Itinerary
Day 01: Airport – Marawila
Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), you will be met by our friendly English-speaking Chauffeur Guide and transferred to a hotel in Marawila.
Relax and acclimatize considering that you just arrived in Sri Lanka. Retire for an early night’s sleep, after a delectable dinner.
Day 02: Marawila – Wilpattu
After an early breakfast visit the Anawilundawa Sanctuary, for hours of immersive bird watching in a picturesque wetland eco system.
Anawilundawa is situated in the District of Puttalam, on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Encompassing three different ecosystems (the coast, mangroves, and the freshwater tanks), it provides an ideal habitat and nesting ground for hundreds of vibrant bird species. The White Ibis, Great Cormorant, Purple Heron, and the Open Bill are some noteworthy members of Anawilundawa’s large birdlife community.
In the afternoon visit the Willpattu National Park.
Wilpattu is one of the largest national parks in the island and is dotted with many sand-rimmed natural water basins. The name ‘Wilpattu’ means ‘many water basins’ in the Sinhala language; thus, makes direct reference to this geographic feature. There are more than 50 of these water basins within the park, offering great communal baths and the much-needed drinking water for the park’s rich proliferation of wildlife including mammals, reptiles, and its myriad of native, and winter migrant birds.
Wilpattu is a haven for its habitant birdlife as well as an enthralling destination for those avid birders pursuing sightings of those wonderful feathered friends. There are more than 200 bird species found in this National Park – Little Cormorant, Garganey, Pintail, Spoonbill, White Egret, Cattle Egret, Whistling Teal and some endemic species such as the Painted Stork, Purple Heron and Sri Lanka Jungle Fowl, to name a few.
Camp overnight at the Wilpattu National Park. Spend a blissful night connected with nature. This is an ideal opportunity to observe nocturnal wildlife too.
Day 03: Wilpattu – Anuradhapura
Spend the morning exploring and sighting more birdlife in the Wilpattu National Park.
By noon, proceed to Anurdhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s illustrious ancient kingdoms steeped in history, culture, and heritage. In the evening, visit the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi Tree and Ruwanweliseya.
Overnight at a selected hotel in Anuradhapura.
Day 04: Anuradhapura – Habarana
After breakfast, leave for the picturesque village of Habarana. Check in to a selected luxury hotel in Habarana. The sprawling hotel garden itself provides a conducive habitat for many varieties of birds. Take time for some leisurely bird watching on-site, as you explore the gardens or the idyllic lake in the vicinity. A canoe ride on the lake can also be arranged.
Night stay at the hotel in Habarana
Day 05: Habarana – Sigiriya
After breakfast, leave on an excursion to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This ancient rock fortress rises 200m above the surrounding plains. It was once the intriguing citadel and palace complex of Sri Lanka’s tyrant and villain king Kashyapa I (477-495 CE). The palace complex is world famous for its water gardens, terraces and boulder gardens, ancient graffiti inscribed mirror wall, and the vibrant frescos of celestial nymphs adorning a sheltered recess of the rock.
The Sigiriya complex with its sprawling gardens, is an oasis for many endemic and migratory birds. Hence this excursion not only affords a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s glorious past and history, but also offers many bird sightings; much to the delight of avid birding enthusiasts.
Overnight at a selected hotel in Sigiriya.
Day 06: Sigiriya – Trincomalee
After breakfast leave for the east coast destination of Trincomalee, famous for its natural harbour, whale watching potential, colonial era buildings, colourful Hindu temples, breathtaking beaches, and captivating underwater landscapes.
En-route, visit the colonial era Fort Frederick, originally constructed by the Portuguese in 1623. This coveted fort passed into the hands of the occupant Dutch, French and British successively. At present the Sri Lankan Army barracks occupy this location, but visitors can stop by for sightseeing.
Overnight at a selected hotel in Trincomalee.
Days 07: Trincomalee
After breakfast set out on an excursion to the Pigeon Islands Marine National Park situated one kilometre off the coast of the beautiful beachside village of Nilaveli. Pigeon Islands, with its emerald thickets and rocky outcrop, is an ideal habitat and breeding ground for its blue rock pigeon habitants. You will be able to watch hundreds of pigeons in this protected zone.
Engage in some thrilling scuba diving or snorkelling in the surrounding reef, with its exquisite corals, colourful tropical fish, and various sea turtle species.
Overnight at the hotel in Trincomalee.
Day 08: Trincomalee
Spend a blissful day at the secluded Nilaveli or Uppuveli Beach, lounging on stretches of glistening white sand.
Overnight at the hotel in Trincomalee.
Day 09: Trincomalee – Negombo
After breakfast leave for the west-coast beach town of Negombo. Check in to a charming beach front resort hotel in Negombo and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying time at the beach or in the hotel pool.
Prepare for your departure and settle in for a good night’s sleep, after enjoying a memorable dinner.
Day 10: Negombo – Airport
Departure transfer to the airport.
Detailed/tailored itinerary and pricing provided on request.
