WETLANDS & WILDERNESS
Embark on Sri Lanka’s premier eco-expedition through RAMSAR wetlands, UNESCO rainforests, white-water rapids, and sanctuary birding havens in 11 unforgettable days
Offbeat Eco-Expeditions & Birding Havens
Discover Sri Lanka's Sanctuary Ecosystems
Built specifically for birders, nature specialists, and adventure enthusiasts, this standout offbeat itinerary takes you far beyond the standard safari crowd. Journey through coastal lagoons, RAMSAR-listed wetland sanctuaries, central highland rainforests, and southern migratory bird reserves. Experience guided canopy treks, river rafting, and boat safaris accompanied by specialized naturalists, private air-conditioned transport, and 24/7 concierge support.
Route Summary: Muthurajawela – Anawilundawa – Sigiriya – Kandy – Kitulgala – Sinharaja – Bundala
14 Nights / 15 Days
Day 1 : Arrival & Muthurajawela Wetland Boat Safari
- Morning / Afternoon: Touch down at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) where your private driver guide welcomes you
- Afternoon Excursion: Board a quiet boat safari through the Muthurajawela Marshland wetlands, spotting water monitor lizards, kingfishers, and estuarine birdlife
- Overnight Stay: Near Negombo
Day 2 : Anawilundawa RAMSAR Sanctuary Guided Exploration
- Morning: Transfer to the world-renowned Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, a RAMSAR-listed wetland complex
- Afternoon: Embark on a guided nature and birdwatching walk along ancient irrigation tanks and mangroves
- Overnight Stay: Chilaw Area
Day 3 : Journey to Sigiriya Cultural Triangle
- Morning: Scenic transfer heading inland towards the Sigiriya plains
- Afternoon: Check in to your eco-resort and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or take an optional sunset trek up Pidurangala Rock
- Overnight Stay: Sigiriya
Day 4 : Sigiriya Citadel Climb & Transfer to Kandy
- Morning: Early morning climb of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Afternoon: Scenic transfer drive down to the hill capital of Kandy, checking into your hotel upon arrival
- Overnight Stay: Kandy
Day 5 : Kandy to Kitulgala Rainforest Border
- Morning: Enjoy a free morning in Kandy (optional visit to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic)
- Afternoon: Transfer into the lush Kelani River valley region of Kitulgala
- Overnight Stay: Kitulgala
Day 6 : Kitulgala White-Water Rafting & Jungle Trekking
- Morning: Experience an adrenaline-filled white-water rafting adventure on the Kelani River rapids
- Afternoon: Take a guided jungle walk through the rainforest trails to spot endemic birds and flora
- Overnight Stay: Kitulgala
Day 7 : Kitulgala to Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve
- Morning / Afternoon: Scenic overland transfer towards the boundary of the Sinharaja UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere
- Evening: Check in to your rainforest lodge and spend a peaceful evening immersed in nature
- Overnight Stay: Sinharaja
Day 8 : Full-Day Sinharaja Rainforest Guided Nature Trek
- Full Day: Immerse yourself in a full-day guided rainforest trek led by an expert naturalist, searching for mixed-species bird feeding flocks, purple-faced langurs, and endemic reptiles
- Optional Activity: Optional evening nocturnal night walk to observe rainforest amphibians and insects
- Overnight Stay: Sinharaja
Day 9 : Sinharaja to Bundala Southern Sanctuaries
- Morning: Depart the rainforest terrain and drive into the southern dry zone wetlands near Tissamaharama
- Afternoon: Check in to your hotel and prepare for your morning wetland safari
- Overnight Stay: Tissa / Bundala Area
Day 10 : Bundala RAMSAR Safari Expedition & Colombo Transfer
- Morning: Early morning safari drive in Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for migratory flamingos, crocodiles, and wader birds
- Afternoon: Transfer along the southern highway up to Colombo for check-in
- Overnight Stay: Colombo
Day 11 : Colombo to Airport & Departure
- Morning / Afternoon: Private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, timed to your flight schedule
What to Expect
Highlights of the Journey
- Wetland Boat Safaris: Cruise through the mangroves of Muthurajawela Marsh and the lagoon habitats of Bundala
- RAMSAR Bird Sanctuaries: Discover world-famous birding reserves at Anawilundawa and Bundala National Park
- Rainforest Canopy Treks: Experience a full-day naturalist-guided expedition deep inside the Sinharaja UNESCO Biosphere
- River Adventures & Citadel Climbs: Enjoy white-water rafting in Kitulgala and climb the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress