Tailored to your travel dates, group size & hotel preferences
Explore 7 Premier Birding Destinations Across Sri Lanka
Spot Over 400 Bird Species, 33+ Endemics & Winter Migrants
RAMSAR Wetland Exploration at Anawilundawa & Bundala
Historic Willus Wildlife Safaris in Wilpattu National Park
Exclusive Wilderness Camping & Bird Sanctuary at Kumana Villu
UNESCO World Heritage Primary Rainforest Treks in Sinharaja
Designed for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, this 13-day birdwatching expedition navigates seven premier wilderness regions across Sri Lanka to witness over 400 recorded bird species and 33+ endemics. The journey begins along the western migratory corridor at the 12th-century Anawilundawa RAMSAR sanctuary and moves through the ancient rainwater “willus” of Wilpattu National Park and the elephant-rich wetlands of Minneriya. Continuing into the wet zone, travelers explore the Makandawa Rainforest Reserve in Kitulgala for rare lowland endemics including the Chestnut-backed Owlet and Sri Lanka Woodpigeon.
A key highlight of this expedition is an authentic wilderness stay inside Kumana National Park, where the 200-hectare Kumana Villu mangrove swamp supports rare nesting colonies of Black-necked Storks, Eurasian Spoonbills, and Malabar Trogons. From Kumana, the route journeys along the southern coast across the internationally acclaimed lagoons of Bundala National Park and ascends into the virgin rainforest canopy of Sinharaja to track mixed-species “bird waves.” Traveled in private air-conditioned comfort with an expert naturalist chauffeur-guide and concluding with relaxing beachside stays in Bentota, this tour offers an unparalleled immersion in Sri Lanka’s avifauna.
Handcrafted circuit across Sri Lanka's cultural citadel, emerald tea hills, and wildlife savannahs.
Arrive at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, where an Overa Tours representative will warmly greet and assist you. Take a brief drive north to your coastal hotel in Negombo. Spend the afternoon resting after your international journey, taking a peaceful stroll along the palm-fringed shoreline, and watching traditional fishing catamarans sail into the Indian Ocean sunset.
After breakfast, head northward to Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, an ancient 12th-century human-made wetland complex that ranks among Sri Lanka's globally significant RAMSAR sites. Situated on the western migratory flyway, the sanctuary links six major and three secondary irrigation tanks, creating a mosaic of mangroves, freshwater tanks, and coastal lagoons. Look for breeding colonies of herons, open-bill storks, great cormorants, ibises, egrets, purple swamphens, and pheasant-tailed jacanas. Spot resident endemics like the Sri Lanka junglefowl and swallow, alongside seasonal migrants including the garganey and Indian pitta. Continue to your lodge near Wilpattu for the night.
Set out at daybreak for a game drive in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's oldest and most expansive national reserve. Famous for its sand-rimmed natural rainwater basins known as "willus," Wilpattu's thick dry forests, rivers, and coastal scrub host a wealth of birdlife. Observe resident endemics such as the Sri Lanka grey hornbill and white-rumped shama, as well as painted storks, oriental darters, purple swamphens, and Malabar pied hornbills. Between December and February, migrant waders and ducks congregate around the willus alongside leopards and sloth bears. In the afternoon, journey inland to your hotel in Sigiriya.
Begin the morning with a 4x4 safari through Minneriya National Park, centered on the ancient Minneriya Tank constructed by King Mahasen. While renowned for the famous dry-season Elephant Gathering, the park is equally exceptional for birders, supporting around 160 species. Spot endemics like the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, crimson-fronted barbet, and black-crested bulbul. The lake fringes attract impressive aquatic avifauna, including lesser adjutants, spot-billed pelicans, and painted storks. In the afternoon, travel south into the central highlands to Kandy for your overnight stay.
Enjoy breakfast followed by morning sightseeing around historic Kandy, the last kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka. Explore the cultural landmarks surrounding Kandy Lake before continuing your journey westward into the lush Kelani River valley and rainforest foothills of Kitulgala. Settle in to your riverside eco-hotel and enjoy a serene evening surrounded by primary nature.
