Sri Lanka · 15 DAY PROGRAMME · 2027
Sri Lanka Wildlife Explorer: Forests, Highlands & Whales
THE JOURNEY
A closer look.
Follow a 15-day journey through Sri Lanka’s contrasting wildlife habitats, from Wilpattu’s forest and lakes to the highlands, lowland rainforests and the southern coast. This varied programme combines birding, mammal watching and opportunities to photograph the island’s natural life.
Spend time around Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Kitulgala and Sinharaja before continuing to Mirissa for marine wildlife excursions, subject to sea conditions. Guided evening outings add a chance to look for nocturnal mammals in permitted areas.
Journey highlights
- Safari time in Wilpattu National Park
- Birding and nocturnal mammal watching around Sigiriya
- Horton Plains and the Nuwara Eliya highlands
- Extended rainforest exploration at Kitulgala and Sinharaja
- Two planned marine wildlife outings from Mirissa, weather permitting
YOUR TIME IN THE FIELD
The itinerary.
Day 1Arrival and an introduction to Sri Lanka’s night life
Arrive around noon or in the afternoon and settle into accommodation near the airport. After an early dinner, take a short guided outing to a nearby forest area to look for nocturnal wildlife, subject to arrival time and access.
Wildlife you may encounter
Brown hawk Owl, Indian Scops Owl, Red backed Flameback, Sri Lanka Swallow, Lesser Hill Mayna.
Possible highlights of mammals: Brown Mongos, Golden Palm Civet E, Ruddy Mongos, Indian Flying Fox.
Day 2Travel to Wilpattu
After breakfast, travel to Wilpattu and take your first afternoon safari in the national park. Search the forest roads and lake margins for birds and mammals. An evening walk near the accommodation offers a further wildlife opportunity where permitted.
Wildlife you may encounter
Forest Eagle Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Nightjar, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Blue-faced Malkoha, Indian Pitta, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Ceylon Woodshrike, White-browed Bulbul, Indian Blue Robin, Orange-headed Thrush, White-rumped Shama, Jungle Prinia, Green Warbler, Large-billed Warbler, Brown-capped Babbler, Streaked Weaver.
Possible highlights of mammals: Leopard, Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (dry zone race), Tufted Grey Langur e, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (dry zone race), Grey Slender Loris e, White-striped Chevrotain E, Brown Palm Civet E, Rusty-Spotted Cat e, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat.
Possible species: Common Mormon, Blue Mormon, Common Jay, Plum-Judy, Psyche, Jezebel, Blue Tiger, Plain Tiger, Common Tiger, Leopard, Lemon Pansy, Chocolate Soldier, Peacock Pansy, Medus Bushbrown, Forget-me-not, Lesser Grass Blue, Banded Peacock, Lime Butterfly, Mime, Tailed Jay, Dark Wanderer, Great Eggfly, Danaid Eggfly, Tawny Rajah, Centaur Oakblue, Common Albatross, Lesser Albatross, White Orange Tip, Yellow Orange Tip, Great Orange Tip, Mottled Immigrant, Lemon Migrant, Small Salmon Arab, Large Salmon Arab, Crimson Tip, Plain Orange Tip, Little Orange Tip, Small Grass Yellow, Spotless Grass Yellow
Day 3A second safari in Wilpattu
Return to Wilpattu for a morning safari, using the time to explore further habitats and search for species missed on the first visit. After dinner, a guided walk near the camp may reveal nocturnal mammals where conditions allow.
Wildlife you may encounter
Leopard, Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (dry zone race), Tufted Grey Langur e, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (dry zone race), Grey Slender Loris e, White-striped Chevrotain E, Brown Palm Civet E, Rusty-Spotted Cat e, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat.
Possible species: Common Mormon, Blue Mormon, Common Jay, Plum-Judy, Psyche, Jezebel, Blue Tiger, Plain Tiger, Common Tiger, Leopard, Lemon Pansy, Chocolate Soldier, Peacock Pansy, Medus Bushbrown, Forget-me-not, Lesser Grass Blue, Banded Peacock, Lime Butterfly, Mime, Tailed Jay, Dark Wanderer, Great Eggfly, Danaid Eggfly, Tawny Rajah, Centaur Oakblue, Common Albatross, Lesser Albatross, White Orange Tip, Yellow Orange Tip, Great Orange Tip, Mottled Immigrant, Lemon Migrant, Small Salmon Arab, Large Salmon Arab, Crimson Tip, Plain Orange Tip, Little Orange Tip, Small Grass Yellow, Spotless Grass Yellow.
