We departed Kandy City and the Botanical gardens by early afternoon of 7th February and headed the 3 hour drive to Kitulgala. At Kitulgala we were booked in for an overnight stay at the rustic Rafters Retreat situated on the banks and edge of the Kelani Ganga River. There was little birding done en route to Kitulgala but once we were checked in a quick walk around the grounds gave species such as Stork-billed and White-throated Kingfishers, Indian Pitta, Brown-capped Babbler, Black Bulbul, Chestnut-backed Owlet.
After a poor nights sleep, there was an early start for first light the following morning, Ashan guided us across the river to a rain forest walk where we clocked up endemics like, Spot-winged Thrush, Hill Myna, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-browed Bulbul, we heard Serindid Scops Owl, Orange-billed Babbler, Indian Blackbird and Green Imperial Pigeons were some of the highlights.
In the afternoon we packed our bags again and this time we were transferred off to Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, staying for two nights in the comfortable Blackpool Hotel.
In the afternoon we packed our bags again and this time we were transferred off to Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains, staying for two nights in the comfortable Blackpool Hotel.
Early morning small boat crossing of the Kelani Ganga River © John N Murphy
Indian Pitta © John N Murphy
Endemic Brown-capped Babbler © John N Murphy
Endemic Spot-winged Thrush © John N Murphy
White-throated Kingfisher © John N Murphy
Endemic Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill © John N Murphy
Scaly-breasted Munia © John N Murphy
Indian Pond Heron © John N Murphy