Overview

Now well past its prime, the Habarana Lake is not the grand tank it once was but the diminished water levels have since contributed to an eco-system inhabited by thirsty Elephants making visits to quench their thirst and a stunning variety of bird species. This has led the area to be a prime location for Birdwatching in Sri Lanka.

Your tour will start at 6.30 AM – 7.30 AM or 3.30 PM – 4.30 PM from an eco-lodge near the Habarana Junction (Exact details enclosed at booking confirmation).

Journey along the lake bank as you inspect the surrounding area in hope of catching glimpses of resident, migratory and endemic birds that reside among the trees or in the lake.

Your friendly bird watching guide will make it his mission to ensure that the most number of species are spotted in your exploration. Birds flitting far away from the naked eye can be easily viewed with the use of the binoculars provided to you or from the monocular bird spotting telescope that will be adjusted and aimed by your guide.

The area is widely considered to be a hotspot for bird watching in Sri Lanka as sightings of around 120 bird species have occurred during birdwatching in Habarana. Prominent sightings include the viewing of the Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Coppersmith Barbet, Red Vented Bulbul, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Spotted Dove, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Common Iora, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Brahminy Kite, Small Minivet, Black Hooded Oriole, Grey Breasted Prinia, Crested Tree Swift and many more.

There are 9 endemic bird species to the area who are the Brown Capped Babbler, Black-capped Bulbul, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Sri Lankan Wood Shrike, Sri Lankan Swallow, Crimson Backed Flameback Woodpecker and Lesser Sri Lankan Flameback Woodpecker.

Your birdwatching tour in Habarana will last for 2 hours from your starting time. Upon completion, you will be returning back to your starting point at the eco-lodge, where you can safely return to your vehicle.

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 (Eco-lodge near Habarana Junction)
• Food or Beverages
• Tips or portages
• Any expenses of personal natures

Notes:

• Starting location will be an eco-lodge near Habarana Junction, exact details of location and emergency contact person 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.

 (SKU: LK75050000)

Overview

The 4-hour Udawattekele Forest Reserve Hike gives you the opportunity to hike through the ancient forests of Kandy. Step into a different world ruled by the jungle. Hike through trails underlaid with a stone that were once pretty little avenues in colorful green pleasure gardens, centuries ago. Sight rare and endemic bird species. Come upon ancient ruins of dwellings used by monks. Identify a number of orchids and other species of plants amongst the undergrowth. Sense the mysterious aura of this dense patch of the forest right in the middle of the urban landscape.

What You Can Expect

You will be starting your tour at 6:30 am from the entrance of Udawattakele Sanctuary. After getting the tickets your naturalist guide will take you on an interesting trail through the forest. You will be stopping periodically to rest and refresh yourselves.

The 104 hectare Udawattekele Forest Reserve in Kandy has an interesting history behind it. Historical records state that the caves within the forest were used by monks as dwellings for millennia. Your naturalist might take you for a visit to some of these dwellings.

Later during the Kandyan kingdom, the forest was beautifully maintained with wide avenues for taking walks and was used as a pleasure garden reserved for the Royal Family. As such, the forest was forbidden for all except these family members and those who received a special invitation from them.

With the arrival of colonials, this use of the forest stopped, though the British used it for long walks. You will notice this by some of the overgrown stone walkways with names like Lady McCarthy's Drive, Lady Torrington's Road, Lady Gordon's Road, Russell Path, and Byrde Lane.

As you go deeper you will find much rare flora and fauna, especially a large number of birds.  A survey in 2013 identified 58 tree species, 61 shrubs and small trees, 31 indigenous herbs - of which 12 are orchids, and 57 types of lianas, creepers, and vines; many of which are endemic. Amongst the fauna is 80 birds; including endemic birds such as Layard's parakeet, Yellow-fronted barbet, and the Brown-capped babbler and rare birds such as the three-toed kingfisher. There are also several mammals, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies that you may see. Your naturalist will help you identify them and explain their specific characteristics.
 The hike through the forest will have you returning back to the entrance by approximately 11:30 am completing your tour.

