: Sinharaja to Udawalawe

• Activities: Udawalawe Jeep Safari

• Overnight: Udawalawe

Drive to Udawalawe National Park. In the afternoon, head out for a 3- to 4-hour jeep safari through the park’s open grasslands and scrub jungle. Udawalawe is famous for its large resident population of Asian elephants. Keep an eye out for Crested Serpent Eagles, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Sirkeer Malkohas, and mammals such as the Ruddy Mongoose and Golden Jackal.

Day 5: Wetlands & Waterbirds

• Route: Udawalawe to Tissamaharama

• Activities: Wetland and scrub habitat exploration

• Overnight: Tissamaharama

Proceed to Tissamaharama, a fantastic base for exploring local wetlands and agricultural fields. Spend the afternoon observing waterbirds and raptors.

• Birding Highlights: Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Spot-billed Pelican, and various Nightjars.

• Mammals: Wild Boar, Tufted Grey Langur, and the elusive Rusty-spotted Cat.

Day 6: The Leopards of Yala

• Route: Tissamaharama to Yala, then to Nuwara Eliya

• Activities: Yala National Park Safari, Scenic drive to the hills

• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Set out for an early morning safari in Yala National Park, internationally famous for its high density of leopards and sloth bears. The park’s mix of dry forest, lagoons, and scrubland also provides excellent sightings of Mugger crocodiles and various shorebirds. After lunch, enjoy a scenic hill climb as you travel toward Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7: Cloud Forests of Horton Plains

• Route: Nuwara Eliya to Horton Plains

• Activities: Highland trekking, Hakgala Botanical Gardens (optional)

• Overnight: Nuwara Eliya

Depart early for Horton Plains National Park, a high-elevation cloud forest plateau (2,100m). This park is essential for spotting highland endemics.

• Target Species: Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Sri Lanka White-eye.

• Mammals: Sambar deer (very common) and the Highland Purple-faced Leaf Monkey.

• In the afternoon, enjoy an optional visit to the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Gardens.

Day 8: Lowland Wet Zone at Kitulgala

• Route: Nuwara Eliya to Kitulgala

• Activities: Tea Factory visit, Ramboda Falls, birding in Kitulgala

• Overnight: Kitulgala

Visit a tea plantation and factory en route to learn about Ceylon Tea production. Stop to admire the breathtaking Ramboda Falls. Continue to Kitulgala, a premier lowland wet zone forest habitat. Spend the afternoon birding in the riverine forest.

• Target Species: Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Hill Myna, Green-billed Coucal, and Chestnut-backed Owlet.

Day 9: Kitulgala to Airport Area

• Route: Kitulgala to Airport vicinity

• Activities: Morning birding session, transfer to airport hotel

• Overnight: Near Bandaranaike International Airport

Enjoy a final morning birding session in the lush surroundings of Kitulgala. In the late afternoon, transfer to your hotel near the Bandaranaike International Airport for your final night in Sri Lanka.

Day 10: Departure

• Route: Airport hotel to Airport

• Activities: Breakfast, transfer for departure

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your early transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Tour Inclusions & Exclusions