Sri Lanka 2026: Endemics and Wildlife II
December 1st – 11th, 2026
Tour Length: 11 days
Est. Spaces Left: Spaces available.
The island nation of Sri Lanka harbors verdant and diverse habitats in a relatively small area. Despite being close to the southeastern tip of India, Sri Lanka contains a large set of endemic species, with 34 endemic birds currently recognized and several endemic subspecies. This itinerary visits the main birding sites and all major habitats, including the Kithulgala Rainforest, the higher elevations of Horton Plains National Park, and the savanna of Yala National Park and wetlands in between, while finishing in the primary forest of the Sinharaja Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This comprehensive route covers all endemic bird species and a wide variety of near-endemics that are restricted to Sri Lanka and southern India. Some of the endemic highlights include the rare Serendib Scops-Owl, beautiful Sri Lanka Whistling-Thrush, canopy-dwelling White-faced Starling, Chestnut-backed Owlet, large Green-billed Coucal, shy Sri Lanka Spurfowl, and the cartoon-colored Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. Some near-endemics and speciality species that are possibilities include Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Lesser Adjutant, Legge’s Hawk-Eagle, Small Pratincole, Sri Lanka Bay Owl, and many more. This is also a fantastic tour for nocturnal bird species, with a possible 10 species of owls, two species of nightjars, and the near-endemic Sri Lanka Frogmouth. Sri Lanka is one of the top destinations in the world for general wildlife viewing, with good chances for Leopards in Yala National Park, plus Asian Elephant, Toque Macaque, Tufted Grey Langur, Purple-faced Langur, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Indian Brown Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Chital, and Sambar to name a few of the possibilities. Add to that the friendly demeanor of Sri Lankan culture, excellent food, and ancient history, making this a world destination for wildlife observation and travel.
Tour Leaders
Focus
Birds, Mammals, Photography
Price
Double Accommodation: $3,900
Single Supplement: $600
Deposit: $500
Max. Group Size
8
Pace
Moderate; walks will be on wide trails and moderate grades, with a few longer drives
birding from open jeeps in several national parks
hot and humid in Sinharaja with possible land leeches
Future Departures
Tour Descriptions
| Day | Itinerary | Night |
| 1 | Arrival in Colombo, transfer to Kithulgala | Kithulgala |
| 2 | Kithulgala Rainforest | Kithulgala |
| 3 | Kithulgala to Nuwara Eliya | Nuwara Eliya |
| 4 | Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains | Nuwara Eliya |
| 5 | Nuwara Eliya to Yala via Tissamaharama | Yala area |
| 6 | Yala National Park | Yala area |
| 7 | Yala to Embilipitiya and Uda Walawe NP via Bundala NP | Yala area |
| 8 | Embilipitiya to Sinharaja Rainforest | Sinharaja |
| 9 | Sinharaja Rainforest | Sinharaja |
| 10 | Sinharaja Rainforest | Sinharaja |
| 11 | Sinharaja to Colombo, final departure |
Locations
More Details
Trip Highlights
Top Birds
Sri Lanka Spurfowl; Sri Lanka Junglefowl; Sri Lanka Wood & Sri Lanka Green Pigeons; Green-billed Coucal; Red-faced, Blue-faced & Sirkeer Malkohas; Serendib Scops & Sri Lanka Bay Owls; Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl; Chestnut-backed Owlet; Sri Lanka Frogmouth; Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill; Yellow-fronted & Crimson-fronted Barbets; Red-backed & Crimson-backed Flamebacks; Layard’s Parakeet; Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot; Sri Lanka Woodshrike; Sri Lanka Drongo; Sri Lanka Blue Magpie; Black-capped, Yellow-eared, Yellow-browed, White-browed & Square-tailed Bulbuls; Sri Lanka & Hill Swallows; Sri Lanka Bush Warbler; Sri Lanka Scimitar, Brown-capped, Orange-billed, Dark-fronted, Tawny-bellied & Yellow-billed Babblers; Ashy-headed Laughingthrush; Sri Lanka White-eye; Sri Lanka & Southern Hill Mynas; White-faced Starling; Spot-winged, Sri Lanka Whistling, Sri Lanka & Pied Thrushes; Dull-blue & Kashmir Flycatchers; Indian Pitta; Black-headed Cuckooshrike; Marshall’s Iora; Jerdon’s & Indian Nightjars; Slaty-legged Crake; Barred Buttonquail; Small Pratincole; Black-necked Stork; Lesser Adjutant; Black, Cinnamon & Yellow Bitterns; Legge’s Hawk-Eagle; Grey-headed Fish Eagle; Malabar Trogon; Malabar Pied Hornbill; Orange Minivet; Loten’s Sunbird; Black-throated Munia.
Top Mammals
Leopard; Sloth Bear; Purple-faced Langur; Water Buffalo; Asian Elephant; Sambar; Stripe-necked Mongoose
Other Attractions
Pristine scenery, culture, photography
Planning for the Trip
Meeting Location
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo, Sri Lanka
Accommodations
Comfortable with en-suite bathrooms.
Included
10 nights accommodation and all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11. Transport to and from the airport. Transport to birding locations. Services of local and High Lonesome guide. All entrance fees, park excursions, water, and snacks.
Excluded
Does not include alcoholic drinks, laundry, or other items of a personal nature.
Habitats Covered
lowland rain forest, savanna, high elevation grasslands and montane forest, wetlands, coastline
Expected Climate
Temperatures in Sri Lanka range from 60 to 90 degrees F. Sunny with occasional rains. It can be cool at high elevations in the early morning at Horton Plains National Park and otherwise hot and humid in the lowlands.
Suggested Clothing and Gear
Valid, current passport (w/ 4 blank pages)
Visa (if required)
Credit cards/cash
Binoculars
Scope and tripod (optional)
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
Water bottle
Small umbrella
Small day pack/fanny pack
Small flashlight
Mosquito/insect repellant (DEET 25% or greater)
Itch relief cream
Lip screen/balm
Prescription drugs – carry in original packaging to avoid customs problems
OTC medicines (antibiotics, cold/sinus, cough drops, eye drops, analgesic (Motrin, aspirin), anti-diarrheal)
Toiletries
Small alarm clock
Cleaning fluids/cloths/drying cloths
Field guides
Hiking Boots/Shoes
Lightweight shoes/sneakers/sandals
Light-weight long pants
Light-weight long-sleeved shirts
Hat with brim/visor
Rain jacket/windbreaker
Warm layer for cool early morning