Andaman Islands Endemics Extension

Andaman Islands Endemics Extension II 5th to 11th November 2017 (7 days) Southern India Birding & Wildlife of the Western Ghats II 12th to 23rd November 2017 (12 days)

Malabar Whistling Thrush by Adam Riley

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Hemming the rugged lands of southern India are the impressive Western Ghats Mountains, a land of endless valleys, rolling tea estates and breathtaking highland vistas, well known for harboring a superb range of highly localized endemic birds and a host of special mammals. This comprehensive tour showcases many of these special creatures: the gorgeous Indian Pitta, scarce White-bellied Minivet, Black-chinned Laughingthrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, rare Sri Lanka Frogmouth, exquisite Malabar Trogon, Malabar Whistling Thrush and Heart-spotted Woodpecker are just some of the incredible birds we will search for, while Indian Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison), Wild Boar and Smooth-coated Otter are potential mammalian highlights. Join us for an unbeatable birding exploration to the southern part of this immense and extremely rewarding nation! Our new extension to the Andaman Islands will see us flying across the Bay of Bengal to Port Blair, Andaman Islands. Located some 1,100 kilometres to the east of peninsula India, this archipelago is far closer to southern Myanmar and Sumatra. Consequently, the many endemic species present have more in common with the Malaysian sub-region than with the Indian sub-continent. The archipelago is made up of c.200 or so small islands with patches of pristine tropical rainforest and palm-fringed sandy beaches! Based in a single location for the duration of our time on the islands, this is a relaxed and easy birding destination.

THE TOUR AT A GLANCE…

ANDAMAN ISLANDS EXTENSION Day 1 Chennai to Port Blair, Andaman Islands Days 2 to 5 Birding Mount Harriet, Chiriya Tappu and Port Blair surrounds Day 6 Port Blair surrounds and PM flight to Chennai Day 7 Chennai to Bengaluru for Southern India tour or final departure

SOUTHERN INDIA Day 1 Bengaluru to Mysore Day 2 Mysore to Mudamalai Day 3 Mudamalai Day 4 Mudamalai to Udhagamandalam (Ooty) Day 5 Ooty to Parambikulam Day 6 Parambikulam Day 7 Parambikulam to Munnar Day 8 Munnar Day 9 Munnar to Periyar National Park Day 10 Periyar National Park Day 11 Periyar to Kochi Day 12 Kochi and depart

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TOUR ROUTE MAP…

Andaman Islands Endemics Extension

White-headed Starling by Peter Hills

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THE TOUR IN DETAIL…

Day 1: Chennai to Port Blair, Andaman Islands. Today we depart from the major city of Chennai (formerly Madras) on a two-hour flight to Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Located at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, these two island groups are politically part of India. Possibly formed due to the subduction of the Indian tectonic plate below the Southeast Asian Plate, the islands at one point may have provided a contiguous Andaman Cuckooshrike by Peter Hills land route between Myanmar and Indonesia. They also play host to a veritable treasure trove of endemic wildlife, with most having stronger affinities with the Malaysian sub- region than that of the Indian sub-continent. One of the islands is also home to the Sentinelese (the only known surviving Paleolithic people). Despite a number of contact attempts in the 20th century, the locals have reacted only with hostility. As such, they have had very little contact with outsiders. From what is known by distant observation, the Sentinelese maintain an essentially hunter-gatherer existence with no evidence of agricultural practices or even the use of fire. After arriving in Port Blair, we will transfer to our very comfortable hotel for the next 5 nights. We may have some time this afternoon for some initial exploration.