Highlights

• Arrival time will be 6.30 A.M at Udawatte Kele Entrance.
• Brief description of the trail and the forest reserve.Services of a Professional Bird Guide
• Starting the bird watching tour at 6.45 A.M.
•  Rest stops within every 1 K.M.
• Reaching the trailhead by 11.30 A.M

Whats's Included

• Service of an English-speaking experienced naturalist.
  
• Entrance tickets.
• Refreshments with energy slabs.

What's Excluded

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Any transportation up to the trailhead at Udawatte Kele.
• Any additional beverages or food.
  
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of personal nature.

Highlights

• Preferred Starting Time - 10 a.m
• Lead time - Two days prior notice
• Possible Period - All around the year
• Duration - Two hours
• Arrival and departure transport for any location could be arranged on request for an additional cost

About Bird watching in Kalmetiya Sanctuary

The Sri Lanka Day Tours Team is geared to providing the best birding experiences available. Birding enthusiasts will love exploring the hidden gem known as the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary as it is the country’s oldest bird sanctuary and is known to hold numerous exotic species of birds.

This two-hour excursion into the heart of the sanctuary will begin at 6 a.m. (for morning tours) or 4 p.m. You will first meet with the Eco Team staff at the designated location, where you will be warmly greeted by your naturalist/guide. You will then set out on an adventurous journey through the beautiful bird sanctuary.

Sri Lanka Day Tours owning company, Eco Team’s specialized Birding Arm offers professional and quality birding tours in Sri Lanka since the year 2000 for the birding community around the world with varying levels of interest.

We have carefully planned every birding tour to maximize our birding success by visiting as many habitats, altitudinal zones, and local lesser-known hideouts as possible while still maintaining a reasonable tour pace.

Overview

• It is a fascinating activity for those who love bird watching in the beautiful natural environment.
• Kalametiya is a coastal wetland area that is situated on the picturesque southeastern coast of Sri Lanka with a very rich bio-diversity.
• The Kalametiya area records about 150 species of birds of which 54 are migratory. There are four nationally threatened birds found within the sanctuary – Indian Reef Heron, Glossy Ibis, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl and Black-capped Purple Kingfisher with Jungle Fowl being the only endemic species.
• Guidance by an experienced birding guide/naturalist makes this even more special and inspiring.
• Ideally located on your way to the famous Yala National Park.
• Opportunity to interact with the local community.

What's Included

• Services of a local birding guide
• Boat fee
• Bottled water

What's Excluded

• Arrival and departure transportation
• Any extra beverages or food consumed
• Any tips to Eco Team representatives
• Any personal effects not mentioned above

Important Facts

• Suitable casual clothing for windy, rainy, warm weather conditions should be considered
• Cameras/video recorders

Overview

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Forest covers an extent of an approximately 11.187 ha. From east to west the length of the forest is 21 KMs. Situated in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka and falling into the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces, Sinharaja is surrounded by Napola Dola, Koskulana Ganga (north), Maha Dola, Gin Ganga (south-west), the Kalukandawa Ela,Kudawa Ganga (west), Beverley Tea Estate and Denuwa Kanda (east). The elevation of the Sinharaja reserve ranges from 200m to 1300m. It has a rolling terrain consisting of a series of ridges and valleys, which assumes an east-west trend in the northwestern part of the reserve. In other parts of the reserve, the ridges and valleys assume a north-west/south-east alignment.

The peak of Hinipitigala is the tallest, rising up to about 1150m. Other important ridges in the reserve range between 550-800m in height Namely Moulawella (760m), Kosgulana (797m), Sinhagala (742m), Kohilearambe (575m), Dotalugala (769m), and Tibbottagala (904m).

