Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

Bird watching Tours in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a birder’s paradise. A tropical island in the Indian Ocean situated 10 degrees north of the equator, boasting of diverse and favourable climatic conditions and natural habitats such as forests, scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, seas and agricultural lands. The country is home to 439 species of birds of which 236 are breeding residents, 203 migrants and the rest vagrants. For a country as small as Sri Lanka having 33 endemic species and 68 endemic subspecies of birds with a species endemism of 11% goes to demonstrate why Sri Lanka is one of the finest birding destinations in the world. This includes endemics such as Fowls, Pigeons, Parrots, Parakeets, Malkoha, Coucal, Owl, Owlet, Hornbill, Barbet, Magpie, Bulbul, Warbler, Babbler, Thrush, White-eye, Mynah, Starling, Flycatcher, Flowerpecker, Pigeon, Barbet, Flameback, Woodshrike, Drongo and Swallow.

In addition there are close to 200 seasonal migratory birds both terrestrial and aquatic, moving away from the Northern winter travelling from as far as Siberia, Scandinavia and Western Europe, arriving around August /September and leaving around April/May. Since Sri Lanka is situated at the farthest southern point away from the south of India with no other landmass until the South Pole, the migrating birds end their long journey in Sri Lanka, making it a regular wintering ground. Some of the migrants include the Openbill, Ibis, Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Comorant, Water-cock, Swamphen, Waterhen, Stilts, Duck and Grebe.

The main bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka is the Kumana National Park which is considered one of the most important nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. The Bundala national Park situated in the southernmost tip of the bird migratory route is a favourite birding ground where flocks of flamingos, herons and storks are a regular sight. The other places are the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Bodinagala Forest Reserve, Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Kitulgala Forest Reserve, Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Wagamuwa, Minneriyaand Horton Plains National Parks in addition to numerous tanks, reservoirs, lagoons, marshes, lakes and rivers.

ENDEMIC BIRDS OF SRI LANKA

Layard’s Parakeet

Chestnut-backed Owlet

Sri Lanka Swallow

Dull-blue Flycatcher

Sri Lanka Rufous Babbler

When and Dolphin Watching

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours in Sri Lanka

The BBC documentary titled “Ocean Giants” featuring the mesmeric world of Whales and Dolphins, and the scientist’s effort to shed light on their habits and why they grow so large were filmed around Sri Lanka and according to them 30 Blue Whales were sighted in a single day!

There is a 95% chance of spotting Blue Whales and great chances of Sperm Whales spottingas as their migration path from Africa to Australia is just off Dondra Point. We are able to arrange Whale Watching Trips off Mirissa in a fully insured trawler boat which will last for 3 hours.is a good chance of spotting Spinner Dolphins off Mirissa.

POPULAR WHALE AND DOLPIN WATCHING DESTINATIONS IN SRI LANKA.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours in Mirissa Sri Lanka

One of the best places in the world to see one of the only recorded resident blue whale colonies in their natural habitat. Dolphins are regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa and Dondra head on the south coast. 

The BBC documentary titled “Ocean Giants” featuring the mesmeric world of Whales and Dolphins, and the scientist’s effort to shed light on their habits and why they grow so large were filmed around Sri Lanka and according to them 30 Blue Whales were sighted in a single day!

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours in Trincomalee Sri Lanka

Trincomalee, the most popular east coast seaside hamlet in Sri Lanka famous for its powdery sandy beach and turquoise blue shallow waters. During the months from July to September calm seas provide the best opportunities to go to deep waters to see these marine giants, Blue Whales of Sri Lanka..

Get on board with us to see Blue Whales in the East coast of Sri Lanka by sailing to their resident colonies.

Whale watching boat trip trip off the coast of Trincomalee will last for 4 to 5 hours. The speed boat leaves the shore of Trincomalee by 6.30 AM and mineral water bottles will be provided complimentary.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours in Kalpitiya Sri Lanka

Kalpitiya: Is the best place to see Dolphins and during the season you can witness Dolphin pods up to 1000 to 1500 members at most given times. We can arrange accommodation in a basic holiday cottage or a nice beach villa in Kalpitiya area or get a boat ride organised from Negombo and proceed to Kalpitya by sea.

Boat trips to see Blue Whales from Mirissa during December to April. Whales go from Africa to Australia in the months of December to February and from March to April they do the return ward journey. Just in a 2 hours boat ride you can see them because the continental shelf is much closer when going from Mirissa.

Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka

Visiting Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka (Kandy - Dambulla - Sigiriya - Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa)

A history that is strewn with ancient legend, age old statues of undefined age dot the north central plains of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is synonymous with Buddhism and the north central plains are dotted with many Buddhist temples, sculptures, stupas and many ancient monasteries, some are over two thousand years old. An ancient civilization thrived, first in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura for over a thousand years then due to invasions from South India capital was moved to Polonnaruwa, under the guidance and influence of Buddhism. Many monolithic rock formations that dot the north central plains have been transformed into places of worship by the expert ancient sculptors, inspired by Buddhist way of life.

POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN CULTURAL TRIANGLE

Kandy Sri Lanka

Noted as the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka has many places to visit, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic being the highlight. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the sacred tooth relic of the lord Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple. Degaldoruwe Viharaya: Located at the village of Amunugama, 7km from Kandy Famous for its murals on the wall separating the vestibule from the inner chamber and on the natural rock ceiling are portrayed as continuous stories.

Dambulla Sri Lanka

Dambulla Rock Cave Temple (UNESCO world heritage site) can be reached by coming from Kandy(68km) along A9 road which runs up through Dambulla and Anuradhapura, or direct from Colombo. Located at an elevation of 1118 feet from the sea level, the Dambulugala raises as a massive rock from the surrounding plains of Dambulla. It is home to the World’s most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha Images and Rock Paintings of vivid colours and shapes constructed and painted from around the 2nd Century BC (Anuradhapura era) and continued up to the Kandyan era of the 18th Century, thus forming an unbroken line of history and painting styles of Sri Lanka through 2500 years.

Sigiriya Sri Lanka

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress (5th Century AD) of Sri Lanka is situated in Matale district near Dambulla. Recorded as a UNESCO world heritage, Sigirya can be reached along Colombo- Habarana highway and turning East from Inamaluwa , then proceeding about 10 km from Inamaluwa and passing Kimbissa, a rural settlement one arrives at Sigiriya. Sigiriya being a fortress citadel and had been well designed for its defences by having ramparts and moats built around it. There are several approaches to the inner city and the most prominent is the Western entrance. From the summit of the rock, the land areas up to distances of tens of miles can be watched making it hard for the enemy to make a surprised attack to the kingdom.

Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

Another UNESCO world heritage site, according to the chronicles, during the 12th century a prince of great metal and physical vigour hailing from the Rohana (Southern part of Sri Lanka) forced his way to the throne of Sri Lanka as King Prakrama Bahu the great. Establishing himself in Polonnaruwa, a capital worthy of authority and ambition of the ruler, he proceeded to show himself as a successful warrior and a great administrator, during which time he, through a medium of a dam nine miles long created the “The Sea of Parakrama” harvesting rain water to be used in the dry period of the year for cultivation purposes, carving the irrigation brilliance of Sri Lankan’s in stone, when most of Europe where still in darkness.

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka

A UNESCO world heritage site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities of the world, Anuradhapura, founded in 380 BC by Prince Pandukabhaya according to the historical chronicle “Mahawamsa”, testify in a unique and specific way to the ancient Sinhalese civilizations architectural and irrigation prowess. The city quickly became both the capital of Sri Lanka and the sacred city of Buddhism on the island due to Mihintale, where apostle “Arahath Mahinda thero”, the son of the great Indian Emperor Asoka conveyed Buddhism to Sri Lanka. A walk along the mighty bund of “Tissa wewa” will bring you to a curious rock etching which is said to be the map of the world and beyond these rise The Isurumuniya Temple, famous for “The Isurumuniya lovers” stone sculpture.

Adventure Tour

Adventure and Eco Tours and Holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s variety of mini climates, not only gives it a wealth of fauna and flora but also rugged terrain, high peaks, deep chasms, mountain gaps, high water falls and snaking rivers all ideal for Eco, nature-adventures trekking trails for the enthusiast. If its hiking/trekking trails or adventure you are interested in, Sri Lanka’s mist covered central mountains in Ella offers marvellous opportunities. Trek through the nature of Horton plains, an environment characterized by forest patches, grasslands along with steep mountain passes, Trekking trails to Adams peak (Sri Pada) ascent the holy mountain to witness the mystic shadow of the peak across the lowland plains, or if you are in Kandy the knuckles range wilderness area which will take your breath away literally speaks of adventure and nature.

POPULAR ADVENTURE AND NATURE DESTINATIONS IN SRI LANKA

Kitulgala Adventure Tours and activities

A sleepy little hamlet in the foothills of the central plains, with one of the main rivers of Sri Lanka “The Kelani” flowing through the town wide and snappy, boast as one of the best adventure venues in Sri Lanka. Kitulgala is more famous as the location of “The Bridge on the river Kwai” acclaimed for winning no less than 07 academy awards in 1957 directed by David Lean.Today the thrill seekers and the adventurous gather in Kitulgala to enjoy White Water Rafting or camping by a ravine or stream of which many are abound, along with many other opportunities whether they are adventure or leisure oriented.

Ella Sri Lanka

Ella is in essence a gap formed in a mountain range, very famous hot spot with the ardent adventure tourist with it myriad of adventure trails and what a beautiful sight it presents to the tired mind after a long journey. On one side the dark mountain tops with rutted cliffs falls from dizzying heights into out of site gorges where the turbulent yet infant stream of kirindi oya leaps and gambols among the rocks, on the other side green hills dotted with trees falls more gently bending their shaggy side to long winding valleys, creating a magnificent vistas around you.

