SRI LANKA
Extension to India tour
Feb. 23 - March 2, 2015
8 Days / 7 Nights
$2098* double occupancy $400 Single Supplement
*Surcharge will apply to groups smaller than 7.
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
With nearly 500 bird species comprised of 26 endemics, 219 residents and over 200 migrants, Sri Lanka is a fascinating birding destination for viewing a great variety of species within a relatively short period of time. From wet zone jungles to the dry zone wetlands, our birding tour provides an excellent chance of observing a wonderful diversity of Sri Lankan avian fauna with the guidance of expert local birders.
Sri Lanka is considered one of the most bio-diverse areas in South Asia.
On a global scale, Sri Lanka has been declared as one of the world’s 25 different hotspots in biodiversity. BirdLife International recognizes Sri Lanka as one of the world's Endemic Bird Areas.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1, Feb. 23: Arrive Colombo/Kitulgala from Bangkok, late evening. Transfer to hotel for overnight in Colombo.
O/N Hotel in Colombo TBA (no meals)
Day 2, Feb. 24: Early departure for transfer to Kithulgala. Birding at the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve. This is ideal for
lowland endemics such as Sri Lanka Myna, Green-billed Coucal, Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler and Red-faced Malkoha. Also look for Hill Mynah, Lesser Yellownape, Crested Drongo, Greater and Black-rumped Flamebacks, Black-capped Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and Black Eagle. As the dusk falls look for the sub continental endemic Sri Lanka Frogmouth. O/N Kitulgala Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala (B)
Day 3, Feb. 25: Drive from Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya (75 kms/approx. 1 ½ hrs). Here, local villagers will help us cross the Kelani River in dugout canoes to reach the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, which is a lowland tropical rain forest rich in endemic flora and fauna. This reserve is ideal for lowland endemics such as Sri Lanka Myna, Green-billed Coucal,
Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler and Red-faced Malkoha.
Continue to Nuwara Eliya where we will visit Victoria Gardens for Himalayan migrants such as Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush Indian Pitta and Indian Blue Robin. Other highlights include Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Hill White-eye and Dull Blue Flycatcher.
O/N St. Andrew's Hoteli, Nuwara Eliya (B)
Day 4, Feb. 26: Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Yala (170 kms / approx. 4 hours). After breakfast, leave for Yala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Afternoon, safari at Yala National Park. Research on Leopards in Yala Block 1 has
shown it has one of the highest densities of Leopards in the world. Yala is the best place in Asia to see Leopards. Other large animals you may see include Elephant, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Jackal, Grey Langur and Mongoose. In the water holes you may see Mugger Crocodile, Painted Stork, Lesser
Whistling Teal, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Great, Median & Little Egrets and the rare Black-necked Stork. Also drive up to the Buttuwa Tank to see the rare winter visitor, Bay-backed Shrike. The migrant bird species that you are likely to see include Indian Pitta, Brahminy Myna and large flocks of Rosy Starling flying for their nighttime roost. O/N Kiranda Beach Hotel, Yala (B)
Day 5, Feb. 27: After enjoying another morning safari at Yala National Park, we will leave for Singharaja (180 kms / approx. 4 hrs) . We will arrive late in the afternoon, and you will have the reminder of the day at leisure.
O/N Martin's Simple Lodge, Sinharaja (B)
Days 6-7, Feb. 28 - Mar. 1: Morning and afternoon birding at Sinharaja Rainforest (A UNESCO World Heritage) with the emphasis on endemic plants, reptiles and birds. Target endemics include the Ceylon Spurfowl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Ceylon Hanging Parrot, Layard's Parakeet, Redfaced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal,
Serendib Scops Owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Ceylon Small Barbet, Crimson-backed Flameback, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Ceylon Rufous and Brown-capped Babblers, Ashy-headed Laughing thrush, Ceylon Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling, Ceylon Hill- Myna, Ceylon Scaly Thrush, Ceylon Scimitar Babbler and Ceylon Crested Drongo. Indian sub-continental endemics include Malabar Trogon and Ceylon Frogmouth.