Sinharaja forest cover receives between 3000-6000 mm of rain throughout the year and has a minimum rainfall of over 200 mm even during non-monsoon periods. The mean temperature is between 18-27 degrees Celsius with humidity of 75% - 90%. Only faint sunshine reaches the ground layer of the forest which ranges from 5% - 15% of the total sunlight.

Sinharaja has a wild profusion of flora. The canopy trees reach heights of up to 45m, with the next layer down topping 30m. Nearly all the sub-canopy trees found here are rare or endangered. More than 65% of the 217 types of trees and woody climbers endemic to Sri Lanka’s rainforest are found in Sinharaja.

Sinharaja rain forest is home to 282 bird species and out of the 34 endemic bird species, 29 have recorded from Sinharaja. Apart from Birds 3-4 Elephants, around 15 Sri Lankan Leopards also recorded from Sinharaja Rain Forest. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced langur. Reptiles include the endemic green pit viper and hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic common birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches.

Highlights

• Arriving at the Sinharaja rain forest entrance by 0600 hrs.
• Brief description of the park and the nature trails of the park.
• Starting the bird watching tour/trekking at 0615 hrs.
• Photography and spotting the rare birds in Sinharaja
• Reaching the bird research center by 1000 hrs.
• Refreshments.
• Reaching the Sinharaja entrance gate by 1145 hrs.
• Refreshments.                                                

Additional Note

Sinharaja Bird Waves in the lowland rain forests of Sri Lanka are the largest mixed-species feeding flocks of birds in the world. The Sinharaja Bird Wave average of 41 individuals. As many as 59 species of birds have been recorded as participants in the waves.

What's Included

• Service of an English-speaking experienced naturalist.
• Refreshments with energy slabs.
• Entrance tickets.
• All Taxes and Service charges.

What's Excluded

• Hotel Pickup and Drop (Any transportation up to the trailhead at Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
• Food or Drinks (Not specified above).
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.

Overview

This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through forested mountains of Ritigala in search of elusive birdlife. Hike through evergreens and come across ruins steeped in history. Reward yourself with a brilliant flash of tail or glimpse of bright plumage amongst the greenery. View some of the other wildlife that makes their home in the mountain range.

What you can expect

You will be able to start the tour at either 6:30 am or 3:30 pm from Ganawelpola. Your English-speaking birding guide will meet you in town. Bring sufficient water for the hike, 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.

Ritigala is a mountain range that is famed for its ancient monastic ruins. The natural beauty of these mountains and its rare wildlife, often go unnoticed. The forests of Ritigala can be separated into Dry Mixed Evergreen Forests on the lower heights, Tropical Montana Forests in the middle, and Upper Montana Forests near the top of the mountain range. They are host to a number of species of birds, including the Black-capped Bulbul, Brown-capped Babbler, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Black-naped Flycatcher, Thick-billed Flowerpecker, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent & Crested Hawk Eagle, Common Hill Mynah, Indian Pitta, and the White-rumped Shama. In addition to the birds; a number of other animals, such as elephants and the sloth bear, and many medicinal plants can be seen here.

Your guide will take you on hidden trails, where you can see many species of birds and other wildlife. He will explain the identification characteristics and calls of the birds so that you can know them better. You may get a few good chances for photos as well.

At 8:30 am if you started in the morning; or at 5:30 pm, if your tour began in the evening, you will be completing your two-hour birding tour.  Upon completion, you will be returning back to your starting point, where you can safely return to your vehicle.

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.

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.

(SKU: LK75060000 )

Highlights

• Enjoy a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city
• All taxes, fuel surcharges and service fees included
• Fully narrated tour
• Led by a local guide
• Free hotel pickup and drop-off included

Overview

This tour gives you the chance to go bird watching in the famous Muthurajawela Sanctuary in Negombo. Hike through the marshy wetlands of Muthurajawela. Get to see many endemic and migrant birds in their natural habitats. Go on a relaxing boat ride in the lagoon while watching out for more birds and wildlife. The tour is a great opportunity for avid bird watchers.

