Sri Lanka Wildlife & Bird Watching Tour Itinerary 17 Days

– Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and meet your chauffeur-guide.
– Transfer to Negombo (approx. 30 min) and check in at your hotel.
– Relax at Negombo Beach or explore the town at leisure.
– Overnight stay in Negombo.

– After breakfast at hotel, stay relaxed.
– Visit to Negombo Fish market.
– Visit the Dutch Canal, a historical canal built by the Dutch during their colonial rule.
– Visit the Old Dutch Fort and learn about the town’s colonial history.
– Explore the local market and experience the town’s lively atmosphere.
– Explore nearby Negombo Lagoon.
– Enjoy a relaxing walk along Negombo Beach.
– Explore local markets for shopping and purchase some souvenirs. (Optional)
– Overnight stay in Negombo.

– Early morning, depart for Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary.
– Enjoy a guided birdwatching tour in this wetland haven, spotting migratory and resident waterbirds.
– Look out for ducks, herons, egrets, kingfishers, and possibly the elusive Painted Stork.
– In the afternoon, continue the journey to Wilpattu National Park.
– Overnight stay in Wilpattu.

– Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Embark on a guided jeep safari through Wilpattu National Park.
– Spot a variety of birds, including Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Ceylon Spurfowl, raptors, and woodpeckers.
– Keep an eye out for larger wildlife such as elephants, leopards (sightings not guaranteed), sloth bears, deer, and wild buffalo.
– Afternoon (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Continue exploring different areas of the park to maximize your wildlife and birdwatching opportunities.
– Overnight stay in Wilpattu.

– Morning (6:00 AM – 7:00 AM): Enjoy early morning birdwatching near your hotel or nearby areas in Wilpattu.
– Check out and transfer to Sigiriya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.
– Optional: Stop en route for a Minneriya wildlife jeep safari to spot elephants and other wildlife.
– Check in at your hotel in Sigiriya and relax by the pool or explore the surrounding area.
– Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

– Morning (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Enjoy birdwatching around Sigiriya, exploring forest patches and cultivated lands.
– Spot species such as the Green Imperial Pigeon, various bulbuls, and flycatchers. A guided walk can help with identification.
– Afternoon (optional): Visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and take in panoramic views of the Cultural Triangle.
– Overnight stay in Sigiriya.

– After breakfast, transfer to Kandy, the scenic hill capital of Sri Lanka.
– En route, visit a Spice Garden to learn about the cultivation and uses of aromatic spices in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional medicine.
– Continue to Kandy and enjoy a city tour, exploring its vibrant streets and landmarks.
– Take a leisurely stroll around serene Kandy Lake and soak in the peaceful surroundings.
– Visit a gem factory to learn about gemstone mining, cutting, and polishing.
– Explore batik shops and witness the traditional art of batik-making.
– Check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.
– Overnight stay in Kandy.

– Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Explore Udawattakele Forest Reserve near Kandy, a lush rainforest sanctuary ideal for birdwatching.
– Spot endemic species such as the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Layard’s Parakeet, and a variety of barbets.
– Afternoon: Depart for Nuwara Eliya, the “Little England” of Sri Lanka.
– En route, visit the stunning Ramboda Waterfall and the Bhakta Hanuman Temple.
– Explore a tea plantation or tea centre, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
– Participate in tea plucking and stroll through the scenic tea estates.
– Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Morning: Embark a Horton Plains National Park, a high-altitude grassland and forest sanctuary.
– Spot endemic birds such as the Dull-blue Flycatcher and Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush.
– Keep an eye out for wildlife including sambar deer, barking deer, and possibly the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.
– Evening: Visit the Seetha Amman Kovil and explore Nuwara Eliya’s charming landmarks, including the historic post office.
– Return to your hotel and relax for the evening.
– Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

– After breakfast, travel from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, enjoying a scenic train journey through lush tea plantations and rolling hills.
– Explore the charming town of Ella and its surrounding landscapes.
– Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era engineering set amidst stunning greenery.
– Discover the majestic Ravana Falls and enjoy the serene natural surroundings.
– Check in at your hotel and relax for the evening.
– Overnight stay in Ella.

– After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning or opt for a hike up Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views of Ella.
– Depart for Yala, Sri Lanka’s renowned wildlife destination.
– Evening: Embark on a thrilling jeep safari in Yala or Bundala National Park (optional), spotting leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
– Relax at your hotel after the safari and enjoy the serene surroundings.
– Overnight stay in Yala.

– Enjoy a full-day jeep safari in Yala National Park, exploring different habitats to maximize wildlife sightings.
– Look out for leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of endemic and migratory birds.
– Return to your hotel in the evening and relax after an exciting day in the wilderness.
– Overnight stay in Yala.

– Morning: Transfer to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity.
– Enjoy a guided birdwatching and nature walk through the rainforest.
– Spot endemic bird species such as flycatchers, babblers, and the elusive Sri Lanka Frogmouth.
– Immerse yourself in the serene and lush surroundings of this tropical paradise.
– Overnight stay in Sinharaja.

– After breakfast, transfer to Galle, a city steeped in history and charm.
– Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with its cobbled streets, Dutch-colonial architecture, and historic landmarks.
– Visit the iconic Galle Fort Lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean coastline.
– Stop by the Rumassala Japanese Peace Pagoda and soak in the serene surroundings.
– Relax and swim at Dalawella Beach or enjoy a unique experience swimming alongside sea turtles.
– Spend the evening unwinding on Galle’s pristine beaches.
– Overnight stay in Galle.

– After breakfast, spend a full day relaxing on Galle’s golden beaches.
– Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or simply unwinding in the serene coastal surroundings.
– Take in the gentle sea breeze and tranquil atmosphere for a perfect end to your journey.
– Overnight stay in Galle.

– After breakfast, transfer to Colombo, the commercial and cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
– Explore Colombo’s mix of modern and historic landmarks.
– Visit the Independence Memorial Hall, commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence from British rule.
– Admire the colonial architecture of the Old Parliament Building, now the Presidential Secretariat.
– Enjoy shopping at local markets and boutiques for souvenirs, handicrafts, and gems.
– Take a leisurely stroll along Galle Face Green, watching the sunset, locals flying kites, and enjoying the sea breeze.
– Overnight stay in Colombo.

– After checkout, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight.
– Bid farewell to Sri Lanka, taking home unforgettable memories of wildlife and coastal beauty.
– Goodbye from Dia Lanka Travels.