Birdwatching at Ritigala from Habarana

This tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the forested mountains of Ritigala in search of elusive birdlife. Hike through evergreens and come across ruins steeped in history. Reward yourself with a brilliant flash of tail or glimpse of bright plumage amongst the greenery. View some of the other wildlife that makes their home in the mountain range.

Includes:

• Commentary and advice from a knowledgeable safari guide.
• Highly recommended for Bird Watching.
• Nature hike.

Excludes:

• Food and drinks, unless specified.
• Gratuities.

Experience:

You will be able to start the tour at either 6:30 am or 3:30 pm from Ganawelpola. Your English-speaking birding guide will meet you in Habarana. Bring sufficient water for the hike, and don’t forget your binoculars. If you are a photography enthusiast, it would also be a good idea to bring your camera with the flash disabled.

Ritigala is a mountain range that is famed for its ancient monastic ruins. The natural beauty of these mountains and its rare wildlife, often go unnoticed. The forests of Ritigala can be separated into Dry Mixed Evergreen Forests on the lower heights, Tropical Montana Forests in the middle, and Upper Montana Forests near the top of the mountain range. They are host to a number of species of birds, including the Black-capped Bulbul, Brown-capped Babbler, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Grey Hornbill.

Your guide will take you on hidden trails, where you can see many species of birds and other wildlife. He will explain the identification characteristics and calls of the birds so that you can know them better.

At 8:30 am, if you started in the morning; or at 5:30 pm, if your tour began in the evening, you will be completing your two-hour birding tour.

Notes:

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for this tour.
• Photography stops along the trail.