Days 2 to 5: Birding Mount Harriet, Chiriya Tappu and Port Blair surrounds. We have four full days to explore these rarely-birded islands. Much of the Andamans are still covered in pristine forest and we will concentrate much of our time inside the forests during our time here. We will also make excursions to the mudflats and mangroves for waders and other coastal species. We will devote most of our time to Mount Harriet and Chiriya Tappu, both areas boasting their own important endemics. Mount Harriet generally produces a number of mixed species flocks containing Andaman and Greater Racket-tailed Drongos, White-headed Starling, Andaman Treepie, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, the eye- searing Scarlet Minivet, Andaman Flowerpecker, Black- naped Monarch and Andaman Cuckooshrike. Alarm calls may give away the location of the highly attractive Violet Cuckoo or rare Andaman Serpent Eagle. We Andaman Woodpecker by Peter Hills must also pay very close attention to disturbances in the leaf litter where Forest Wagtail is common and both the cryptic Orange-headed Thrush and the mega Andaman Crake are also known to occur. We will also spend some

RBT Southern India & Andaman Islands & Sri Lanka Itinerary 5 late afternoons here trying to catch sight of two of the more difficult denizens; Andaman Cuckoo-Dove and Andaman Wood Pigeon as they return to their roost sites. The forest patches around Chiriya Tappu provide steady forest birding, and perhaps our only chance to find the elusive and rarely-seen Andaman Crake – though this would be considered a major bonus should we be so lucky. Aside from the near mythical crake, we will see many of the commoner endemics here with Andaman Coucal and Andaman Woodpecker being particularly evident. Psittacids are well represented with Vernal Hanging Parrot rather commonly seen alongside three species of Psittacula parakeets; Alexandrine, Red-breasted and Long-tailed. Andaman Shama, Andaman Bulbul and White-headed Starling make up the remaining endemics in this forest. We will also be keeping a keen eye overhead for Edible-nest and White-bellied Swiftlets and the much larger Brown Needletail. The coastal mudflats are of interest for many wader species. Birding the flats will no doubt cause some interest from the local people who are always keen to find out just what it is that we are so interested in. While explaining the finer aspects of birdwatching, we will pan through the commoner waders looking Andaman Woodpecker by Peter Hills for such interesting species as Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, Terek Sandpiper, Great Knot, Little Tern and possibly White- bellied Sea Eagle overhead. Moving to mangrove margins should elicit Mangrove Whistler, Collared Kingfisher and Watercock, while we also stand good chances of finding Andaman Teal, Cinnamon and Yellow Bitterns, Dusky, Clamorous Reed, Blyth’s Reed, Black-browed and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warblers, and possibly Ruddy-breasted Crake or Slaty-breasted Rail. Commoner species along the littoral zone include the recently split Grey-headed Swamphen, Chinese Pond Heron, Pacific Golden Plover, Long-toed Stint and Stork-billed Kingfisher. Night birding here is a must, with a bevy of endemic species that include Andaman Masked Owl, Andaman Scops Owl, Hume’s and Andaman Hawk-Owl, Andaman Nightjar as well as the modestus sub- species of Oriental Scops Owl, which is liable to being split in the future (Walden’s Scops Owl).

Day 6: Port Blair surrounds and PM flight to Chennai. We have a final morning to bird the surrounds of Port Blair before catching our flights back to Chennai. Time permitting, we will spend a few hours birding near our well-appointed hotel for species we may not have seen on the islands such as Yellow- billed Babbler, Loten’s and Purple-rumped Sunbirds, Asian Koel, Jacobin Cuckoo, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Iora, Rufous Treepie, Black-rumped Flameback and Common Tailorbird.

Day 7: Chennai to Bengaluru for Southern India tour or final departure. After breakfast we head to Chennai International Airport, where those of us continuing onto our Southern India Birding & Wildlife of the Western Ghats tour will take a short flight from Chennai to Bengaluru for an afternoon of rest and recuperation, while others depart to their international destinations.

