/ Morning Birding & Evening city tour
Did you know that Colombo is one of the top urban birding hotspots in Sri Lanka, with some of the easiest, most efficient and quick-to-reach birding opportunities in the country? Throughout the island’s history, the swamps, bogs and marshes in and around Colombo have been preserved as vital wetlands that maintain the ecological balance of the city. These urban wetlands, with their rich biodiversity, are home to 110 species of endemic, migrant and resident birds.
During the evening city tour, visit Colombo’s breathtaking shrines and observe the evening rituals taking place. You will discover the architectural sites built during the ancient Kingdom of Kotte and under the ruling of European colonials. As the day progresses, experience the evening rituals of the city while tasting the delicious street food on offer. This full-day tour captures the true essence of Colombo and presents the city from different perspectives – nature and urban life. It is highly recommended for those wanting to see an alternative and unique side of Sri Lanka’s capital city.
Birds fire up the orchestra of the new day and Colombo wakes up to the dawn chorus. Beauty can be found in the right place at the right time and Colombo wears its best outfit right before sunset. The morning bird-watching and evening city tours are perfect for avoiding the hustle and bustle of the City.
Key Details
Colombo
5.45 am
Tuk Tuk/Car
8 hours
Villa Ivy Crest
Couple/Families/Friends
Tour Highlights
Min 2, Max 20
accommodation
20$ -For Street Food
Birding, Sightseeing, Shopping, light walking
What Included
Your stay
Trip Itinerary
MorningBe warmly greeted with a classic tea or coffee. Birding begins right from the villa. Opportunity to find some lovely species at the roof terrace and through the short walk to the main birding site. Purple swamphen, Blue tailed Bee eater, Peasant tailed jacana might be busy with hunting when you reach there. After about one hour of birding, you will find a small marshy land that is a habitat to quite a few native and migrant birds feeding on variety of aquatic beings in the reed bed.
Enjoy the packed breakfast while listening to bird songs.
Take a short walk to one of the most productive wetlands in Colombo. You can expect to see endemic birds such as Sri Lankan green pigeon, Sri Lankan barbet, greater Sri Lankan flame back, Ceylon hanging parrot. Here, you will have the opportunity to get to know about surrounding flora & fauna. Accept the challenge of taking a snap of the pied kingfisher’s hunt as there is no clue from where or when the bird is going to appear.
After 4 ½ hours of fun & educational birding & photo walk, you will be back at the villa for essential refreshments before the evening city tour.
EveningStop at a beautiful lake while departing to capital area. Gaze upon the freshwater, grand assembly structure, striking copper roofs ‘floating’ on a man-made lake. It’s the main administrative building, designed by Sri Lanka's most influential architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Continue to “Diyatha Uyana”, an urban leisure park where you can find the largest flower plant market in Colombo. Drive to the colonial city layout. You will walk towards Vitoria Park, while watching uniquely designed “Nelum Pokuna” theatre which has the shape of the lotus flower, inspired by the 12th century Lotus Pond in Polonnaruwa. You will browse around national museum, street painting and independence square and more.
Stop at must see place in Colombo, Gangarama temple at the ritual time. Continue to Galleface before the sun down. Enjoy the local street food while seeing one of the 100 hotels you should stay before you die. Continue to other English and Dutch period structures & handmade signature product shops. Finally, you come to Pettah market & English outer fort.
Head up towards our final destination, the Crescat shopping mall in Colpetty where you can do all your shopping. Let’s say good bye to each other after the shopping tour if you are not staying with us at the Rustic Chic. We will arrange the transport for you to get to the place where you will be spending the rest of the night.
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