Sri Lanka's Birds Bespoke Holiday Itinerary / Experience Tour

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart The UK for Colombo, Sri Lanka.

DAYS 2 – 5 HIDEAWAY & THE MUDHOUSE

Arrive in Colombo and transfer to The Hideaway, a boutique hotel in the midst of a pineapple plantation. Relax here for a night before heading off to The Mudhouse where you will stay for three nights on a Full Board basis. Locally guided excursions are included such a bicycling, visits to local temples, swimming/kayaking on the lakes and picnics. This little visited but beautiful area of Sri Lanka is deeply rural and life moves at a tranquil pace.

Located in the heart of Sri Lanka's dry zone, this area is characterised by startling rock formations and scattered 'tanks' village reservoirs which have provided the means for agriculture for thousands of years and continue to do so today. The rustic charm of the Mudhouse design complements the warm and friendly hospitality of the staff. The sleeping accommodation and facilities are very comfortable and luxurious considering the lack of electricity and modern building materials while the space available means that each party is afforded their own privacy and living space in abundance.

DAYS 6 - 8 CULTURAL TRIANGLE

You will be met by your chauffeur/guide (who will be an expert on Sri Lanka's birds) for the private transfer to the cultural triangle. He will remain with you until you are dropped at your beach hotel. You will be driven from The Mudhouse to the equally remote Jims Farm, set within a working organic farm. From Jims Farm visit the world heritage site of oSigiriya Rock Fortress. The rest of your time here will be spent enjoying the wilderness and the abundance of birds that inhabit the area.

 DAYS 9 - 10 KNUCKLES MT. RANGE & KANDY

From the Cultural Triangle you will head to the edge of the Knuckles Mountain Range for three nights 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. They will also arrange trips into the Knuckles Mountains which contain almost 75% of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species.

DAYS 10 & 11 TEA COUNTRY

 Take a scenic train journey en route to your next destination, 98 Acres, a stunning eco 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.

DAYS 12 & 13 TANGALLE

 As you head south towards the coast, spend the morning exploring Bundala National Park, an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds. In-season, vast flocks of over 1000 individuals of Greater Flamingo can be seen congregating here. Other birds commonly seen in the area include waterfowl, cormorants, Ibis, Spoonbills and other waders of all sizes.

You will spend the next three nights at the Back of Beyond Kahandamodara, an exquisite eco villa set amongst lagoons and marshes providing the opportunity for bird watching and a little rest and relaxation all in one place.

DAY 14 & 15 SINHARAJA

 Today you head towards 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 the Rainforest Eco Lodge, a superb eco-lodge overlooking the Sinharaja rainforest, making it the ideal base from which to explore the forest and surrounding area. Spend an entire day exploring the rainforest with a qualified guide.

 DAY 16 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 one of our famous walking tour.

Day 17 Fly Home

Depart Sri Lanka for the UK

- Direct flights with Sri Lankan Airlines.

- Meals and accommodation as stated

- All taxes and surcharges

- Private transport within country with a qualified chauffeur-guide

Please note that the price of flights in particular can be higher during peak travel periods.

ALL EXPERIENCE TRAVEL TOURS ARE TAILOR MADE, PRIVATELY GUIDED AND DELIVERED BY THE BEST GUIDES IN THE COUNTRY.