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Southern India

Sri Lanka Frogmouth by Markus Lilje

THE TOUR IN DETAIL…

Day 1: Bangalore to Mysore. This morning we will depart from Bangalore on our route south towards Ranganathittu. Our first bird sightings should include the ubiquitous Black Drongo and Indian Roller that often perch along the roadside wires. Our initial scheduled stop will be in the town of Kokkare Bellur where the localized Spot-billed Pelican, and occasionally Painted Stork, nest in the village trees. Exploring the scrubby bush and woodland in the area can be very rewarding and, in particular, we will look for Jerdon’s Leafbird, the secretive Blue-faced Malkoha, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Purple-rumped Sunbird, and even Red- naped Ibis. We will then make our way to the famous bird sanctuary at Ranganathittu, where we board a small boat on the Cauvery River. From the boat a Great Cormorant and Black- Mysore Palace by Markus Lilje headed Ibis roost can be enjoyed, along with a variety of other species including the impressive

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Great Stone-curlew, Oriental Darter, Little Cormorant, Asian Openbill, River Tern, attractive Red- wattled Lapwing and Marsh Crocodile, while along the banks of the sanctuary we can may find the endemic White-spotted Fantail, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Pale-billed Flowerpecker and White-cheeked Barbet. Tonight we will overnight at a lovely hotel in the town of Mysore, commonly described as the “City of Palaces”.

Day 2: Mysore to Mudamalai. An early start this morning will see us arriving at the beautiful Mysore Palace to enjoy a stroll around the exterior. Incorporating a wide and fascinating array of courtyards, gardens and buildings, this stunning structure is second only to the Taj Mahal in terms of tourist popularity within the country. Interestingly, the Maharaja of Mysore at the time, Rajarshi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, actually commissioned a British architect, Lord Henry Irwin, to construct the palace in order to replace the old one, which had been destroyed by fire. Completed in 1912, it was further expanded around 1940, and then continually beautified until reaching its current state of sheer perfection. Common birds we may find while admiring its remarkable periphery include Indian Grey Hornbill, Greater Coucal, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Grey Francolin and possibly Shikra. We then begin our journey towards the Mudumalai hills, one of the largest areas of protected forests in India. En route we will stop occasionally to take advantage of available habitat or roadside sightings and, by mid-afternoon, we will Black-chinned Laughingthrush arrive in the hills and can begin birding on foot through a wide by Markus Lilje diversity of habitats. The nearby secondary scrub supports small populations of Yellow-wattled Lapwing, the scarce White-naped Woodpecker and endemic Malabar Lark, and, if the weather cooperates, we can search overhead for Red-headed and Indian Vultures soaring in the thermals. Our accommodation is located at the foot of the Nilgiri Mountains where a variety of habitats, from dry deciduous thorny scrub to moist evergreen forests, will be explored.

Day 3: Mudamalai. This morning we will enjoy birding the broad-leaved riverine forests and secondary growth of Mudumalai and Masinagudi. Several endemics and localized specialties occur here, including Grey-headed Bulbul, Malabar Whistling Thrush, endemic Malabar Grey Hornbill, Grey Junglefowl, Blue-winged and Plum-headed Parakeets, the vocal Indian Scimitar Babbler, Puff- throated Babbler, Black-headed Cuckooshrike, Nilgiri, Thick-billed and Pale-billed Flowerpeckers, Black-and-orange Flycatcher by Adam Riley the incredible white-throated race of Orange-headed

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Thrush, Loten’s Sunbird, and the rare and localized White-bellied Minivet. The continuous call of the endemic White-cheeked Barbet can be heard as we search for other more widespread birds such as Brown Wood Owl and Brown Fish Owl, Jungle and Spotted Owlets, Black-rumped and Greater Flamebacks, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Crested Treeswift, Jerdon’s Bush Lark, White- browed Fantail, Yellow-crowned and Streak-throated Woodpeckers, Indian Nuthatch, White-browed and Yellow- browed Bulbuls, Hume’s Whitethroat, Indian Golden Oriole, Indian Blue Robin, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Bay-backed Shrike, Orange Minivet, and Golden-fronted Leafbird. This area is usually a reliable sight for Indian Elephant and we hope to come across these spectacular animals. Additional mammal possibilities include the rarely sighted Dhole (Indian Wild Dog), Sloth Bear, Leopard, and even Bengal Tiger, though we will need a hefty dose of luck to spot any of these beasts! Dinner tonight will be followed by a night birding excursion where we will search for Savanna and the near- endemic Jerdon’s Nightjars. Blue-winged Parakeet by Adam Riley

Day 4: Mudamalai to Udhagamandalam (Ooty). This morning we will transfer towards the Blue Mountains near Udhagamandalam, among the highest mountains in all of Southern India. The scenery is superb within a garden-like setting of rhododendron and magnolia forests draped with an assortment of orchids. The small hill station here was once a very popular, charming and thriving location during the time of British occupation. The town has certainly changed quite a bit since these times, yet the odd grand building and luxurious hotel still remains and provides some insight into what it may once have looked like. The higher elevations of the Western Ghats are dotted with patches of moist evergreen forest, locally known as sholas, and it is these forests that hold many of the region’s most desirable endemics. We will spend the day soaking in our surroundings while looking for geographically restricted species. These could include the gorgeous Black-and-orange Flycatcher, flashy White- spotted Fantail, Nilgiri and Rusty-tailed Flycatchers, secretive Nilgiri Blue Robin, splendid White-bellied Treepie, and rare and secretive Nilgiri Thrush, which has also been seen in this area. Some of the other species that we may find here are Vernal Hanging Parrot, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, the stunning Heart- spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Canary- flycatcher, Little Spiderhunter, and the migratory Blue-capped Rock Thrush. After a full day’s birding through this unique habitat, we will then make our way to our accommodation surrounded by neatly Nilgiri Flycatcher by Markus Lilje manicured gardens.

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Day 5: Ooty to Parambikulam. We will begin our day searching for the scarce and nomadic Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, as well as other specialties including Ashy Prinia, Indian Black-lored Tit, Western Crowned Warbler, the localized White- browed Bulbul, Indian Blackbird, and Puff- throated Babbler skulking through the undergrowth. The stunted forest in this area is an absolute delight to bird, and it is interesting to note that this immense mountain range was once completely blanketed by these forests, contributing to what was once the largest tract of rainforest in all of Asia. The eventual realisation of the value of teak and rosewood in Europe, however, meant that these forests have been White-bellied Treepie by Markus Lilje harvested to a mere fraction of their former glory. We then spend the afternoon driving up to Parambikulam for a two-night stay. Time permitting, we will begin birding as soon as we arrive. After dinner we’ll take a short walk around the camp to search for the remarkable Sri Lanka Frogmouth, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Hawk-Owl, Jungle Owlet and, with luck, the rare Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl.

Day 6: Parambikulam. Our lodge here is conveniently located within striking distance of prime birding habitat, and we will spend the entire day exploring the rich forested areas around Parambikulam in the foothills of the Western Ghats. This dense lowland tropical forest comes alive in the morning with the dawn chorus of birds and monkeys alike. Some of the specialties we will be searching for include the spectacular White-bellied Treepie, Malabar Grey Hornbill, retiring Red Spurfowl in pocket stands of bamboo, Grey Junglefowl, the superb Malabar Trogon, Malabar Whistling Thrush, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher, and Crimson- backed Sunbird. Mammal possibilities include Gaur (a forest-dwelling buffalo), Asian Elephant, the huge Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur and Bonnet Macaque.

