Sinharaja Rainforest Birdwatching Tours & Packages

Birdwatching from Sinharaja

A paradise for birds, the Sinharaja Rainforest is the only virgin rainforest that remains in Sri Lanka. Birdwatching in the rainforest is definitely a truly remarkable experience since the area is home to sightings of 147 species of birds. 21 Endemic species of birds are found here, while many rare and unique species can be spotted as well if you are a truly vigilant bird watcher. From the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl to the Black Eagle, you can be sure to have your binoculars intact and the cameras ready to capture these amazing birds.

Take this wonderful opportunity to explore the hidden depths of Sinharaja Rainforest in Sri Lanka! Hike through the dense jungle to see its marvels. Consult with your accompanying naturalist for new insights into the ecosystem of Sinharaja. Put your binoculars to use as you do some fun birding. Identify many rare and endemic species of plants and animals.

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 birdwatching 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.

Experience:

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 approximately 11,187 ha. From east to west, the length of the forest is 21 km. Situated in the southwest 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 (southwest), the Kalukandawa Ela, Kudawa Ganga (west), Beverley Tea Estate, and Denuwa Kanda (east). The elevation of the Sinharaja reserve ranges from 200 m to 1300 m. 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 northwest/southeast alignment.

You will be able to start the tour at 6:00 am. At the entrance of Sinharaja Rain Forest, you will meet up with your naturalist guide, who will lead you into the dense undergrowth along secretive trails. Your naturalist will help you identify some of the 20 endemic rainforest birds through his extensive birding knowledge, along with showing you the other wildlife, butterflies, and rare herbs and plants in the forest. So make sure to have your binoculars and cameras at hand. You may even get to see one of the 15 or so leopards that roam within Sinharaja, as your naturalist is highly proficient at finding them and other extremely elusive wildlife.

You will be having lunch at Martin’s Lodge, in the rustic open dining room, looking over the beautiful jungle. The food will be delicious traditional Sri Lankan fare cooked by the Martin family, who run the lodge. After lunch, you will be continuing your tour—with lots of birding included—until late afternoon.

Notes:

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 averages 41 individuals. As many as 59 species of birds have been recorded as participants in the waves.