Birds, insects, spiders and other wildlife photography Odyssey
Explore Tours
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the diverse landscapes of Sri Lanka, capturing the breathtaking beauty of its avian, insect, and arachnid life.
This 11-day odyssey is meticulously designed for passionate photographers seeking to explore the island’s rich biodiversity. From the misty rainforests of Sinharaja to the arid plains of Tissamaharama and the enchanting highlands of Nuwara Eliya, you’ll encounter a kaleidoscope of life forms.
Uncover hidden treasures as you delve into the heart of Sri Lanka’s rainforests, home to an array of endemic bird species. Capture the elusive Sri Lanka Spurfowl as it tiptoes through the undergrowth, or immortalize the vibrant plumage of the Ceylon Hanging Parrot.
Immerse yourself in a world of macro photography as you encounter an astonishing variety of insects, spiders, and butterflies. Witness the intricate details of their world, from the delicate wings of a Morpho butterfly to the mesmerizing patterns of a spider’s web.
Experience the thrill of nocturnal photography as you embark on dedicated owl safaris. Encounter the enigmatic Brown Fish Owl and other elusive nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
Capture the essence of Sri Lanka’s diverse ecosystems, from the lush rainforests to the sprawling wetlands and the majestic highlands. Each location offers unique photographic opportunities, allowing you to create a stunning portfolio of your wildlife encounters.
Benefit from the expertise of experienced birding guides who will share their knowledge and help you capture the perfect shot. With a focus on photography, this tour provides ample opportunities to explore, experiment, and hone your skills.
Return home with a treasure trove of images and unforgettable memories of your wildlife photography adventure in Sri Lanka.
Highlights:
- Explore diverse habitats: rainforests, wetlands, grasslands, and highlands
- Encounter a wide range of endemic bird species
- Capture stunning macro photography subjects
- Experience nocturnal wildlife safaris
- Benefit from expert guidance and photography tips
Note: This itinerary can be customized to suit your specific interests and photography goals.
Included/Exclude
- Your knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking private driver
- A comfortable air-conditioned car or minivan for your journey
- The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off
- All government taxes to make your trip hassle-free
- Entrance tickets to the sites you’ll visit
- Site guides, if you choose to have one
- Meals and beverages to savor at your leisure
- Private safari Jeep for additional excursions
- Hotel accommodations
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
ARRIVAL AND MEET UP
Your birding guide from Idyll odyssey holidays will meet you at the airport and depart to the most impressive Sinharaja rain forest.
Sinharaja World Heritage Rain Forest is the last remaining significant primary forest patch in the island. It is home to most endemic flora & fauna species. This is the single most important site in Sri Lanka in term of endemic birds and encounter spectacular mixed feeding flocks of birds. We check into our hotel for lunch. Afternoon we start our first birding session in Sinharaja forest or village area.
SINHARAJA RAIN FOREST
These three days are set aside for exploring Sinharaja rain forest site in the heart of the wet zone. The park’s extensive bird list includes most of the country’s endemics and we have a good chance of seeing the majority of them, although some are easier to find than others. The ground-dwelling Sri Lanka Spurfowl requires stealth and sharp eyes, whereas roving flocks of Ashy-headed Laughing Thrushes and Orange-billed Babblers are much more obliging. Ceylon Hill-Mynas call loudly and clearly from exposed positions while Ceylon Hanging-parrots shriek past.
This rainforest and village areas are good for photograph insects, spiders, butterflies and dragonflies. With luck - you may have a chance to photograph some serpents too.
Accommodation – 3* or 5* hotel
SINHARAJA TO TISSAMAHARAMA
After breakfast we will travel on to Tissamaharama. Afternoon walk to nearby wetland where Endemic Sri Lanka Woodshrike, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Yellow Bittern, Black Bittern, Malay Bittern, Watercock, Baya Weaver, Streaked Weaver, Black headed Munia, Brown Fish Owl and the scarce White-naped Woodpecker can be seen.
Especially we are targeting to show you some owl species such as Brown Fish Owl, Jungle Owlet, Indian Scopes Owl and with luck Forest Eagle Owl.
Note – This is dry evergreen forest habitat. Different kinds of birds, insects, spiders, butterflies and dragonflies.
Accommodation – 3* or 5* hotel
BIRD, INSECTS AND SPIDER PHOTGRAPING
In these two days we will go to some local forest areas, wetlands and village areas for photograph birds, insects and spiders.
There are 3 national parks located nearby. Yala park, Tissamaharama park, Bundala park.
If you like to do a jeep safari in any park we can organize for an extra cost.
Half day
Full day
Includes entry ticket, private jeep, water, guide service
Accommodation – 3* or 5* hotel
TISSAMAHARAMA TO NUWARA ELIYA (HIGHLAND)
Leaving Tissamaharama after breakfast and travel to Nuwara Eliya highland. In the middle of the way we will stop for a short birding excursion at Surrey estate where is a possible site for Brown Wood Owl.
We’ll aim to arrive at our hotel in Nuwara Eliya for lunch. After couple of hour rest, we will do a birding excursion in Victoria Park in the middle of town.
Accommodation – 3* or 5* hotel
Note – Mountain cloud forest habitat and different birds, insects, spiders, butterflies and dragonflies.
HILL COUNTRY AND HORTON PLAINS Â
Today an early start will be needed to drive up to the dramatic scenery of Horton Plains.
Horton Plains is a protected area and national park in central highland, set at an elevation of nearly 2300 meters. It covers by montane grassland and cloud forests. We will also encounter variety of highland wildlife, especially the highland form of Purple-faced Monkey, known as the ‘Bear Monkey’, Sambar Deer, Dusky Squirrel and Highland Giant Squirrel.
We come back to the hotel for lunch. After few hours rest, we will visit some local forest areas for photographing.
Accommodation – 3* or 5* hotel
KITULGALA
After breakfast we will depart to the forest areas of the Wet Zone in Kitulgala, famed as the spot where The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed (around 03-hour drive).
Our hotel grounds and nearby gardens and farms are home to a wealth of exciting birds.
Accommodation – 3 or 5 hotel
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHING IN KITULGALA FOREST AND VILLAGE
Morning before breakfast we will go for a short and leisure bird photographing walk around the hotel area.
After breakfast if river levels permit, we may be ferried across the river by dug-out canoe or walk through a hanging bridge to explore Kitulgala’s quiet forest trails, which are home to such exciting endemics as the tiny Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Orange-billed Babbler and Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill. As well as these unique Sri Lankan residents, the area is rich in other bird life with the shy (but noisy!) Black Bulbuls, Black rumped Falme back Woodpecker, Crested Goshawk and Crested Treeswifts to watch for as Indian Swiftlets swirl overhead.
We come back to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon we can go to nearby Kitulgala village for a birding walk. If we miss any specific bird in the area in the morning session, will try in this afternoon.
Accommodation – 3* or 5* hotel
KITULGALA TO THE AIRPORTÂ
Transfer to the airport for departure.
Note – Today program might be changed according to your flight time..
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