Sri Lanka's Birds Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart The UK for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAYS 2 - 3  the notarys house       

On arrival, you'll be met by your private chauffeur-guide for the transfer to your hotel. The residence is a great place to relax with a swim and good hospitality after your flight. The property has its own coconut grove and farm that you're free to explore. 

Days 4 - 5 The Mudhouse      

 Your guide will transport your north to The Mudhouse, an enchanting jungle lodge surrounded by lakes and forest, and at the foot of the mysterious Paramakanda Rock Temple. Early morning bird watching trips will give you the chance to encounter many of the 100 species documented in the area.  Beyond birding, you will also be offered the opportunity to kayak in the lakes, climb the ancient rock, cycle on jungle trails, learn to cook typical local food or just relax in the comfort of a hammock.

This little visited but beautiful area of Sri Lanka is deeply rural and life moves at a tranquil pace.

DAYS 6 & 7 KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE

 With your chauffeur-guide, you’ll travel from the Mudhouse to the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range for your stay at Rangala House. This spacious villa, which can be rented per room or as an entire villa, is located on a hillside surrounded by tea plantations. There is an abundance of birdlife in the vicinity and the house provides a telescope on the balcony to allow for a more detailed view. A trek deep into the Knuckles Mountains is recommended too, your efforts will be rewarded the range contains almost 75% of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species including Babblers, Bulbuls, and Flycatchers.

 Days 8-10 GAL OYA LODGE 

 Next, you will head to the country’s best-kept wildlife secret, Gal Oya National Park for a stay at the beautifully designed eco-lodge. Home to Sri Lanka’s largest lake, you can encounter all manner of wildlife on a boat safari and by foot, including Asian elephants and a great array of birdlife, far away from other tourists.

 DAYS 11 & 12 THE TEA COUNTRY

 Transfer with your guide to your lodge situated high in the Sri Lankan tea country. You won’t need to venture far to look for wildlife as you will be right in the middle of it! It is the perfect place to go for walks as you don’t need to get in the car but just walk straight out of your bedroom! The spectacular Ravana Ella falls are nearby, so all in all a perfect destination for nature and wildlife lovers. A visit to a tea plantation can also be included.

 Day 13 & 14     TREE TOPS JUNGLE LODGE

 Next stop is Treetops. The beauty here is that all the excursions can be led on foot, at whatever time suits you. Walk with the trackers to local spots where elephants often come to bath and take an early morning bird walk just after sunrise. Walk and relax and enjoy the remote location.

There is also a full day safari included to Yala National Park. Yala is famous for its leopards, but it also gets very busy, the Treetops superb trackers will do their best to ensure you have excellent clear sightings throughout your day.

DAYS 15-17  TANGALLE BEACH TIME

Head south with your chauffeur-guide to the coast. As you head south towards the coast there is the option to spend the morning exploring Bundala National Park, an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds. When you reach sleepy Rekawa located on the outskirts of Tangalle you’ll check into your fine accommodation and spend a couple of days relaxing. Fantastic food and a relaxing atmosphere make your hotel one of the south coast's finest properties.

DAY 18 & 19 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

Before you head home you’ll explore the lowland rainforest reserve of the Sinharaja. This reserve is a must-see for any birding enthusiasts as it contains at least 17 of the 23 bird species endemic to Sri Lanka. Here you will stay at a lodge overlooking the rainforest. Spend an entire day exploring the rainforest with a qualified guide.

DAY 20 COLOMBO

Your last night will be spent at Lake Lodge in the heart of Colombo. Your last night in Sri Lanka can be spent on enjoying some last minute shopping in the city, some superb food or getting under the surface of the city with our local signature tour.

DAY 21 FLY HOME

Depart Sri Lanka for the UK

Your personalised quotation with Experience Travel Group will include.

• International Flights (which can be omitted from your quotation if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers (included a private chauffeur-guide for most of the trip).
• Original Experience Travel Group "Signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (full ABTA and ATOL bonding)
• Meals as described
• 24-hour in-country backup whilst away 
• Your own dedicated travel expert in the UK 

For more on our pricing policy read here.