Day 4Sigiriya’s dry-zone wildlife
Travel to Sigiriya and explore the hotel grounds and nearby forest. Look for birds, primates, squirrels and other dry-zone wildlife. After dinner, take a guided drive in permitted areas to search for nocturnal mammals.
Wildlife you may encounter
Forest Eagle Owl, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Nightjar, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Blue-faced Malkoha, Indian Pitta, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Ceylon Woodshrike, White-browed Bulbul, Indian Blue Robin, Orange-headed Thrush, White-rumped Shama, Jungle Prinia, Green Warbler, Large-billed Warbler, Brown-capped Babbler, Streaked Weaver.
Possible highlights of mammals: Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (dry zone race), Tufted Grey Langur e, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (dry zone race), Grey Slender Loris e, White-striped Chevrotain E, Indian Pangolin, Brown Palm Civet E, Rusty-Spotted Cat e, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat.
Possible species: Common Mormon, Blue Mormon, Common Jay, Plum-Judy, Psyche, Jezebel, Blue Tiger, Plain Tiger, Common Tiger, Leopard, Lemon Pansy, Chocolate Soldier, Peacock Pansy, Medus Bushbrown, Forget-me-not, Lesser Grass Blue, Banded Peacock, Lime Butterfly, Mime, Tailed Jay, Dark Wanderer, Great Eggfly, Danaid Eggfly, Tawny Rajah, Centaur Oakblue, Common Albatross, Lesser Albatross, White Orange Tip, Yellow Orange Tip, Great Orange Tip, Mottled Immigrant, Lemon Migrant, Small Salmon Arab, Large Salmon Arab, Crimson Tip, Plain Orange Tip, Little Orange Tip, Small Grass Yellow, Spotless Grass Yellow.
Day 5A full day around Sigiriya
Spend a further day exploring Sigiriya’s forest and surrounding habitats. Revisit productive locations for birds and mammals, with an evening drive planned where permitted. Overnight in Sigiriya.
Wildlife you may encounter
Forest Eagle Owl, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish Owl, Indian Nightjar, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Blue-faced Malkoha, Indian Pitta, Jerdon’s Bushlark, Ceylon Woodshrike, White-browed Bulbul, Indian Blue Robin, Orange-headed Thrush, White-rumped Shama, Jungle Prinia, Green Warbler, Large-billed Warbler, Brown-capped Babbler, Streaked Weaver.
Possible highlights of mammals: Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (dry zone race), Tufted Grey Langur e, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (dry zone race), Grey Slender Loris e, White-striped Chevrotain E, Indian Pangolin, Brown Palm Civet E, Rusty-Spotted Cat e, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat.
Possible species: Common Mormon, Blue Mormon, Common Jay, Plum-Judy, Psyche, Jezebel, Blue Tiger, Plain Tiger, Common Tiger, Leopard, Lemon Pansy, Chocolate Soldier, Peacock Pansy, Medus Bushbrown, Forget-me-not, Lesser Grass Blue, Banded Peacock, Lime Butterfly, Mime, Tailed Jay, Dark Wanderer, Great Eggfly, Danaid Eggfly, Tawny Rajah, Centaur Oakblue, Common Albatross, Lesser Albatross, White Orange Tip, Yellow Orange Tip, Great Orange Tip, Mottled Immigrant, Lemon Migrant, Small Salmon Arab, Large Salmon Arab, Crimson Tip, Plain Orange Tip, Little Orange Tip, Small Grass Yellow, Spotless Grass Yellow.
Day 6Kandy and garden birding
Travel to Kandy and settle into the hotel by lunchtime. Spend the afternoon birding in the gardens and surrounding habitat. A short walk before dinner provides an opportunity to look for nocturnal wildlife where permitted.
Wildlife you may encounter
Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Hanging- parrot, Ceylon Junglefowl, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-backed Flameback, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Rufous (Orange-billed) Babbler, Lesser Hill Myna
Possible highlights of mammals: Toque Macaque E (wet zone race), Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (wet zone race), Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, White-striped Chevrotain E, Brown Palm Civet E.
