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 Blue Whales.

10 days from
£2,995 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£2,495
book now

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 33 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 33 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

Grading

Day walks only.

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

Blue Whales extension to Mirissa

3 days from £795
View Details
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 18th Jan – Mon 27th Jan 2 £3,495
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 2nd Aug – Mon 11th 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 25th Oct – Mon 3rd 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

2026

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 17th Jan – Mon 26th 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 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
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495 
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Bargain Birdwatching Holidays


Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.


We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.


What can I expect?


    

  • An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
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  • Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
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  • Enviable bird lists
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  • Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities
    • 



Who are these tours best suited to?


    

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  • People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour
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Where can I go?


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In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:



 


 




 


Our specialist recommends...







"I’d recommend our ‘Nepal’ holiday visiting Chitwan National Park and Koshi Tappu Reserve, and ‘India – Bharatpur & Chambal’ within Asia. Try ‘Ecuador – Cock-of-the-rock’ for a superb introduction to Andean birding, while, if you want a bit of luxury, the accommodation we use on our ‘Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park’ tour is top class.” 

Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager




 


All Bargain birdwatching Tours

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Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists


The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.


Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours


We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.


The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.

Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:



Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection


Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.


 




Our specialist recommends...






"Try Coto Doñana & Extremadura for an excellent introduction to Europe's wetland and steppe birds. I would recommend our bargain holiday, 'Nepal – A Birdwatching Tour' for those interested in Siberian rarities and Ibisbill, while Costa Rica offers a chance to search for arguably the world's most beautiful bird, the Resplendent Quetzal."

Byron Palacios - Tour Leader




  


 


All Birdwatching Tours

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Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

Allow our experts to create a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices to suit you.

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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!