O/N Martin's Simple Lodge, Sinharaja (B)
Day 8, Mar. 2: Transfer to Colombo airport (200 kms/03 hrs) After breakfast, transfer to Colombo airport to board your flight for onward journey.
PRICE INCLUDES:
~ Lodging and meals as described in the itinerary (breakfast only, Days 2 - 8)
~ Expert local bilingual birding guide
~ Two Cheepers! Tour Leaders and all benefits offered as part of a Cheepers! tour, including customized checklist, post- trip electronic checklist and photo disk.
~ Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle, Jeep safari for sites mentioned in itinerary
~ Entrance fees for all parks on itinerary
~ Bottled water during the tour
~ Arrival and departure transfers
~ All applicable taxes
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
~ International airfare to Sri Lanka
~ Visa
~ Gratuities
~ Lunches and Dinners (Expect to spend approximately $15 - $20 per day for these meals)
~ Items of a personal nature such as extra drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
TERMS AND
CONDITIONS:
Deposit of $600 with registration (link for registration form is at the bottom of this page).
Balance is due on or before November 12, 2014.
Checks should be made payable to Cheepers! Birding on a Budget and mailed with the registration form to:
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget
Post Office Box 385
Spring Valley, OH 45370
Cancellation policy:
Cancellation must be made in writing (email or snail mail)
More than 6 months prior to departure – full refund of deposit
Between 4 and 6 months prior to departure – 50% refund of deposit
Less than 4 months prior to departure – No refund of deposit
If cancellation occurs after full payment is made, a refund will be given only if the vacant spot is filled.
Trip insurance is recommended!
You can compare prices and coverage offered by various trip insurance companies at this
website: http://www.quotewright.com/?sub_id=6056
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget LLC reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary if the need should arise due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, landslides, and other natural phenomena, as well as suggestions by local guides in order to take advantage of an unusual birding opportunity. Lodging is subject to change based on availability.
YOU MAY REGISTER FOR THIS TOUR BY DOWNLOADING THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW. WE CANNOT ACCEPT REGISTRATIONS FOR SRI LANKA AS A STAND-ALONE TOUR. IT IS AVAILABLE ONLY AS AN EXTENSION TO OUR INDIA TOUR. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR 2015 INDIA TOUR.
Day 1, Feb. 23: Arrive Colombo/Kitulgala from Bangkok, late evening. Transfer to hotel for overnight in Colombo.
O/N Hotel in Colombo TBA (no meals)
Day 2, Feb. 24: Early departure for transfer to Kithulgala. Birding at the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve. This is ideal for
lowland endemics such as Sri Lanka Myna, Green-billed Coucal, Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler and Red-faced Malkoha. Also look for Hill Mynah, Lesser Yellownape, Crested Drongo, Greater and Black-rumped Flamebacks, Black-capped Bulbul, Black Bulbul, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and Black Eagle. As the dusk falls look for the sub continental endemic Sri Lanka Frogmouth. O/N Kitulgala Plantation Hotel, Kitulgala (B)
Day 3, Feb. 25: Drive from Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya (75 kms/approx. 1 ½ hrs). Here, local villagers will help us cross the Kelani River in dugout canoes to reach the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, which is a lowland tropical rain forest rich in endemic flora and fauna. This reserve is ideal for lowland endemics such as Sri Lanka Myna, Green-billed Coucal,
Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler and Red-faced Malkoha.
Continue to Nuwara Eliya where we will visit Victoria Gardens for Himalayan migrants such as Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush Indian Pitta and Indian Blue Robin. Other highlights include Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Hill White-eye and Dull Blue Flycatcher.
