Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds

Tour Code: LKA03

A 10-day tour in search of endemic birds, visiting Sinharaja Forest and the Hill Country, with an optional extension in search of the birds and mammals of the southern coast.

10 days from
£2,995
Land only price from
£2,495
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

This birdwatching tour of tropical Sri Lanka roams from the riverine forests of Kithulgala, past the tea estates and rugged peaks of the Central Hill Country to conclude at the endemic-rich Biosphere Reserve of Sinharaja Forest. Most, if not all, of Sri Lanka's 34 endemic birds are likely to be seen during this tour, including the recently discovered Serendib Scops Owl and the brilliantly coloured Blue Magpie. In addition to these unique species, we will also see a fine selection of south Asian birds, winter visitors such as Pied Thrush and Dry Country residents in Uda Walawe Reserve where Asian Elephant and Spotted Deer offer diversions from the abundant birdlife. Despite the focus on endemics, this tour also provides a great introduction to Oriental birdwatching for newcomers to Asia.

  • Superb tropical habitats
  • All or most of Sri Lanka’s 34 endemic birds
  • Exquisite winter visitors – including Pied Thrush & Indian Pitta
  • Asian Elephant, Spotted Deer and 2 species of endemic primate
  • Unique flora & colourful butterflies
  • Friendly locals
  • Tasty Sri Lankan cuisine
  • Dramatic & beautiful scenery
  • Expertly escorted by one of Naturetrek’s popular Sri Lankan ornithologists

It is generally recognised that there are at least 33 bird species endemic to the tropical island of Sri Lanka* and the primary objective of this short tour is to provide the maximum opportunity to see most, if not all, of these. Although the itinerary is structured to concentrate on looking for the endemics, all the areas visited are rich in birds and newcomers to the avifauna of the Indian subcontinent will find plenty of new species among the island residents. In addition, Sri Lanka is an important wintering area for many passerines from the north of the continent and Himalayan species such as Pied Thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher and Indian Pitta should feature on the tour list, along with Blyth's Reed Warbler. The variety of species will be further enhanced during a brief visit to Uda Walawe National Park where we can expect to find a tremendous selection of waterbirds, raptors and other typical Dry Zone birds plus the resident herds of Asian Elephants, Spotted Deer and Sambar. There are few more agreeable alternatives to the misery of a British winter than a visit to Sri Lanka and with so many other superb habitats to visit on the island, participants on this tour may wish to consider extending their stay and perhaps travel to the Indian Ocean coastline of the south, where the wetlands are filled with a tempting variety of waterbirds and waders. This is an intensive birdwatching tour and contains little opportunity for sightseeing. If you are interested in the wider natural history of Sri Lanka and elements of cultural sightseeing, our longer February tour may better suit your preferences. Please refer to our brochure or ask the office for further details. * Taxonomists disagree over the exact number and new D.N.A. research suggests than further species hitherto regarded as sub-species should be considered as additional endemics.

DETAILED INFORMATION
Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
In Flight to Colombo
Day 2
Kitulgala
Day 3
Nuwara Eliya
Day 4
Nuwara Eliya
Day 5
Embilipitiya
Day 6
Uda Walawe
Day 7
Sinharaja Forest
Day 8
Sinharaja/Ratnapura
Day 9
Colombo/In Flight
Day 10
London
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What's Included

What's Included?

  • Flights
  • Accommodation: Standard tourist hotels/Rest Houses with private facilities are used throughout the tour.
  • Food: Included within the tour cost.
Reviews
Extensions

Extensions

Mammals and Birds of the Southern Coast

3 days from £995
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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 1st Aug – Mon 10th Aug SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Sat 24th Oct – Mon 2nd Nov SPACES £2,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Room sharing options:
If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.
Female sharing available
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495

2027

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 16th Jan – Mon 25th Jan SPACES £2,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Sat 31st Jul – Mon 9th Aug SPACES £3,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£3,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Sat 23rd Oct – Mon 1st Nov SPACES £2,995
Book Tour Show Details
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,495
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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