Day 7Nuwara Eliya and Victoria Park
Journey into the highlands and settle into Nuwara Eliya. Visit Victoria Park and nearby forest in the evening, searching for highland birds and seasonal visitors.
Wildlife you may encounter
Yellow-eared Bulbul, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Dusky (Dull) Blue Flycatcher, Kashmir Flycatcher, Indian Blackbird (endemic race kinnissi a possible future split from the Indian Blackbird), Ceylon Hill white-eye, Ceylon Bush Warbler, Black-throated Munia (endemic nominate race, the Ceylon Hill Munia, a possible future split from the Indian races), Himalayan Buzzard, Pied Bush Chat.
Possible highlights of mammals: Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (highland race), Sambar, Toque Macaque E (highland race), Dusky-striped Jungle Squirrel E, Striped-necked Mongoose e, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (highland race), Golden Palm Civet E.
Day 8Horton Plains and Kitulgala
Leave early for Horton Plains to explore grassland and cloud forest. Search for highland birds and mammals before returning for lunch and continuing to Kitulgala. A guided evening forest walk is planned where permitted.
Wildlife you may encounter
Yellow-eared Bulbul, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Dusky (Dull) Blue Flycatcher, Kashmir Flycatcher, Indian Blackbird (endemic race kinnissi a possible future split from the Indian Blackbird), Ceylon Hill white-eye, Ceylon Bush Warbler, Black-throated Munia (endemic nominate race, the Ceylon Hill Munia, a possible future split from the Indian races), Himalayan Buzzard, Pied Bush Chat.
Possible highlights of mammals: Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (highland race), Sambar, Toque Macaque E (highland race), Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (highland race), Dusky-striped Jungle Squirrel E, Striped-necked Mongoose e.
Possible species in Horton Plains: Indian Awl King, Ceylon Awl, Green’s Silverline, Ceylon Silverline, Brown King Crow, Ceylon Tiger, Cruiser, Blue Oakleaf, Indian Red Admiral, Ceylon Treebrown, Common Albatross, Lesser Gull,
At Kitulgala,
Possible highlights of birds: Ceylon Spurfowl, Serendib Scops Owl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Frogmouth, Layard’s Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Hanging- parrot, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-backed Flameback, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Rufous (Orange-billed) Babbler, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Hill Myna, Ceylon Blue Magpie
Possible highlights of mammals: Toque Macaque E (wet zone race), Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Red Slender Loris E, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Flameback squirrel E, Dusky-striped Jungle Squirrel E, Sri Lanka Yellow Spotted Chevrotain E, Sambar, Woolly Horseshoe Bat, False Vampire Bat, Rainbow Bat.
Day 9Kitulgala rainforest
Devote the day to Kitulgala’s forest habitats, with patient birding and time to look for mammals and other wildlife. Continue the search after dinner with a guided walk where permitted.
Wildlife you may encounter
Ceylon Spurfowl, Serendib Scops Owl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Frogmouth, Layard’s Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Hanging- parrot, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-backed Flameback, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Rufous (Orange-billed) Babbler, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Hill Myna, Ceylon Blue Magpie
Possible highlights of mammals: Toque Macaque E (wet zone race), Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Red Slender Loris E, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Flameback squirrel E, Dusky-striped Jungle Squirrel E, Sri Lanka Yellow Spotted Chevrotain E, Sambar, Woolly Horseshoe Bat, False Vampire Bat, Rainbow Bat.
Day 10A second full day in Kitulgala
Spend another day exploring Kitulgala, giving you time to revisit target species and work on photographs. An evening wildlife walk is planned, subject to conditions and access.
Wildlife you may encounter
Ceylon Spurfowl, Serendib Scops Owl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Frogmouth, Layard’s Parakeet, Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Hanging- parrot, Malabar Trogon, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-backed Flameback, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Rufous (Orange-billed) Babbler, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Hill Myna, Ceylon Blue Magpie
Possible highlights of mammals: Toque Macaque E (wet zone race), Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Red Slender Loris E, Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Flameback squirrel E, Dusky-striped Jungle Squirrel E, Sri Lanka Yellow Spotted Chevrotain E, Sambar, Woolly Horseshoe Bat, False Vampire Bat, Rainbow Ba
Day 11Into Sinharaja’s rainforest
Travel to Sinharaja and settle into accommodation near the forest. Explore the rainforest in the afternoon, looking for endemic birds, forest mammals, butterflies and other wildlife.
