BIRDWATCHING

Sri Lanka has 233 resident species of bird, 26 of which are recognized as endemic to the island. A further 198 species have been recorded as migrants to the country arriving during the Northern winter and so present from late August to April.

A carefully planned itinerary with a local bird tour guide should result in seeing or hearing all of the endemic species in a very short period. The top two locations for bird watching are the low lying the Sinharaja Ra info rest and Horton Plains in the hill country. Sightings in the ra info rest are challenging but likely to be extremely special as 17 of the endemics have been recorded here, such as the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot and the Brown-capped Babbler. For endemic montane specialties however, such as the Dull-blue Flycatcher , Sri Lanka Whistling Trush and the Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Horton Plains is the best spot.

For bird and mammal observation Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundala National Parks are ideal offering a mixture of habitats comprising wetlands, lakes, dry scrub, grassland and rivers. Uda Walawe is especially good for elephants and birds of pray, while Yala is prime leopard territory. A days birding in any of these national parks may easily yield over 100 species.

For slightly less enthusiastic birders or those who may be restrained by the logistics of a family holiday, Sri Lanka 's birdlife is still extremely accessible through either a day trips to a national park or nature reserve, observation of the different environs surrounding cultural sights, or simply via an info rmed choice of accommodation.

As an introductory guide to bird watching in Sri Lanka we recommend: 'Birds of Sri Lanka - a pocket guide' by Gehan De Silva Wijeyeratine. 1 st Published in 2000 by New Holland Publishers ( UK ) Ltd.

For more info rmation on specialist tours or how to integrate bird watching into a normal holiday, just give us a call or email us.

SAFARIS

Although Sri Lanka is still fairly unknown as a safari destination, it has quietly been developing a network of highly professional operators who are now keen to promote the islands outstanding national parks. There are over 15 national parks and sanctuaries on the island where one can see animals such as elephants, leopards, sloth bears, deer, monkeys, wild buffalo, boars, porcupines, civet cats, jackals, mongooses, several varieties of lizards, squirrels, reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat.

Holiday makers have the option of either a pre-organised day safari or a 2-3 night tented safari, where guests receive a totally unique and privileged experience. Fleewinter works with an exceptionally polished and knowledgeable company called Kulu Safaris who are one of only two that are actually allowed to camp overnight inside the parks. All other suppliers have to exit the parks before 6pm each evening. Their rates are not cheap, but with a maximum of 8 guests per camp, everything included and flawless service, it is guaranteed to be the highlight of any trip.

For detailed advise on what you are likely to see in each of the different parks and more info rmation about the tented safaris please call on 0207 112 0019 or email us.