Exploring Sri Lanka’s Rich Bird Life
Srilanka is a bird watcher’s paradise. From vibrant endemic species to majestic migratory visitors, the country offers a tapestry of winged wonders. If you are a birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, there will never be a dull moment for you. Come join us on an exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse avian treasures, where each fluttering wing paints a unique story of nature’s beauty in perfect harmony.
The island’s diverse habitats, including mountains, rainforests, dry zones,s and wetlands are home to a stunning array of birds. Here are some of the common birds you can find in Sri Lanka:
Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) – This majestic raptor can be spotted in the dry zone in Yala, Bundala, Udawalawa, Kaudulla and Wilpatthu National parks..
Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) – The Indian Pitta is a migratory bird. It is known for its vibrant plumage with a mix of blue, green, and orange hues. It visits Sri Lanka during the winter
months and it can be found in the dry and wet zones
Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) – The Malabar Pied Hornbill is found in the dry zone and lowland rainforests. They are common in Yala and Udawalawa areas.
Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) – The Painted Stork is a large wading bird. It consists of a beautiful pink and white plumage. It is commonly found in lagoons and wetlands, where
it uses its distinctive long bill to catch fish.[Yala, Udawalawa, Wilpatthu]
Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) – The Spot-billed Pelican is found in the wet and dry zones. This is a common bird that you even see in your car.
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata) – The Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is endemic to Sri Lanka. It’s a striking bird with a deep blue and white plumage. Its long tail and vibrant colors
make it a sought-after species for birdwatchers.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) – The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot is a charming small parrot. It’s known for its green plumage and red bill, and it’s frequently seen in the
canopies of rainforests and wooded areas.[Sinharaja rain forest]
Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) – The Sri Lanka Junglefowl is the national bird of Sri Lanka. It’s an iconic species native to Sri Lanka. The male boasts vibrant colors with a striking blue neck, while the female exhibits more subtle shades of brown. This bird is commonly found in forested regions across the island.
Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Myophonus blighi) – The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush is an elusive bird that is native to the mountains of Sri Lanka and is known for its hauntingly beautiful whistling calls. It prefers the mossy rocks and streams in the highlands.
White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)– A majestic seabird, the White-bellied Sea Eagle is known for its impressive wingspan and striking white underbelly. It can be spotted near coastal areas, soaring gracefully above the waters.
But wait! That’s not all! These are just a few examples of the diverse birdlife found in Sri Lanka. The key to witnessing the diverse range of birds lies in knowing where to go. So where can you go? Well, you must know by now that from rainforests and wetlands to coastal areas and mountains, the country’s varied landscapes provide a habitat for an impressive array of bird species. With destinations like Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, Bundala National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Kitulgala, Kumana National Park, Minneriya National Park, Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Yala National Park, you have an incredible range of options to explore. So, plan your next vacation to this beautiful island. We can guarantee that you will be rewarded with unforgettable bird-watching experiences that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
“Wings of freedom, soaring through the skies.”
Plan Your Dream Family Tour to Sri Lanka
Experience a wonderful family holiday in Sri Lanka that promises to create lifetime memories with your loved ones. Sri Lanka is a sanctuary filled with natural beauty and scenery that sets the stage for an amazing family tour. The country is surrounded by the Indian Ocean in which you can see amazing marine life such as sea turtles, mischievous dolphins,
and giant whales playing around through the rushing waves. You can explore the breathtaking waterfalls hidden in the majestic towering mountains and the lush green forests on our thrilling trekking adventures. The unique flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, spices up your whole family holiday to SriLanka
A hot spot of Srilanka is the friendliness and sincere hospitality of Sri Lankans, who will welcome your family with open arms and make sure that your stay is nothing short of heartwarming. In Sri Lanka, each day holds the promise of new experiences making priceless family memories under some of the most stunning natural beauty on earth.
You have the chance to walk through this beautiful paradise with your family, if you book the unique travel Family tour which is great value for money. You could also tailor make your own personal family holiday as you wish with Unique travels,as we understand family holidays very well as this is our specialality.