Wildlife you may encounter
Ceylon Spurfowl, Serendib Scops Owl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Frogmouth, Green-billed Coucal, Red-faced Malkoha, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Hanging- parrot, Malabar Trogon, Crimson-backed Flameback, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Ceylon Scaly Thrush, Rufous (Orange-billed) Babbler, Ashy-headed Laughing-thrush, Legge’s Flowerpecker, White-faced Starling, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Hill Myna, Ceylon Blue Magpie
Possible highlights of mammals: Toque Macaque E (wet zone race), Purple-faced Leaf Monkey E (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel e (wet zone race), Sri Lanka Red Slender Loris E, Sri Lanka Flameback squirrel E, Dusky-striped Jungle Squirrel E, Sri Lanka Yellow Spotted Chevrotain E, Sambar, Woolly Horseshoe Bat, False Vampire Bat, Rainbow Bat.
Possible species: Sri Lanka Birdwing, Blue Mormon, Bluebottle, Lemon Emigrant, Sri Lanka Tree Nymph, Blue Glassy Tiger, Leopard, Common Sailor, Chestnut-streaked Sailor,Commander, Gladeye Bushbrown, Common Lineblue, Angled Pierrot, Indian Cupid, Tropic Dart, Common Imperial, Red Helen, Aberrant Bush Blue. Common Evening Brown.
Day 12Travel to Mirissa
After breakfast, travel to Mirissa on the southern coast. Settle into your seaside accommodation and enjoy an evening at leisure before the planned marine wildlife excursions.
Day 13Marine wildlife off Mirissa
Head to sea with the aim of observing whales and dolphins, subject to weather, sea conditions and local operating arrangements. Return for a relaxed afternoon by the beach. Wildlife movements vary and sightings are not guaranteed.
Wildlife you may encounter
Bryde’s Whale (Balanoptera edeni), Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and Long-snouted Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris).
Occasionally observed species: Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Killer Whale (Orcinus orca), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens), Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), and Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).
Day 14A second marine excursion and airport-area hotel
A second outing provides another opportunity to observe whales and dolphins if conditions permit. After lunch, travel to accommodation near the airport for your final night.
Wildlife you may encounter
Bryde’s Whale (Balanoptera edeni), Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus), Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), and Long-snouted Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris).
Occasionally observed species: Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), Killer Whale (Orcinus orca), False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens), Risso’s Dolphin (Grampus griseus), Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (Stenella attenuata), and Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba).
Day 15Departure
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight at the time agreed with the team.
FROM OUR PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
A glimpse of the wild.
Practical details.
Your written 2027 proposal will confirm the final inclusions and arrangements.
Programme inclusions
Arrival and departure transfers, and the whole tour in a comfortable A/C vehicle.
Accommodation in A/C double occupancy hotel rooms, except non A/C rooms at accommodations in Hotel in Nuwara Eliya (in cool climate in higher hills) and Sinharaja.
Meal plan is on Full Board basis as per set menu or buffet provided by hotel for the day.
All entrance fees including government taxes according to number of fixed visits to the sites as given in the itinerary.
Jeep services, where necessary.
Service of an Expert mammal & wildlife Tour Leader.
* 3 bottles of mineral water will be provided free, per person per day.
Programme exclusions
Airfares.
As per the itinerary if you stay on 24th December or 31st December at any hotel, there will be compulsory charge of US$ 50 net per person. for X, Mas Eve Gala Dinner (December 24th night) and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner (December 31st night
Extra meals, soft drinks not in meal time, alcoholic beverages (hard liquor), telephone call / fax / email and laundry charges. 4. Video and still camera permit charges if and where necessary. 5. Visits to cultural or any other sites that are not included/indicated in the itinerary.
Personal tipping to porters, restaurant people, park guides, jeep drivers, tour vehicle driver and local tour leader.
Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather and animal movements. The final route, accommodation, inclusions and 2027 price will be confirmed in your written proposal.