What to Expect

Your tour will start at 0630 hrs from your hotel in Colombo when your guide picks you up. It takes about approximately an hour to get to Muthurajawela which lies in Negombo. Enroute you may have your packed breakfast which is including in your package. You will get to the marshes by 0730 hrs.

The wetlands of Muthurajawela Bird Sanctuary sprawls over 6230 hectares on the western coastline of Sri Lanka. Over 200 years ago the area was prime agricultural land, which produced the beautiful pearl-like rice that was served to the kings of the Kotte Kingdom south of the area. However, the building of the Dutch canals is believed to have caused saltwater seepage in the fields, rendering them unusable. Once the fields were abandoned, nature took over and with the passing of time it became populated with the highly biodiverse ecology of the coastal wetlands that it is now. Muthurajawela is listed as one of the 12 high priority wetlands in Sri Lanka with the area having nearly 200 species of flora, 102 species of birds, 40 species of fish, 14 species of reptiles, and over 20 species of mammals. There are also almost 50 species of butterflies in the sanctuary.

You will be hiking through the wilderness for some time. Your professional bird guide will help you with identifying any birds you see. You may get a glimpse of Little Green Herons, Black-crowned Night Herons, Indian Cormorants, Eurasian Curlew, Shikras, White-bellied Sea-eagles, and many others. You will also be going on a two-hour boat ride on the lagoon, where you will be able to see more birds such as waders or water birds.

 You will be exploring and spending approximately three hours at the bird sanctuary and your tour of the Muthurajawela Sanctuary will be finishing at 1030 hrs. Your vehicle will drop you off at your hotel between 1130 hrs to 1200 hrs marking the end of your tour.

Additional Note

Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour. Drive time may change due to unpredictable road traffic. Photography stops on the way can be arranged but within locations with reasonable parking areas.

Tours Includes

• Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Service of an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide.
• 1 Liter of Bottled Mineral Water Per Person.
• Hotel Pick & Drop.
• All Taxes & Service Charges.

Tour Excludes

• Entrance Fees.
• Food or Drinks.
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of Personal Nature.

Overview

Second, to Sinharaja, the Kitulgala forest reserve would be the ideal rainforest habitat to spot most of the lowland endemic species of birds including the Green-bill Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Red-faced Mal koha, Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush, Grey Hornbill, Sri Lanka Spur fowl, Ceylon Jungle fowl and Yellow-fronted Barbet. The newly discovered Serendip Scoops Owl was also first heard in this forest. Plenty of insect repellent and anti-leech socks, if you have a pair, are useful to wear when entering the forest.

Mammal species found here include the Grizzled Indian Squirrel, Layard’s Striped Squirrel, and the Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. The streams hold endemic fish and many species of amphibians. The Earless Lizard, Kangaroo Lizard, and the Hump-nosed Lizard are among the reptile species and are frequently seen in the foliage along the Kelani River.

Highlights

• Arrival time will be 6.30 A.M at Kitulgala.
• Brief description of the trail and the forest reserve
• Starting the bird watching tour at 6.45 A.M.
• Rest stops within every 1 K.M.
• Refreshments.
• Photography sessions.
• Reaching the trailhead by 11.30 A.M.
  

Whats's Included

• Service of an English-speaking experienced naturalist.
  
• Entrance tickets.
• Refreshments with energy slabs.

What's Excluded

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Any transportation up to the trailhead at Kitulgala forest Reserve Trailhead.
• Any additional beverages or food.
  
• Gratuities (Optional).
• Expenses of personal nature.

Highlights

• Daily at 0600 hrs
• Accompanied by an expert naturalist.
• Air-conditioned car or minivan.
• Picnic breakfast, lunch, and water are included.