Wildlife Tour

Wildlife Tours and Safari Holidays in Sri Lanka

Considering a Sri Lankan wildlife safari adventure tour? Consult our team of travel experts who will help you plan your trip on a budget, or take you on a luxury safari if so required. You'll certainly get to see all the wildlife and tropical birds you've never dreamed of seeing - including of course the famous but elusive Leopard, while at the same time taking in our natural brilliance of Sri Lanka, fauna and flora under clear skies.There are so many thrilling wildlife safaris you could choose from, and you'll find that most are suitable for families. You'll see a lot of elephants and birds, be able to take lots of photographs, as well as experience our unique ever smiling mix of people and cultures. You'll simply have a great time here!

POPULAR WILDLIFE NATIONAL PARKS IN SRI LANKA

Safaris in Yala National Park Sri Lanka

Yala Park is the 2nd largest wildlife park in Sri Lanka. The climate here is semi-arid with vast dry woodlands and open patches of grasslands and is divided into five blocks. Jeep Safari tour through the wildlife Park will be an unforgettable adventure, along with an odd chance of being charged at by a juvenile bull elephant! But as one will find out soon it’s part of the daily routine of a young bull elephant and quite harmless. Park also includes wide varieties of wildlife and plants.

Safaris in Wilpattu National Park Sri Lanka

Located 30km west of Anurdhapura, and to the south of Wilpattu National Park is River Modergam Aru; to the north is River Kalay oya. February to October is the best time to visit Wilpattu. Wilpattu National Park has a good network of gravel roads, particularly between the water holes which are the best places to observe wild life. A unique complex of over 50 wetlands like “everglades” called "Villu" is the most prominent feature of the national park jungle. Jeep Safari is the regular norm in exploring the Wilpattu National Park

Safaris in Wasgamuwa National Park Sri Lanka

Located in the district of Matale, between Polnnaruwa and Habarana, 225 km away from Colombo, Wasgamuwa is the best place to observe Elephants. The nearest large town is Polonnaruwa, 10 km from the northern boundary. The best time to enjoy the sight of large herds is during November to May. In the rest of the year the elephants tend to migrate to nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. Other wildlife includes Purple faced langur monkeys, wild boar, sambar and spotted deer, buffalo and rarely sighted leopards and sloth bears. Among the reptiles are water monitor, mugger crocodile, estuarine crocodile and python.

Beach Stay

All inclusive Beach Holidays, Beach destination and Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has almost thirteen hundred kilometers of picture postcard style wide sandy beaches – where in one place the beach forms sheltered little cove, a sandy beach headland or a little bay, of all shapes sizes and colors. The more popular beaches are in the southwest of Sri Lanka, though little crowded, boast of two of the best snorkeling beaches, while other beaches in the deep South and east are waiting for you to revel in their remoteness, serenity and unspoilt beauty, and are ideal for a refreshing day in the sun.

In Sri Lanka beaches are ideal places for families and friends to meet and usually head to the beach on holidays, weekends, if only to gaze out at the sea. The natural noise of crashing waves, where you can walk leisurely along the beach at sunset, enjoy a game of cricket on the beach, laze in the sun or cast a rod and fish for night’s dinner. Whether it’s a lazy snorkel in crystal clear water or dive on a nearby reef, swim with a pod of friendly spinner dolphins in Kalpitiya, watch blue whales or dive onto a coral reef teaming with tropical fish marvelling at the explosion of colours hidden beneath the sea, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with gentle but massive blue whale off the coast of Mirissa or cavort with friendly dolphins off Dondra head, Sri Lanka has it all.

Galle Beach Sri Lanka

The first references of Galle port comes during King Solomons times which is believed to be “Tarish” in the Bible, and cinnamon has been the main export of Sri Lanka starting around 1400 years BC. Southern port of call for many ancient silk route bound ships, the Galle harbour or then known as “Gimhathitha” but the ancient mariner Ibn Battuta referes to it as “Qali” is located 119 kilometers from Colombo. The town reached its peak during the Dutch colonial period remnants’ of it lies today in the form of the UNESCO world heritage site of Galle Fort, which is also acclaimed as the largest remaining fortification in Asia.

Kalpitiya Beach Sri Lanka

The Sinhalese chronicle Mahavamsa states that prince Vijaya landed in a place not too far from the present day Kalpitiya. A sandy headland which keeps the Kalpitiya lagoon sheltered from the Indian Ocean, the blue water with a calm surface beacons the kite surfers to try the breeze coming across the peninsular towards the land and enjoy a trouble free ride without the hassle of a sudden guest, which as every kite surfer knows can be a trifle more than tricky to handle on a board.

Bentota Beach Sri Lanka

Bentota, a mere 45 minutes away from Colombo along the Southern express way, hails as a premier resort town with no less than 15 Star class Hotels clustered together plus numerous other less than 10 rooms boutique style hotels with Sun, surf and sand. This gives the visitor an ideal chance to stay in one and savour many different above water activities, Bentota has always been renowned as the water sport capital of Sri Lanka with the hoteliers in the area actively promoting water sports from adrenaline filled speed boat and jet ski riding, wind surfing, boogie boarding, water skiing, kite surfing, to a leisurely ride on a banana boat for the family & kids.