Whether you want to explore Sri Lanka’s fascinating history by visiting amazing historical sites or doing thrilling activities like biking or white-water rafting, go on wildlife adventures, find out about hidden and mysterious locations, trek through lush rainforests, or simply unwind on a peaceful beach, we make your dream family tour into a reality. Hence, do not think twice to book your family tour to Sri Lanka with us.
It’s Your Holiday, Plan It As You Wish With Unique Travels!
Preserving Sri Lanka’s Threatened Wildlife
Sri Lanka, is home for a lot of mammals, Birds, reptiles and amphibians. The bio- diversity of this little Island is amazing and is truly a paradise for wild life lovers.
The elephant gatherings at Minneriya National park where hundreds of Elephants are seen is a truly unique experience. The Yala National park has the highest
concentration of Leopards in the World. The Wilpatthu National park is known for its high concentration of Sloth bear. The Gal oya National park is the only park in the World to see swimming Asian Elephants. There is guarantee of seeing crocodiles, Wild boa, Deer, different types of monkeys and a variety of birds.
However, wild life is been threatened by various factors some within control and some being natural causes. Some elephants go the bordering villages and destroy the farmer’s crops and homes. They get to the villages through the sugar cane, pineapple and banana plantations. The Leopards too get to the villages to catch animals in farms. This animal human conflict sometimes results in the death of Animals.
The wildlife conservation department is making an attempt to stop the animals from coming in to villages by building electric fences and
digging holes to obstruct the animal corridors. The farmers have been educated not to grow crops that are edible to Elephants and build steel pens for their Animals.
Though the numbers of the Elephants and the Leopards are stable, It is been recognized as a top priority to manage the conflicts. The Red Slender Loris is a rare and endangered animal found in Sri Lanka. Deforestation and habitat destruction have posed significant threats to these small, wide-eyed mammals. Sri Lanka has taken measures to preserve the native habitats of these rare species and raise awareness about the importance of conservation. The Toque Macaque, also known as “Rilawa” is one of the fascinating animals in Sri Lanka that you can frequently spot in the country’s lush forests. These monkeys
live in troops and they are called temple monkeys as they commonly live in the surroundings of temples and other cultural sites in addition to the forests. These
monkeys are in danger due to habitat loss and human activity. Sri Lanka is actively working on conservation initiatives to safeguard these monkeys as they are endemic to Sri Lanka.
The Black-Necked Stork is a beautiful bird in Sri Lanka that is struggling with endangerment. The loss of wetland habitat and other human activities has put these magnificent stork in danger. The country has established, protected and preserved wetland areas in order to safeguard these large bird.
Visit Sri Lanka to see these lovely specimens and have a memorable holiday while helping to preserve nature’s wonders!
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Sri Lanka known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean and the Wonder of Asia has so much to offer for tourists.
The golden sandy beaches are good for Water sports, the hill country with amazing scenery, The National parks with unique wildlife, The ancient cities and cultural sites, and fun activities such as white water rafting, Zip-lining make Srilanka a very special holiday destination that offers something for everyone. The friendly, gentle, helpful ever smiling locals are a huge asset to the tourism industry. Srilankans are very resilient people. After having been through a series of unfortunate events, they have come back strongly with that familiar smile on their faces.
Kandy
Kandy is the most popular city among travelers. This was the last indigenous Capital of the Country tucked in the hills of Central Srilanka. The Lake in the heart of the city is a highlight with so much happening around it. The most sacred temple of the Buddhists called the Temple of the Tooth is located in Kandy and houses a tooth of Buddha. This is the most visited temple in the country and the locals make an effort to visit the temple at least once a year. The best time to visit the temple is during the ceremony which is held every day.
The Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy is the best in Srilanka. This is in an area of over 63 hectares and you can easily spend a day here if you are keen on trees and flowers.
The vibrant town, the colorful fruit and vegetable market, the spice market, and the little restaurants and bars should not be missed in this wonderful city.
