Bird Watching

Arrival, welcome by a representative of Lanka Sportreizen and transfer to Habarana.
Spend the afternoon birding around the wetlands in the vicinity of the hotel.
Possible noteworthy species are: Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Cotton Pygmy Goose, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Grey-headed Fish-eagle, Shikra, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Orange-breasted Green-pigeon, Sri Lanka Green-pigeon, Indian Cuckoo, Brown Fish-owl, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Crested Treeswift, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Indian Roller, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Crimson-backed Flameback, Indian Pitta, Large Cuckooshrike, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Black-capped Bulbul, White-browed Bulbul, Gold-fronted Leafbird, Orange-headed Thrush, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Brown-capped Babbler, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Loten's Sunbird, Ashy Woodswallow.
Overnight stay at the Chaaya Village, Habarana

After breakfast climb the Sigiriya Rock or explore Sigiriya Sanctuary for birds.
Spend the afternoon exploring the wetlands in the area.
Possible noteworthy species are: Crested Hawk-eagle, Shaheen Falcon, Blue-faced Malkoha, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, ‘Fork-tailed’ Drongo-cuckoo, Indian Cuckoo, Brown Fish-owl, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Little Swift, Crested Treeswift, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Brown-headed Barbet, Sri Lanka Small Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Black-rumped Flameback, Crimson-backed Flameback, Indian Pitta, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Sri Lanka Swallow, Forest Wagtail, Large Cuckooshrike, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Small Minivet, Orange Minivet, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Blacknaped Blue Monarch, Orange-headed Thrush, White-rumped Shama, Brown-capped Babbler, Grey-breasted Prinia, Ashy Prinia, Jungle Prinia, Plain Prinia, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Purple Sunbird, Loten's Sunbird, Black-hooded Oriole, Greater Rackettailed Drongo.
Overnight stay at the Chaaya Village, Habarana

After breakfast proceed to Kandy birding en route.
After lunch at the hotel visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya.
Possible noteworthy species are: Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot, Alexandrine Parakeet, Layard's Parakeet, Common Hawk-cuckoo, Sri Lanka Small Barbet, Forest Wagtail, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Indian Pitta and Common Hill-myna.
In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Overnight stay at the Hotel Suisse, Kandy

After early breakfast visit Udawattakele Sanctuary.
Possible noteworthy species are: Emerald Dove, Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot, Alexandrine Parakeet, Layard's Parakeet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Small Barbet, Crimsonbacked Flameback, Tickell's Blue Flycatcher, Indian Blue Robin, White-rumped Shama, Brown-capped Babbler and Common Hill-myna.
Afterwards proceed to Nuwara Eliya, visiting a Tea Factory en route.
After lunch at the hotel explore Victoria Park for birds.
Possible noteworthy species are: Forest Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Indian Blue Robin, Pied Thrush, Indian Pitta, Kashmir Flycatcher, Great Tit, Sri Lanka White-eye.
Overnight stay at the Jetwing St Andrews, Nuwara Eliya

A pre-dawn start to reach Horton Plains National Park at first light Have picnic breakfast during the morning birding session in Horton Plains.
Possible noteworthy species are: Sri Lanka Woodpigeon, Alpine Swift, Crimson-backed Flameback, Hill Swallow, Pied Flycatcher-shrike, Yellow-eared Bulbul, ‘Philippine’ Shrike, Indian Blackbird, Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Indian Blue Robin, Pied Bushchat, Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler, Sri Lanka Bush-warbler, Greenish Warbler, Bright-green Warbler, Large-billed Leaf-warbler, Great Tit, Sri Lanka White-eye, Black-throated Munia.
After lunch at the hotel spend the afternoon birding in Hakgala Botanical Garden. Possible noteworthy species are: Sri Lanka Woodpigeon, Pied Flycatcher-shrike, Yelloweared Bulbul, Brown Shrike, Indian Blackbird, Kashmir Flycatcher, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher, Indian Blue Robin, Sri Lanka Scimitarbabbler, Sri Lanka Bush-warbler, Greenish Warbler, Bright-green Warbler, Large-billed Leaf-warbler, Great Tit, Sri Lanka White-eye, Black-throated Munia.
Overnight stay at the Jetwing St Andrews, Nuwara Eliya

After a short pre/post-breakfast birding session, proceed to Kitulgala.
After lunch at the hotel spend the afternoon birding in Kitulgala village area. Possible noteworthy species are: Sri Lanka Green-pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot, Layard's Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Serendib Scops-owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Ground-thrush, Sri Lanka Rufous Babbler, Orange Minivet, Legge's Flowerpecker and Black-throated Munia.
Overnight stay at the Kitulgala Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala

Full day birding in Kitulgala village/Forest Reserve
Possible noteworthy species are: Crested Goshawk, Shikra, Besra Sparrowhawk, Oriental Honey Buzzard, Crested Serpent-eagle, Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Green-pigeon, Sri Lanka Hangingparrot, Layard's Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Serendib Scops-owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Small Barbet, Indian Pitta, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Ground-thrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Rufous Babbler, Orange Minivet, Legge's Flowerpecker and Black-throated Munia.
Overnight stay at the Kitulgala Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala

After a short pre/post-breakfast birding session, proceed to Sinharaja Rainforest (a UNESCO World Heritage Wilderness Area).
After lunch at the hotel spend the rest of the day birding in Sinharaja. Possible noteworthy species are: Crested Goshawk, Shikra, Besra Sparrowhawk, Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Crested Hawk-eagle, Mountain Hawk-eagle, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Woodpigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot, Plum-headed Parakeet, Layard's Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Red-faced Malkoha, Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Serendib Scops-owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Lesser Yellownape, Blackrumped Flameback, Crimson-backed Flameback, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Square-tailed Black Bulbul, Spot-winged Ground-thrush, Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush, Asian Brown Flycatcher, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler, Dark-fronted Babbler, Sri Lanka Rufous Babbler, Large-billed Leaf-warbler, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Legge's Flowerpecker, Sri Lanka White-eye, Black-throated Munia, White-faced Starling, Sri Lanka Hill-myna, Sri Lanka Crested Drongo Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.
Possible Mammals: Toque Monkey, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey, Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel, Indian Palm Squirrel and Layard’s Striped Squirrel.
Overnight stay at the Blue Magpie Lodge, Weddagala

Full day birding in Sinharaja with picnic lunch
Overnight stay at the Blue Magpie Lodge, Weddagala

After breakfast proceed to Udawalawe.
Have lunch at the hotel and do an afternoon jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park. Possible noteworthy species are: Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Woolly-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Grey-headed Fish-eagle, Crested Hawk-eagle, Barred Buttonquail, Orange-breasted Green-pigeon, Plum-headed Parakeet, Sirkeer Malkoha, Blue-faced Malkoha, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Coppersmith Barbet, Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker, Blyth's Pipit, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Tawny-bellied Babbler, Yellow-eyed Babbler, all the Prinias, Indian Silverbill and Baya Weaver.
Possible Mammals: Toque Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Golden Jackal, Ruddy Mongoose, Asian Elephant, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel and Indian Hare.
Overnight stay at the Kalu’s Hideaway, Udawalawe

Do a morning jeep safari in Udawalawe N.P. with picnic breakfast.
Afterwards proceed to Tissamaharama.
Have lunch at the hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the wetlands of Tissamaharama. Possible species around Tissa wetlands: Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Purple Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Yellow Bittern, Chestnut Bittern, Black Bittern, Cotton Teal, Watercock, Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Pied Crested Cuckoo, Brown Fish-owl, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-naped Flameback, Indian Reed-warbler, Streaked and Baya Weaver.
Overnight stay at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel, Tissamaharama

Spend the full day inside Yala National Park looking for birds and mammals including the Sri Lanka Leopard. Have picnic breakfast & lunch in the park.
Possible noteworthy species are: Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Woolly-necked Stork, Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Blackheaded Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Grey-headed Fish-eagle, Crested Serpent-eagle, Crested Hawk-eagle, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Barred Buttonquail, Purple Swamphen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Pacific Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Pintail Snipe, ‘Western’ Blacktailed Godwit, Marsh Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Great Thick-knee, Small Pratincole, Orange-breasted Green-pigeon, Alexandrine Parakeet, Pied Crested Cuckoo, Blue-faced Malkoha, Grey-bellied Cuckoo, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Lesser Pied Kingfisher, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Indian Roller, Common Hoopoe, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker, Indian Pitta, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Ashy-crowned Finch-lark, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Silverbill, Brahminy Starling, Rosy Starling.
Possible Mammals: Golden Jackal, Sloth Bear, Ruddy Mongoose, Leopard, Asian Elephant, Wild Boar, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel and Indian Hare.
Overnight stay at the Hibiscus Garden Hotel, Tissamaharama

Do a morning jeep safari in Bundala National Park with picnic breakfast.
Possible noteworthy species in Bundala: Striated Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, Barred Buttonquail, Grey Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Pintail Snipe, ‘Western’ Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, Marsh Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Phalarope, Indian Stone-curlew, Great Thick-knee, Small Pratincole, Brown-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Lesser Crested Tern, Great Crested Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern, Saunders's Tern, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Tern, Blue-faced Malkoha, Jacobin Cuckoo, Greybellied Cuckoo, Common Hoopoe, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Woodpecker, Ashy-crowned Finch-lark, Oriental Skylark, Citrine Wagtail, Western Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail.
Possible Mammals: Toque Monkey, Hanuman Langur, Golden Jackal, Ruddy Mongoose, Asian Elephant, Wild Boar, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Water Buffalo, Sri Lankan Giant Squirrel and Indian Hare.
Afterward proceed to Mirissa having lunch on the way.
Overnight stay at the Paradise Beach Club, Mirissa

Do a morning Whale Watching excursion with picnic breakfast.
Have a relaxing afternoon by the beach.
Overnight stay at the Paradise Beach Club, Mirissa

Another OPTIONAL Whale Watching excursion if no Whales were encountered yesterday.
Afterwards proceed to the Airport on time for DEPARTURE having lunch on the way.