Lens & Wings Safari

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival – Wetland Wonders in Negombo

  • Meet and greet at Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Transfer to Negombo, a coastal haven known for its rich wetlands and mangrove habitats
  • Evening birding at Muthurajawela Marshland—spot purple herons, jacanas, brahminy kites, and vibrant kingfishers
  • Capture a stunning sunset over Negombo Lagoon
  • Overnight in Negombo

• Day 2: Journey to Kitulgala – Forest Canopies & River Life

  • Drive to Kitulgala, a lush lowland rainforest ideal for endemic bird species
  • Photography stops en route: local village life, vibrant markets, and emerald paddy fields
  • Afternoon birding in Kitulgala Forest—keep an eye out for the Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, and Malabar Trogon
  • Overnight in Kitulgala

• Day 3: Trails of Kitulgala – Rainforest Treasures

  • Early trek in Makandawa Rainforest Reserve for close encounters with the Green-billed Coucal, Black-capped Bulbul, and Hanging Parrots
  • Macro and avian photography along the Kelani River, featuring butterflies, amphibians, and forest reflections
  • Optional visit to the Belilena prehistoric cave
  • Overnight in Kitulgala

• Day 4: Into the Heart of Biodiversity – Kitulgala to Sinharaja

  • Depart for Sinharaja Rainforest, Sri Lanka’s UNESCO-listed biodiversity hotspot
  • Evening nature walk along the buffer zone—watch for dynamic bird waves and endemics like the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie and Red-faced Malkoha
  • Overnight near Sinharaja

• Day 5: Sinharaja – A Photographer’s Paradise

  • Full-day guided birding and macro photography session in Sinharaja’s dense rainforest
  • Track rare and endemic birds with a naturalist guide—perfect conditions for telephoto and macro work
  • Spot frogs, reptiles, butterflies, and insects among the undergrowth
  • Field lunch and immersive nature exploration
  • Overnight near Sinharaja

• Day 6: Wild Contrast – Sinharaja to Udawalawe

  • Travel to Udawalawe National Park, transitioning into dry-zone wilderness
  • Evening safari in the golden light—ideal for silhouettes of elephants, Bee-eaters, and raptors
  • Overnight in Udawalawe

• Day 7: Reservoir Birds & Highland Ascent – Udawalawe to Ella

  • Morning birding or photography session at the Udawalawe Reservoir
  • Scenic stops at Diyaluma Falls (landscape/long-exposure) and Ravana Falls en route to Ella
  • Overnight in Ella

• Day 8: Misty Mornings & Mountain Views – Exploring Ella

  • Sunrise hike to Little Adam’s Peak—breathtaking views and soft light for wide-angle photography
  • Photograph sunbirds, flowerpeckers, and tea pickers among rolling plantations
  • Optional visit to Nine Arch Bridge for architectural and action shots of the passing train
  • Overnight in Ella

• Day 9: Into the Clouds – Ella to Nuwara Eliya

  • Drive through highland terrain to Nuwara Eliya
  • Stop at Hakgala Botanical Garden to spot endemics like the Sri Lanka White-eye and Yellow-eared Bulbul
  • Evening lakeside photography at Gregory Lake
  • Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

• Day 10: Highland Rarities – Horton Plains National Park

  • Early departure for a full morning in Horton Plains—home to the elusive Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and Dull-blue Flycatcher
  • Capture dramatic landscapes at World’s End and serene scenes at Baker’s Falls
  • Optional afternoon walk through Nuwara Eliya’s colonial streets for culture and lifestyle shots
  • Overnight in Nuwara Eliya

• Day 11: Tea Valleys to Sacred Hills – Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

  • Travel to Kandy with photography stops at Ramboda Falls and a working tea factory
  • Birding session at Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens—look for Flycatchers, Parakeets, and Barbets
  • Sunset shoot at the tranquil Kandy Lake
  • Overnight in Kandy

• Day 12: Temples & Panoramas – Kandy to Sigiriya

  • Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (interior photography restricted)
  • Continue toward Sigiriya, stopping briefly at the mysterious Nalanda Gedige temple
  • Evening climb of Pidurangala Rock for sweeping sunset vistas over the plains
  • Overnight in Sigiriya

• Day 13: Ruins & Wildlife – Birding in Sigiriya Region

  • Sunrise exploration of Sigiriya Rock Fortress—ideal for panoramic and architectural photography
  • Late morning birding in Habarana Forest or wetlands around Minneriya
  • Optional elephant safari or village walk for lifestyle and environmental portraits
  • Celebratory farewell dinner with group photo sharing and reflections
  • Overnight in Sigiriya

• Day 14: Departure – Last Moments in the Wild

  • Depending on flight time, visit Negombo beach or a final wetland birding session
  • Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Depart with memory cards full and hearts full—farewell from Sri Lanka, the island of color and life