Spend the day exploring the Makandawa Rainforest Reserve in Kitulgala, an exceptional lowland evergreen ecosystem celebrated for rare endemic bird species. Follow shaded forest trails to observe the Sri Lanka woodpigeon, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, yellow-fronted barbet, and white-faced starling. Other avian highlights include black-throated munias, chestnut-backed owlets, Sri Lanka blue magpies, dollarbirds, and the elusive ashy-headed laughingthrush. Return to your hotel for an evening of peaceful relaxation.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic cross-country journey heading eastward toward the rugged coastal wilderness of Kumana National Park. Pass through diverse landscapes as the moist central hills give way to the dry-zone plains and southeastern coast. Arrive at Kumana and settle into your wilderness safari camp, enjoying dinner beneath the stars surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
Dedicate the day to exploring Kumana National Park, one of Asia's most significant bird sanctuaries with over 255 recorded species. The park's centerpiece is Kumana Villu, a 200-hectare natural mangrove swamp that serves as a vital nesting and feeding ground for thousands of waterbirds. Spot rare black-necked storks, Eurasian spoonbills, lesser adjutants, Asian openbills, spot-billed pelicans, and migratory pintail snipes. Within the surrounding dry forest, watch for the vibrant Malabar trogon and red-faced malkoha, alongside wild elephants, fishing cats, and mugger crocodiles. Lunch is included at camp, followed by an afternoon game drive. Overnight stay at Kumana Safari Camping.
Savor an early morning bush breakfast at your wilderness camp before departing Kumana. Travel southwest along coastal roads toward Yala and Tissamaharama. Check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure, unwinding by the pool or enjoying optional birding around the tranquil ancient reservoirs of Tissamaharama.
Set out on an early morning game drive in Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka's premier RAMSAR wetland sanctuary and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Spanning thorny scrublands, lagoons, and salt marshes, Bundala shelters nearly 200 bird species, including approximately 150 migratory species such as flamingos, blue-tailed bee-eaters, and forest wagtails. After an eventful morning of wetland birding, drive inland to the virgin rainforest slopes of Sinharaja for your overnight stay.
Rise early for a guided birdwatching trek into the heart of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage tropical rainforest where nearly half of Sri Lanka's endemic wildlife resides. Witness the famed "bird waves," where multi-species feeding flocks move cohesively through the canopy. Spot the brilliant Sri Lanka blue magpie, red-faced malkoha, brown-capped babbler, Sri Lanka scimitar babbler, and Ceylon hanging parrot. After completing the trek, drive west to the golden coastal beaches of Bentota for check-in.
Enjoy a relaxing day by the sea at your beachfront resort in Bentota. Bask under palm trees on the soft sand, take a dip in the warm ocean waters, or explore optional water sports and mangrove boat safaris. Unwind with dinner listening to the ocean surf on your final evening.
Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private chauffeur-guide for the comfortable transfer along the Southern Expressway directly to Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your homeward departure, concluding an unforgettable 13-day birding adventure with Overa Tours.
Kumana National Park is celebrated for the 200-hectare mangrove swamp known as Kumana Villu, which serves as one of Sri Lanka's most critical nesting and breeding grounds for aquatic avifauna. Over 255 bird species have been recorded here, including extremely rare species like the Black-necked Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Malabar Trogon, complemented by an authentic wilderness safari camping experience.
Sri Lanka boasts over 400 recorded bird species, including 33+ endemics and scores of migratory visitors. By traversing 7 distinct birding destinations—from dry zone willus in Wilpattu and mangrove swamps in Kumana to coastal RAMSAR wetlands in Bundala and wet-zone rainforests in Sinharaja and Makandawa—birders regularly log between 180 and 240+ species depending on the season.
This itinerary offers excellent birding year-round. For winter migratory species (including Eurasian waders, flamingos, ducks, and warblers), the prime window runs from October through April. For nesting activity at Kumana Villu, the dry season months between April and July are especially rewarding.
Pack lightweight, breathable, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, brown) that does not startle birds. Bring sturdy walking shoes, rain gear, leech socks for the rainforest trails of Sinharaja and Makandawa, high-quality binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended), insect repellent, sun protection, and a field guide to the birds of Sri Lanka.
For cancellations made 30 days or more before the scheduled start date, no cancellation fee applies. Cancellations between 29 and 14 days incur a 50% fee; cancellations between 13 and 8 days incur a 75% fee; and cancellations within 7 days or no-shows incur a 100% cancellation fee.
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15 NIGHTS / 16 DAYSEmbark on a comprehensive 16-day bird watching expedition across Sri Lanka. Explore Ramsar wetlands, Wilpattu willus, Horton Plains cloud forests, and Sinharaja rainforest.
12 NIGHTS / 13 DAYSExperience the ultimate 13-day Sri Lanka wildlife safari. Spot leopards in Wilpattu and Yala, wild elephants in Minneriya, and unwind on Bentota beach.