Day 7: Parambikulam to Munnar. This morning we will have some additional time to continue birding this fabulous area, searching for Indian Peafowl, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, the huge Great Hornbill, Blue-winged Parakeet, stunning Malabar Barbet, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Blue-faced Malkoha, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, the large White-bellied and Heart- spotted Woodpeckers, Lesser Yellownape, Large- billed Leaf Warbler, Common Emerald Dove, Malabar Woodshrike, secretive Indian Blue Robin, Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch, Dark-fronted Babbler, Flame-throated Bulbul, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Southern Hill Myna, Malabar Trogon by David Shackelford Malabar Starling, bamboo-loving Rufous Babbler, Black-hooded Oriole, and perhaps the localized

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Black-throated Munia, to mention just some of the potential species we may find in this remarkable region. In the afternoon we will then make our way to our next destination, the town of Munnar.

Day 8: Munnar. This morning we will head out to explore the Eravikulam National Park situated in the high Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats. This reserve, originally established to protect a sure-footed goat called the Nilgiri Tahr, supports a good selection of birds as well as several localized species. These include the very rarely-sighted Painted Bush Quail, White-bellied Blue Robin, Nilgiri Flycatcher, migratory Tickell’s Leaf Warbler, and the localized and habitat-specific Nilgiri Pipit. The shy and difficult Broad-tailed Grassbird inhabits the steeply grassed mountain slopes in the area, while the beautiful Kerala Laughingthrush can be found in the forested ravines. Other species we might come across as we bird the mountainside include Hill and Red-rumped Swallows, exquisite Blue Rock Thrush, White-bellied Blue Robin, Dusky Crag Martin, and Loten’s Sunbird. Brown Hawk-Owl by Markus Lilje After a full day’s birding in this great area, we will retire for a second night at our now familiar accommodation near Munnar.

Day 9: Munnar to Periyar National Park. We head to the fabulous Periyar reserve this morning with birding detours en route. On one of these detours we will explore the steep scrubby hillsides of the Bodi Ghat, which supports a small population of the localized endemic, Yellow-throated Bulbul. We will search for this species amongst the more common bulbul species such as Red-whiskered, Red-vented, White-browed, and Flame-throated. Continuing to our destination near Periyar, we will settle into our accommodations for the next two nights, picturesquely situated along the edge of Lake Periyar. Close to our hotel we have a chance of locating the beautiful Indian Pitta, a species that migrates down to the forests of Southern India during the colder winter months.

Day 10: Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park contains a variety of habitats, ranging from grassland and dry deciduous forest to evergreen forest and riverside scrub. We will spend the day searching here for some very special species, including the highly secretive and wary Wynaad Laughingthrush. Other birds we will look out for are White-rumped Spinetail, Brown-backed Needletail, Indian Swiftlet, the scarce Blyth’s Swift, Crested Honey Buzzard, Black Eagle, Changeable and Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagles, the striking Black Baza, Grey-fronted Green and Mountain Imperial Pigeons, the uncommon migratory Chestnut- winged Cuckoo, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Indian Scimitar Gaur by Markus Lilje Babbler, Grey-breasted Prinia, Thick-billed Warbler, Brown-

RBT Southern India & Andaman Islands & Sri Lanka Itinerary 11 cheeked Fulvetta, the spectacular Asian Fairy-bluebird, Southern Hill Myna, and Forest Wagtail, among many other more widespread species. We will also have some excellent mammal viewing opportunities during a late afternoon boat trip along the edge of Lake Periyar, where we might come across Indian Elephant, Gaur, Wild Boar, and Sambar (a type of large deer). Birds on and around the lake could include Wooly-necked Stork, Western Osprey, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Ashy Woodswallow, and White-browed Wagtail while occasionally Great Hornbill can be seen flying overhead.

Day 11: Periyar to Kochi. After a final morning’s birding near Periyar National Park, we will take an afternoon drive to Kochi where we will overnight and enjoy a final celebratory Flame-throated Bulbul by Markus Lilje dinner together.

Day 12: Kochi and depart. This morning the tour will conclude in Kochi, where those not doing the Sri Lanka extension will depart for their international flights back home, while those doing the extension will catch a flight to Colombo.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this tour are displayed on our website. (For the main Southern India tour, click here. For the Andaman Islands Extension, click here.) Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below.