The Butterfly Mountain – Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak, often referred to as “Sri Pada,” is the most climbed Mountain in Sri Lanka. The Buddhists believe that Buddha has planted his footprint on the top of the Mountain and the pilgrims climb the mountain to get to the footprint of Buddha. As far as the tourists are concerned, the highlight here is watching the Sunrise. Going up the lit-up Mountain with the locals through the night is a unique experience. The pilgrim season starts on the full moon day of December and finishes on the full moon day of May.
The mountain standing at 2,243 meters is by far the most popular Mountain in the Country.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has mixed reviews and people have different views about the place. The elephants here have lost their herds and have become orphans in the Wild. They were then rescued from being lonely by the Wildlife conservation department and brought to Pinnawala orphanage. If they were not rescued they would have died as they are sociable animals and cannot live on their own. All the elephants you see at the orphanage would have been dead if the Pinnawala orphanage did not exist.
There are nearly a hundred Elephants here and feeding them is no easy task. Hence, The Pinnawala orphanage has no choice, but to expose the elephants to tourists to make some money to feed the Elephants.
If you can see both sides of the story, then The Pinnacle Orphanage is a good place to visit.
Nature’s Playground – Kitulgala
Kitulgala is the one and only base for white water rafting in Sri Lanka. The Keleni River which flows through the little village, and starts up in Adam`s peak. You have the opportunity to do grade three or grade one rafting. You get to see the location of the film “Bridge over the River Kwai` from your raft. The wet evergreen vegetation gives you the feeling of an isolated rainforest. Abseiling, cannoning, and kayaking too can be done at Kithulgala.
Kithulgala is home to a lot of rear birds making it a paradise for bird watchers. There are a lot of walks and treks that go through the little villages where you get to experience the real local walk of life
The Mountains in Isolation – Knuckles Range
If you like peace and quiet, The Knuckles range is the best. Known as the mountains in the mist, these isolated Mountain range has so much bio-diversity and different climatic zones. The climb to the Manigala Rock is an amazing experience through the rice paddy and the authentic vegetation native to the Knuckles range. The breathtaking views and the sound of the jungle in the middle of nowhere make this trek mystical and magical.
Bridge in the Sky – Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine arch bridge was built by the British, connecting two mountains in 1921. This bridge is seen as a railway wander as the firm nine arches are still standing tall in the wilderness. The bridge is between the famous Ella and Demodara train stations and you can easily walk to the bridge from Ella along the train track. The best time to visit the bridge is to see the train going over it around 3.30 pm. If you are in the train from Ella to Demodara, the best view of the bridge is on the left.
The Sacred City of Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was the first ancient Capital of Sri Lanka from the 1 century BC till the 10th century AD. This is claimed to be the longest-lived capital in the World which was 1500 years. The City that was flourishing at that time showcases the glory of the Srilankan civilization. Abayagiriya the tallest relic temple, Srimahabodhiya the oldest tree with recorded history, Ruwanweli Saya the temple with Jewells and the twin ponds with detailed stone sculptures are living proofs of that advanced and innovative civilization.
Sri Lanka is a wonderful destination for travelers looking for adventure, culture, and relaxation. A journey to this lovely country can be both memorable and unforgettable.
We can help you to create beautiful memories in Sri Lanka with careful planning.
Best Eco-Friendly Resorts in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is very much focused on Eco- friendly Tourism. 25% of the country’s land is protected forest and there are strict laws to ensure that it remains as it is. There are some hotels and resorts that are very keen to preserve the environment and run the hotels with a minimum negative impact. As a responsible and sustainable travel company, we take the initiative to promote these hotels. There are a lot of Eco-friendly hotels, but we cannot list all of them for obvious reasons. We have listed some of the best Eco- friendly resorts below. We work with these hotels closely and know that they truly are trying to make a difference.