Overview
Bird watching or birding is a form of wildlife observation in which the observation of birds is a recreational activity. It can be done with the naked eye, through a visual enhancement by binoculars and telescopes, or by listening for bird sounds. Sri Lanka is a paradise for Birdlife.

Anaivilundawa is a man-made wetland constructed in the 12th Century AD and is located on the western migratory bird route, A Haven for birdlife. This is a sanctuary with a prolific birdlife in beautiful surroundings. The vegetation of the site consists of a scenic forest in the low country dry zone and in addition to birds, mammals such as mouse deer, hare, mongoose, squirrels, wild cats (such as civets), wild boar and fruit bats and reptiles and amphibians like land monitors, water monitors, lizards, geckoes, skinks, and tortoises can be sighted.

There are over 160 species of birds at this site. However, special interest is species such as Spoonbills, Ibises, Darters, Harriers, species of Bee-eaters an Owls, etc.

About Bird watching in Thalangama Wetland

Your first encounter with us will be at the meeting point at Talangama junction at 5.45 a.m. or 3.45 p.m. where you will be greeted by our staff prior to the commencement of the nature excursion. You will then be given a short briefing on the safety, terrain and other important aspects with regard to the journey by your naturalist/guide.

You will then be taken to the Talangama wetlands where you will be able to spot an array of exotic birds, dragonflies, and butterflies. Sri Lanka’s birdlife is nothing short of inspiring and because our tours include a personal naturalist you are guaranteed to be inspired. Here, you might encounter Water Cocks, Eagles, Bee-Eaters, Waders, endemic Purple Faced Leaf Monkeys, Mongoose, and Water Monitors as we explore the picturesque Talangama area.

Your nature excursion in Talangama can be organized at any time of the year although the best season for birding in this area is known to be between November and March, due to the migratory season.

The Sri Lanka Day Tours owning company Eco Team’s Specialized Birding Arm offers professional and quality birding tours in Sri Lanka since the year 2000, for the birding community around the world with varying levels of interest. We have carefully planned every birding tour to maximize our birding success by visiting as many habitats, altitudinal zones, and lesser-known local hideouts as possible while still maintaining a reasonable tour pace.

Overview

• This is a great nature excursion for those who love birds, dragonflies and butterflies.
• It is in close proximity to Colombo, which makes this an activity that can be done by everyone who passes or stays in Colombo.
• Talangama Lake is one of the best locations close to Colombo to can see a wide variety of colorful birds.
• It’s a walking trail, which gives you the added bonus of providing some exercise.
• Opportunity to interact with the local fishing community.
• Guidance by an experienced birding guide/naturalist makes this even more special and inspiring.

Highlights

• Preferred Starting Time - Morning 6 a.m. or Evening 4 p.m.
• Meeting point - Talangama junction
• Possible Period - All around the year
• Duration - Half day
• Arrival and departure transport for any location could be arranged on request

Cost Includes

• Birding guide/naturalist
• Refreshment and bottled water
• Government tax

Cost Excludes

• Transportation
• Any extra beverages or food consumed
• Any tips to staff and guides
• Any personal effects not mentioned above

Important Facts

• Suitable casual clothing for windy, rainy, warm weather conditions should be considered
• Cameras/video recorders

Highlights

• Muthurajawela Boat Safari
• Services of a Professional Bird Guide

About The Muthurajawela Birdwatching Safari 

This boat safari gives you an opportunity to watch the avifauna of Muthurajawela, one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. Go on a wonderfully relaxing boat ride on the lagoon of Negombo. See the complex ecosystem of the marshlands. Watch the many water birds and others through your binoculars. Get the assistance of your professional bird guide to identify and learn more about them. Enjoy a picnic breakfast as you drift along
the lagoon surrounded by nature.

Overview

You will be starting your tour shortly after dawn, at 7:00 am, near the Boatyard in front of Muthurajawela Sanctuaries. If you select the evening tour, on the other hand, you will be starting at 3:00 pm. However, keep in mind that the morning slot gives you an increased chance of seeing rarer birds. Your boat will pick you up along with your bird guide.