This includes:  Free airport transfers within 3 days of beginning or end of the main tour (Southern India) to our preferred hotel only;  All meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 7 on the Andaman Extension and from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 12 of the main tour;  Bottled drinking water;  All lodgings during the tour*;  All ground transportation;  All national park and other reserve entrance fees and  All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services).

This excludes:  ANY flights;  *1 night’s accommodation in Bengaluru for those participants arriving from the Andaman Islands Extension.  Visa fees;  Any drinks;  Special gratuities; and

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 Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature.

Single Supplement: The single supplement cost for this tour will be charged if you wish to have single accommodation. If RBT cannot provide you with a rooming partner for these nights although you choose to share, the single supplement will become applicable. We will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a rooming partner is found if you do wish to share.

IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour.) The same applies to approximate flight and single supplement rates, which are also quoted in the respective fixed currency. b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration a small party supplement will have to be charged. c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or the designated Rockjumper leader/s at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible.

Tipping: As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc.) are included on this tour. However, this does NOT include your Rockjumper leader. If, therefore, you feel that he has given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip him.

Please Note  It is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick to 20kg (44lb) for check in luggage and 8kg (+-18lb) for hand luggage.  Fitness: The Andaman Extension and Southern India tours do not require a high level of fitness, but participants should be in good general health and reasonably fit as most of the birding will be done on foot, and may require walking for several hours at a time.  Accommodation throughout the tours vary from very comfortable to rather basic hotels and lodges. There is no camping on this trip. Please note that accommodations used are of the best quality that the area has to offer but are, at times, well below the standard of what you may have come to expect from the developed world.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS: This tour does not include ANY airfares. The Andaman Extension will depart from Chennai International Airport on day 1, and conclude at Chennai International Airport after breakfast on day 7. The main tour will depart from Bengaluru on day 1 by 08:00. Please arrive in advance of this time or the day before. (For those participants continuing onwards from the Andaman Islands Extension, the cost of the hotel for this evening is not included in the tour price). The tour will conclude by mid-morning at Kochi International Airport on Day 12.

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The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper office.

FLIGHTS: Chennai International Airport (IATA: MAA) is the main port of entry for those beginning their travels with the Andaman Islands Extension. Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (IATA: BLR) is the starting point for those participants who begin their travels with the Southern India tour. Both Chennai and Bengaluru airports have regular international service as well as domestic service from Delhi and Mumbai. Cochin International Airport (IATA: COK), Kochi is the departure point for this tour and is serviced by many of the world’s major airlines. We have the capacity to advise you on the best route according to your preferences but your local travel agent will best be able to book these flights for you. However, please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the tour.

Rockjumper Birding Ltd C/o Summit Trust Mauritius Limited Labourdonnais Village Mapou Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com

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Sri Lanka Endemic Birds & Big Game II 23rd November to 3rd December 2017 (11 days)

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie by Markus Lilje

Sri Lanka is a friendly island nation boasting verdant scenery, characterised by terraced tea plantations and forest patches, and blessed with many surprisingly large national parks brimming with game and birds. These attractions, coupled with a fascinating history and vibrant culture, make this a truly exotic destination and a pleasure to explore. From the central highlands to the rich lowland rainforests, Sri

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Lanka is one of only a handful of magical destinations where it is possible to see every single country endemic in a well-planned trip such as this, making this extension a ‘must’ for the keen birder!

