Fascinating Bird Watching Tour in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tour
Sri Lanka is a dream country for birdwatchers to visit at least once in their lifetime. This small island nation is home to many bird species, including endemic species, and you can enjoy watching a variety of birds in their beautiful natural surroundings.
This time, we will introduce bird watching tours that you can enjoy in Sri Lanka.
The charm of bird watching in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a diverse ecosystem, including wetlands, tropical rainforests, and mountainous areas, and more than 450 species of birds have been identified. Among them, more than 30 species are endemic to Sri Lanka, and you can observe beautiful birds that you can't see anywhere else. In addition, there are many migratory birds that migrate from India and Europe in winter, so you can encounter different birds each season, which is an attractive feature.
Recommended spots for bird watching
Sri Lanka has some of the best spots for bird watching.
1. Sinharaja Reserve Forest
Sinharaja is the only virgin forest in Sri Lanka that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many Sri Lankan endemic birds live in this dense forest, and there are many rare birds that can be observed, such as the Sri Lankan barbet and the Sri Lankan blue magpie. In addition, there is rich vegetation and other wildlife, so you can enjoy bird watching and nature observation at the same time.
2. Kumana National Park
This national park in the southeast of Sri Lanka is known as a gathering place for many migratory birds, especially waterfowl in the winter, and is a popular spot for birdwatchers, as it is home to not only herons and ducks, but also colorful kingfishers.
The eastern part of Sri Lanka is still an area that is rarely visited by ordinary tourists.
This means it's not crowded and there are sanctuaries for a variety of wild animals.
A lesser known place is Panama , located in the south of Arugam Bay.
A religious sanctuary, it is here that you can spot flocks of migratory birds and large groups of crocodiles.
3. Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most famous safari park in Sri Lanka, where you can observe wild leopards and elephants as well as various birds. There are many large birds here, such as Indian peacocks and coots, and you can enjoy photographing birds in the photogenic scenery.
A typical safari involves riding in a jeep along a trail, but for bird watching, a camping-style safari where you can stay overnight within the national park is ideal.
There are several types of camping, from luxury to simple camping in small tents and cottages. Accommodation in these national parks can be arranged by special companies, one of the most famous being Eco Team .
We can also make reservations for Eco team services on your behalf.
4. Bundala (Bundala) National Park
Bundala National Park is also designated as a Ramsar Convention Wetland , the habitat of many migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. In the evenings from September to March during the season, you can often see a large number of migratory birds, such as flamingos, herons, and storks, covering the waterside and the sky.
It is a very important site for bird watching in Sri Lanka.
Bird watching is also available in the huge water areas surrounding the national park, and there is a local service that will take you on a rowboat for a few hours to see flocks of waterfowl. You can enjoy a wonderful time as you become one with nature on a boat with no engine noise.
Features and points of bird watching tours
Bird watching tours in Sri Lanka are usually accompanied by a professional guide who will help you observe and identify birds. The guide will have extensive knowledge of the local ecosystem and will explain not only birds but also plants and insects, giving you a deeper understanding of the natural environment as a whole.
Also, birds are said to be most active in the early morning and evening, so it is important to adjust your observation times to ensure efficient observation.
Best season
The best season for bird watching in Sri Lanka is from December to April, when the rainy season ends. During this period, many migratory birds can be seen and the weather is mild, making it ideal for bird watching.
It is also the season when local bird watching events and tours increase, attracting bird enthusiasts.
However, there is data that suggests that seasonal patterns in Sri Lanka have been changing over the past decade or so due to noticeable climate change. When planning a trip, it is important to keep in close contact with local guides and travel agencies in the area to check the weather conditions and the state of wildlife.
Things to note when bird watching in Sri Lanka
When birdwatching in Sri Lanka's nature reserves and national parks, it is important to be considerate of the natural environment and wildlife. Please observe etiquette such as not making noise or getting too close to birds and animals, and be sure to take any trash you bring home with you.