Rain forest Birding Adventure

Rain forest Birding Adventure

Sri Lanka is home to 34 species of birds found nowhere else on earth. Out of this almost 90% are found in our lowland rain-forests, of which Sinharaja is the largest and richest in biodiversity. This guided experience entails a birding tour with one of Sri Lanka's most seasoned and experienced naturalist guides with decades of knowledge and experience. Also you will have the assistance of a local tracker whose almost supernatural instincts will get you the desired bird sightings. All aspects of the tour is taken care of from transport, to accommodation and meals, giving you a hassle free experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up from Colombo and travel to Sinharaja (3 hours drive)

Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Upon reaching Sinharaja, check into your lodge for lunch. Afterwards along with your expert naturalist guide begin your birding tour firstly by exploring the outer region of the rain forest along with remote home gardens and plantations. Your naturalist along with the local tracker will work as a team to find many of the endemic species of birds which are found no where else on earth. Using decades of knowledge on this area as well as various bird calls your guide will take you by foot and by 4x4 jeep along these village trails in search of these beautiful avi fauna. Keep an ear out for the amazing mixed feeding flocks you will encounter with varying species flying across the forests with different species seen in various levels of the forest. The beautiful and endemic Red Faced Malkoha and the colorful Malabar Trogon are among the canopy dwellers you might encounter along with endemic White Faced Starlings. In the mid section you will come across the endemic Sri Lanka Crested Drongo and on the lower levels endemics such as the Ashy Headed Laughing Thrush and Orange Billed Babbler. After an eventful day of birding return back to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kudawa/Kalawana area in a comfortable air conditioned guest house/lodge close to the rain-forest

Day 2: Birding in Sinharaja

Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Early morning head out with your naturalist guide and local tracker on a forest road bordering the rain forest. This road is well known for many species of endemic birds. Your tracker if lucky may have tracked down a roosting spot of the iconic and endemic Serendib Scops Owl which is Sri Lanka's newly discovered bird species. Also at the end of this road, you will come to a remote homestead which is known to be the best place to spot the endemic and shy Sri Lanka Spur Fowl. Explore this magical area with your naturalist who will show you some amazing insights into Sinharaja's natural habitat and its wildlife. Return back to your lodge for lunch or to collect a packed lunch, and head to the main rain forest entrance. After purchasing the relevant tickets head into the main reserve, which is also great for spotting many species of bird life as well as some rare endemic reptiles such as the Green Pit Viper, Hump Nosed Lizard, Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard. After dusk return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kudawa/Kalawana area in a comfortable air conditioned guest house/lodge close to the rain-forest

Day 3: Sinharaja to Colombo

Stop At: Sinharaja Access Road, Sinharaja Access Rd, Sri Lanka
Today after breakfast, you will be dropped back at your desired location in Colombo.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.