O/N St. Andrew's Hoteli, Nuwara Eliya (B)
Day 4, Feb. 26: Transfer from Nuwara Eliya to Yala (170 kms / approx. 4 hours). After breakfast, leave for Yala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Afternoon, safari at Yala National Park. Research on Leopards in Yala Block 1 has
shown it has one of the highest densities of Leopards in the world. Yala is the best place in Asia to see Leopards. Other large animals you may see include Elephant, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, Jackal, Grey Langur and Mongoose. In the water holes you may see Mugger Crocodile, Painted Stork, Lesser
Whistling Teal, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Great, Median & Little Egrets and the rare Black-necked Stork. Also drive up to the Buttuwa Tank to see the rare winter visitor, Bay-backed Shrike. The migrant bird species that you are likely to see include Indian Pitta, Brahminy Myna and large flocks of Rosy Starling flying for their nighttime roost. O/N Kiranda Beach Hotel, Yala (B)
Day 5, Feb. 27: After enjoying another morning safari at Yala National Park, we will leave for Singharaja (180 kms / approx. 4 hrs) . We will arrive late in the afternoon, and you will have the reminder of the day at leisure.
O/N Martin's Simple Lodge, Sinharaja (B)
Days 6-7, Feb. 28 - Mar. 1: Morning and afternoon birding at Sinharaja Rainforest (A UNESCO World Heritage) with the emphasis on endemic plants, reptiles and birds. Target endemics include the Ceylon Spurfowl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Ceylon Hanging Parrot, Layard's Parakeet, Redfaced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal,
Serendib Scops Owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Ceylon Small Barbet, Crimson-backed Flameback, Black-capped Bulbul, Spot-winged Thrush, Ceylon Rufous and Brown-capped Babblers, Ashy-headed Laughing thrush, Ceylon Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling, Ceylon Hill- Myna, Ceylon Scaly Thrush, Ceylon Scimitar Babbler and Ceylon Crested Drongo. Indian sub-continental endemics include Malabar Trogon and Ceylon Frogmouth.
O/N Martin's Simple Lodge, Sinharaja (B)
Day 8, Mar. 2: Transfer to Colombo airport (200 kms/03 hrs) After breakfast, transfer to Colombo airport to board your flight for onward journey.
PRICE INCLUDES:
~ Lodging and meals as described in the itinerary (breakfast only, Days 2 - 8)
~ Expert local bilingual birding guide
~ Two Cheepers! Tour Leaders and all benefits offered as part of a Cheepers! tour, including customized checklist, post- trip electronic checklist and photo disk.
~ Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle, Jeep safari for sites mentioned in itinerary
~ Entrance fees for all parks on itinerary
~ Bottled water during the tour
~ Arrival and departure transfers
~ All applicable taxes
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
~ International airfare to Sri Lanka
~ Visa
~ Gratuities
~ Lunches and Dinners (Expect to spend approximately $15 - $20 per day for these meals)
~ Items of a personal nature such as extra drinks, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry, souvenirs, etc.
TERMS AND
CONDITIONS:
Deposit of $600 with registration (link for registration form is at the bottom of this page).
Balance is due on or before November 12, 2014.
Checks should be made payable to Cheepers! Birding on a Budget and mailed with the registration form to:
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget
Post Office Box 385
Spring Valley, OH 45370
Cancellation policy:
Cancellation must be made in writing (email or snail mail)
More than 6 months prior to departure – full refund of deposit
Between 4 and 6 months prior to departure – 50% refund of deposit
Less than 4 months prior to departure – No refund of deposit
If cancellation occurs after full payment is made, a refund will be given only if the vacant spot is filled.
Trip insurance is recommended!
You can compare prices and coverage offered by various trip insurance companies at this
website: http://www.quotewright.com/?sub_id=6056
Cheepers! Birding on a Budget LLC reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary if the need should arise due to unforeseeable circumstances such as weather, landslides, and other natural phenomena, as well as suggestions by local guides in order to take advantage of an unusual birding opportunity. Lodging is subject to change based on availability.
YOU MAY REGISTER FOR THIS TOUR BY DOWNLOADING THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW. WE CANNOT ACCEPT REGISTRATIONS FOR SRI LANKA AS A STAND-ALONE TOUR. IT IS AVAILABLE ONLY AS AN EXTENSION TO OUR INDIA TOUR. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR 2015 INDIA TOUR.
| india_sri_lanka_registration_form_02_2015.pdf |