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Experience the unparalleled thrill of bird watching in Sri Lanka with our exciting three-day birding tour from Colombo to Waikkal. This carefully curated adventure promises unforgettable encounters with the island’s stunning birdlife, featuring an exhilarating boat tour and an immersive nature walk.
Begin your birding journey with a boat tour in Waikkal, where you’ll glide through untouched terrains, offering a unique glimpse into the natural habitats of various bird species. Look out for the Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Purple Coot, Painted Stork, and the majestic Stork-Billed Kingfisher.
Explore the Muthurajawela Sanctuary by boat and uncover a remarkable variety of birds within its diverse ecosystem.
The adventure continues with a nature walk in the Anawilundawa Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for hundreds of bird species, serving as their nesting and breeding ground. During the walk, you might spot the White Ibis, Egret, Stork, Open-bill, Great Cormorant, Purple Swamp-hen, and the Pheasant-tailed Jacana. Migrant birds are typically seen between October and April, while endemic and resident birds can be observed year-round.
The tour concludes with your return to Colombo or to your next destination, enriched with unforgettable birding experiences. This birding tour in Sri Lanka is an exceptional opportunity for avid bird watchers to immerse themselves in the rich biodiversity of both endemic and migrant bird species. Join us for an unforgettable bird watching tour in Sri Lanka, and witness the avian wonders of this beautiful island.
Waikkal, located in the Puttalam District, is a haven for bird watching in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by diverse ecosystems such as marine, coastal, estuarine, mangroves, marshland, and man-made habitats, Waikkal boasts incredible avifaunal diversity. Over 60 species of birds can be observed here, making it a prime location for birding tours in Sri Lanka. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an evening bird-watching trail with your personal guide.
Accommodation : Ranweli Holiday Village or Similar
Meals Included : Dinner
Start your day with a pre-breakfast birding tour on a boat in Waikkal, spotting species such as the Common Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Purple Coot, Painted Stork, and Stork-Billed Kingfisher. After breakfast, relax at the hotel or explore the nearby village. At 3:00 PM, head to the Muthurajawela Sanctuary for an evening birding excursion. Known for its rich biodiversity, the sanctuary is home to a dazzling array of birds, mammals, reptiles, and flora. With 209 fauna varieties, including 17 endemic and 26 nationally-threatened species, this birding excursion in Sri Lanka is a must for nature enthusiasts. After the tour, return to Waikkal for your overnight stay.
Accommodation : Ranweli Holiday Village or Similar
Meals Included : Breakfast | Dinner
Choose to have an early breakfast or take a packed meal as you head to the Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary, one of six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka, offers a unique ecological geography with its proximity to the coast, freshwater, and mangroves. It’s a perfect spot for a nature walk, providing habitat for hundreds of bird species, including the White Ibis, Egret, Stork, Open-bill, Great Cormorant, Purple Swamp-hen, and Pheasant-tailed Jacana. Migrant birds can be seen between October and April, while endemic and resident birds are visible year-round. The sanctuary also hosts diverse wildlife, such as the Rusty-spotted cat, Fishing cat, Indian otter, Slender loris, and Toque monkey, along with 74 species of butterflies. After your nature walk, return to the hotel before continuing to your next destination.
Join us on this short birding holiday in Sri Lanka for an extraordinary bird watching tour, and discover the rich avian diversity of this beautiful island.
Accommodation : NA
Meals Included : Breakfast
The tour was well-organized, and the locations were great for general birdwatching. We saw plenty of fascinating species, and the guide’s expertise really added value to the experience. However, if you’re specifically looking for Sri Lankan endemics, this may not be the best choice—I wasn’t able to spot any. That said, it’s an excellent option for those wanting a quick, diverse birding trip close to Colombo.
This was the perfect birdwatching adventure just a short drive from Colombo! The diversity of birdlife was incredible—we spotted a stunning variety of species, from kingfishers to raptors, in their natural habitats. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, making it easy to identify birds and understand their behaviours. The trip was well-paced, with comfortable accommodations and great food. It’s amazing how much we could experience in just three days! Highly recommended for any nature or bird lover looking for a convenient yet immersive birding tour in Sri Lanka.