Polwattha Eco- Lodges- Digana- Kandy
Polwaththa Eco Lodges consists of 15 lodges spread out in a pristine environment, giving you a ‘Living-in-the-Jungle’ experience. Situated 19km east of Kandy each lodge offers basic comfort with great views and privacy. Activities include Yoga, local cooking lessons, a wide choice of treks through nature, quaint villages, rice fields, tea plantations, waterfalls, rivers, and the famous Knuckles Mountains. The community interactions and school projects provide a rewarding experience to the visitors. The environment and the local community are at the heart of our operations. The Hotel practices the 3Rs. They make all our purchases from within 5km. They operate a very successful re-forestation project where you can plant a tree. On a larger scale, they purchase land for reforestation. Polwaththa offers a pristine environment with average day temperatures of 26C and night temperatures of 22C with hardly any mosquitoes. We are pet friendly with 7 dogs and 5 cats, living in harmony with wild boar, deer, porcupines, giant squirrels, monkeys, butterflies, bats, fireflies, and insects. Over 60 species of birds including 15 endemic species can be seen within the hotel premises. Authentic Sri Lankan meals are cooked in clay pots using firewood to give you a taste of real Sri Lankan village culture.
Camping with Mahoora- Yala, Udawalawa, Wilpatthu
Mahoora is a provider of authentic, mobile-luxury adventure in the Sri Lankan wilderness. All Mahoora Elite & Premium Campsites border Sri Lanka’s most famous National Parks, such as Udawalawe, Yala (in the wetlands of southern Sri Lanka), and Wilpattu (the lowland dry zone of the northwest coast). All three locations provide premium safari experiences where you can see elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. We recommend the top-of-the-line, all-inclusive Mahoora Elite. It is a carbon-neutral safari experience covering game drives in the national parks, traveling in an exclusive jeep, and being guided by an experienced naturalist. You will stay in a spacious tented (32’x10.8’) accommodation with a bedroom, a living area, an ensuite bathroom, and a veranda. Meals are freshly prepared Sri Lankan food that you can wash down with arrack, the local liquor.
Gal Oya Lodge in Ampara
This lodge is the perfect hideout if you’re looking to seek adventures in Sri Lanka. You will have the opportunity of visiting the minority indigenous group of people living in central Sri Lanka – the Veddas. Gal Oya Lodge offers a walking tour that’s accompanied by the village head, who will pass on his knowledge of how his ancestors worked in the land. The hotel is very carefully designed to blend in with nature with a minimum impact on the Environment. The boat safari to the Gal Oya National Park is the most popular excursion where you get to see Elephants swimming between Islands. Gal Oya Lodge is a paradise for Bird watchers and the many footpaths leading from the hotel give you easy access to explore the wildlife.
TRI- Ahangama
Situated on the bank of the eco-diverse Koggala Lagoon, Tri is a hideout that offers sustainable luxury. A hotel built with local materials and guided by its surroundings, Tri has green roofs, solar arrays, and edible gardens. We love the compact and comfy Water Tower Room on the cinnamon-wood-covered hilltop. It has a king-size bed, and the ensuite bathroom has slate floors, hand-cut terrazzo walls, and a rainfall shower. One of the best things about Tri is its locale. You can get on a bike to experience the countryside or take a tour of the lagoon to visit Cinnamon Island—the source of some of the best cinnamon in the world. For some city life, ride a tuk-tuk to the colonial town of Galle for some gelato. After a day of exploring, you can unwind at Tri with a massage or a quantum yoga class.
Forest Rock Garden Hotel- Anuradhapura
Forest Rock Garden is one of, if not the most beautiful settings on the soil of Sri Lanka that gives you an extraordinary experience over and beyond your expectations. Forest Rock Garden Hotel is a living masterpiece that gives its guests the once-in-a-lifetime experience to go back into the golden days of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which was flourishing 2000 years ago, with utmost luxury and a great sense of royalty, serenity, and peace. The Hotel is in an area of 50 acres. The efforts they have made to preserve nature are very noticeable and the passion for Responsible Tourism is evident at Forest Rock Garden. Anuradhapura which carries the torch of being the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka offers a number of historical places to explore. The sacred city of Anuradhapura is home to a number of religiously significant sites which include the Ruwanwelisaya, The Sri maha bodhi tree, The Abayagiri Monastery, The Twins Pond, The Samadhi Buddha Statue, Mirisawetiya, Isurumuniya & Thuparama dagoba. The Wilpatthu National Park can be visited from the Forest Rock Garden, which is the largest National park in Sri Lanka.