Muthurajawela was an area that used to be prime farming land which produced some of the best rice in the country. But with the building of the Dutch Canal, it is believed that there was some seawater seepage into the lands and they became uncultivable. The lands were then abandoned and Mother Nature took over, making them into one of Sri Lanka's most biodiverse wetlands. The wetlands were proclaimed a priority wetland and sanctuary in 1996. Now spread over 6230 hectares; the marshes have over 190 species of plants and over 200 species of wildlife, including over a hundred species of birds.

As you pass along the banks of the waterway, you will notice the diversity of the marshes with the various types of lush plants that line the banks, such as mangroves, palms, various lactic and marsh flora. While watching quietly, with minimal disturbance to nature, you will be able to see the many species of birds flocking to the water to quench their thirst, catch fish or eat the fruit and seeds of nearby plant life. You will be able to consult your nature guide on their identification and information.

Some of the birds that you may catch sight of are the water birds such as the various species of herons, bitterns, egrets, storks, cormorants, swamp hens, water hens and moorhens; as well as terns, sandpipers, snips and of prey such as sea eagles, harriers, kites and shikras. While some of these species are residents, many migrate for the winter. You will also be able to glimpse much other wildlife such as crocodiles, monkeys, water monitors, slender loris and etc.

In addition to these sightings, the Muthurajawela Reserve boasts some wonderful views that truly bring home the majestic beauty of nature. You will be able to eat your picnic breakfast surrounded by calm and quiet; just occasionally interrupted by the screeches and calls of wildlife

What's Included

• Professional Bird guide and his service
• Bottle of water
• Boat Ride in Muthurajawella Lagoon

What's Excluded

• Food and Beverages
• Gratuities

Overview

We will start the Jeep tour from the main entrance of the Park near the car park.

If you are staying in a hotel that is within a 5km radius of the entrance, you would also have been entitled to a complimentary pickup from your hotel in Udawalawe City. The safari will start at 6:00 am if you selected the morning, or 3:00 pm if you selected the evening safari.

Once we go through the standard process of entry into the park, we will venture into the untamed wild of Udawalawe which is a famous home to the majestic Sri Lankan Elephants.

We will first journey into the savanna grasslands of the park in the hopes of seeing elephants, foxes, deers, water buffalos, hares, mongooses, bandicoots while also keeping an eye out for crocodiles in the wetland areas and also birds such as the Sea Eagle, the Fishing Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, Spur Fowl, Green Pigeon, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Spot-billed Pelican, Little Cormorant, Green Bee-eater, Crested Tree Swift in and among the trees.

Soon we will make our way to the banks of the stunning Udawalawe Reservoir with huge mountains in the backdrop. You will get to see groups of crocodiles resting in the banks or swimming about the lakes, vibrant birds of prey going fishing and also many other birds and animals including herds of elephants visiting to quench their thirst and take a rest.

Your safari will finish at 9:00 am if you are on a morning safari, or 6:00 pm if you’re on an evening safari. You will finish it at the entrance of the park, unless you stay in a hotel within a 5km radius of Udawalawe National Park’s entrance. In that case you will receive a complimentary drop off right to your hotel completing your safari.

What else you should know

Once you meet us at the car park to get on your jeep, you driver will conduct the tour in the best routes for animal spotting on the day while also sharing valuable information on the animals you see

What's Included

• 3 Hour Safari by Private Jeep (Maximum of 6 Passengers per jeep) .
• Experienced Driver (Also your tracker).
• All taxes and service charges.
• Water
• Free Pickup/Drop off from/to any location within the radius of 5 KM from the Park Gate and Udawalawe City.

What's excluded

• Hotel pickup and drop-off if outside of 5km of the park entrance gate.
• Entrance Fees to the National Park.
• Food and drinks.
• Expenses of personal nature.
  
• Gratuities.

(SKU: LK50010200)