Birdwatching in Sigiriya (Private + Guided)

Overview

This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey in close proximity to the grandeur historical kingdom of Sigiriya as you explore the area in search of rare birds. Catch glimpses of bright plumage amongst the greenery and try to identify them. Also, get a chance to see some of the other wildlife

What you can expect

You will be able to start the tour at either 6:30 am or 3:30 pm from Pidurangala. Your English-speaking birding guide will meet you there. Bring sufficient water for the trek and don’t forget your binoculars. If you are a photography enthusiast, it would also be a good idea to bring your camera with the flash disabled.

Sigiriya Rock is famed for being a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its historical connotations. Therefore, what most people don’t realize is that the old and thick-canopied jungle surrounding the rock is a sanctuary hiding its beautiful lively treasures. The forest is home to hundreds of bird species, both migratory and endemic, and a number of other wildlife. The highly biodiverse region is assisted by the water tanks created by King Kasyappa that keep the ecosystem balanced. They are the root cause of the lush greenery and good watering holes within the sanctuary.

While hiking through the jungle, you will face many challenges getting through the undergrowth. However, those dense places are the best locations to find hidden birds or nests. Your guide will help you identify them. Some of the birds that you may get to see are the Shaheen (a local subspecies of the peregrine), the Grey-bellied Cuckoo, the Square-tailed Drongo-cuckoo, the Indian Cuckoo, the Crested Tree-swift, the Stork-billed Kingfisher, the Coppersmith Barbet, the Indian Pitta, the Ceylon Woodshrike, the Large Cuckooshrike, the Black-headed Cuckooshrike, the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, the Ceylon Small Barbet, the White-browed Fantail, the Tawny-bellied Babbler, the Orange-headed Thrush, the Jungle Prinia, the White-rumped Shama, the Purple Sunbird, the Thick-billed Flowerpecker, and the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. With quiet care, you will also be able to get some great photos.

Your birdwatching tour will last for 2 hours. At either 8:30 am or 5:30 pm, depending on your starting time,  you will be returning back to your starting point at Pidurangala, completing your tour.

Includes:

• Services of a Qualified, English Speaking Birdwatching Guide/Naturalist
• Binoculars (per person for maximum 2 PAX)
• Private tour of 2 hours
• Viewing by Monocular Bird Spotting Telescope (Adjusted and aimed by your guide)
• All taxes and service charges

Excludes:

• Transportation to/from starting location
  
• Food or Beverages
• Tips or portages
• Any expenses of personal natures

Notes:

• Details of the starting location will be provided on the booking confirmation.
• Do state the desired starting time in the ‘Notes’ section during confirming your booking, the earlier the starting time, the greater the chances of bird spotting.
• Be sure to bring your professional camera (if possible) along with its variety of lenses.
• Wear soft, lightly colored clothing that blends with nature.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.