THE TOUR AT A GLANCE…

THE ITINERARY Day 1 Colombo and transfer to Kitulgala Day 2 Kitulgala Rainforest Day 3 Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya Day 4 Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains Day 5 Nuwara Eliya to Yala via Tissamaharama Day 6 Yala National Park Day 7 Yala to Embilipitiya and Uda Walawe NP via Bundala NP Day 8 Embilipitiya to Sinharaja Rainforest Days 9 & 10 Sinharaja Rainforest Day 11 Sinharaja to Colombo

TOUR ROUTE MAP…

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THE TOUR IN DETAIL…

Day 1: Colombo and transfer to Kitulgala. We begin our adventure in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. From here we journey on paved roads through local towns and rubber plantations to the Kelani River Forest Reserve. Occasional stops en route could produce White- throated Kingfisher, Indian Swiftlet, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Greater Coucal, Crested Serpent Eagle and Indian Pond Heron. Our lodge here is perched on the edge of the scenic and peaceful Kelani River, the location where the classic “Bridge over the River Kwai” was filmed. Garden birds include Green Imperial and Sri Lanka Green Pigeons, flocks of Sri Layard’s Parakeet by Markus Lilje Lanka Hanging Parrots feeding in the flowering trees, Brown-headed Barbet, Orange Minivet, Golden-fronted Leafbird, Yellow-billed Babbler, Oriental Magpie Robin, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, and Purple-rumped and Loten’s Sunbirds. . Day 2: Kitulgala Rainforest. We will awake this morning to the pleasant sounds of the surrounding tropical forest. After breakfast we will then cross the Kelani River in dugout canoes and spend time walking in the surrounding lowland tropical rainforest in search of the diurnal Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Alexandrine and Layard’s Parakeet, the shy Green-billed Coucal, and Brown-capped and noisy flocks of Orange-billed Babblers. The stunning Sri Lanka Blue Magpie gives itself away by its striking call and may be found feeding at eye-level, sometimes allowing very close approach and excellent photographic opportunities. Other scarce inhabitants include Sri Lanka Spurfowl and Red-faced Malkoha, but we will count ourselves lucky to see either of these species. With perseverance, Legge’s Flowerpecker and the secretive Spot-winged Thrush can also be found. Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle and Black Eagle may be viewed soaring over the surrounding forest, while large numbers of swifts can sometimes be seen skimming the river. These include Indian Swiftlet, Asian Palm Swift and the huge Brown-backed Needletail. The enigmatic Serendib Scops Owl, discovered as recently as 2004, also occurs here, and we will try hard to find this elusive endemic.

Day 3: Kitulgala to Nuwara Eliya. Today we will journey southwards, ascending into the cooler highlands of central Sri Lanka. If time permits, we will visit the beautiful Hakgala Botanical Gardens where a selection of localized endemics, restricted to these higher elevations, can be found. We will then continue on to our accommodation in the Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka Junglefowl by Markus Lilje

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Day 4: Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains. The surrounding highlands of Nuwara Eliya are home to an exciting variety of species and this morning we will be up bright and early in order to make the most of our time in the area. Our port of call for today is the stunning Horton Plains National Park, where we will be in search of one of Sri Lanka’s most endangered and secretive endemics, the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. This highly prized endemic, which inhabits the fringes of high altitude forested pools, is tricky to pin down and we will be happy with any sighting of this enigmatic species. Other exciting specialties of this stunted and twisted forest include Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Crimson-backed Flameback, Indian Blackbird, the reclusive Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, the stunning and localised Kashmir Flycatcher, here at its winter quarters and often associating with mixed flocks, the endemic Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, the flashy Indian Blue Robin, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, the stunning Yellow-eared Bulbul and possibly Legge’s (Mountain) Hawk-Eagle. Yellow-eared Bulbul by Markus Lilje In the late morning we will return to the lodge for lunch and will then pass the remainder of the day in Victoria Park. Here we will search the manicured gardens for the secretive Indian Pitta and shy Pied Thrush, both on their wintering grounds. Other noteworthy specials include Forest Wagtail, Greenish Warbler, Velvet- fronted Nuthatch and, if we are very lucky, the secretive Slaty-legged Crake.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Yala via Tissamaharama. This morning we will visit Victoria Park once again for any species we may have missed. After breakfast we will then depart the highlands and make our way south into the lowlands of Sri Lanka. En route we will keep our eyes peeled for any interesting species, which may include Jungle Prinia, Small Minivet, Blue- faced Malkoha and Sri Lanka Woodshrike. The afternoon will be spent visiting the reservoirs and saltpans of Tissamaharama, home to an amazing variety of water-associated birds. Scanning through the swathes of waterfowl we may find the localized Spot-billed Pelican, Little and Indian Cormorants, Greater Flamingo, the secretive Black Bittern, Oriental Darter - often seen sunning itself on dead snags, numerous Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Yellow Bittern in the thick reeds, Lesser Whistling Duck, the spectacular Pheasant-tailed Jacana in open areas of lily-covered wetland, and, if we are fortunate, Saunders’ Tern and the endangered Lesser Adjutant. In the late afternoon we will settle into our lovely accommodations bordering Yala NP. Blue-faced Malkoha by Adam Riley

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Day 6: Yala National Park. Today we will board open safari jeeps for a full day of game viewing and birding in the fabulous Yala National Park. This wonderful reserve supports superb mammals including healthy numbers of Asian Elephant, Water Buffalo, Sambar, Spotted Deer, sounders of Wild Boar, skulking Golden Jackal, Stripe- necked and Ruddy Mongoose, Hanuman Langur, Toque Macaque and even Leopard! In fact, Yala claims the highest density of Leopard of any site in the world and is one of the very best places in Asia to see this elusive feline. Birding the woodlands of Yala should prove rewarding and we will search for the rare White-naped Woodpecker, flocks of noisy Yellow-billed Babbler, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Chestnut- Leopard by Glen Valentine headed and Green Bee-eaters, Grey-bellied and Jacobin Cuckoos, skulky Sirkeer Malkoha, Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Jerdon’s Bush Lark, White-browed Bulbul and flocks of migratory Rosy Starling. Indian Peafowl are common in the park and we may be fortunate enough to see the males in full display, one of nature’s greatest and most spectacular events! Wetlands and coastal areas literally teem with birds, including the oversized Great Thick-knee, Little Ringed Plover and the incomparable Black-necked Stork, with Painted Stork and Lesser Adjutant occurring in smaller numbers.

Day 7: Yala to Embilipitiya and Uda Walawe NP via Bundala NP. Departing early this morning we will continue our way westward to our accommodation in Embilipitiya. Most of the morning will be spent at the saltpans of Bundala National Park, giving us a chance for more coastal species such as the impressive White-bellied Sea Eagle, Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, congregations of Black-tailed Godwit, Little Stint, the uncommon Small Pratincole, Caspian, Swift, Lesser Crested, Little, White-winged, Whiskered and Gull-billed Terns. Scarcer waders include Great Knot, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Common Ringed Plover, and Red-necked and Temminck’s Stints. Scanning carefully around the numerous pans and reedbeds in this area may produce Black Bittern, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Watercock and Greater Painted- snipe, while wintering Blyth’s Pipit may be found in open fields of shorter grass. Exploring forested strips and shallow pools we will be on the lookout for a variety of mammal species as well as Swamp Crocodile. In the afternoon we will visit the sanctuary of Uda Walawe National Park. This extensive reserve of open grassland and Green Bee-eater by Markus Lilje scattered woodland is home to over three hundred Asian Elephants and some scarce bird species including the localized Malabar Pied Hornbill and near-endemic Blue-faced Malkoha. Barred

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Buttonquail is usually very conspicuous and can sometimes be seen in the late afternoon foraging on the roadsides. This is also the best area in Sri Lanka to observe the uncommon Jungle Cat! After a full afternoon enjoying the splendours of this reserve we will settle into our accommodation near Embilipitiya.

Day 8: Embilipitiya to Sinharaja Rainforest. We depart Embilipitiya for the Sinharaja Rainforest, well known among birders for hosting the widest variety of forest-associated birds in Sri Lanka. The Sinharaja Forest was selectively logged more than twenty years ago but has recovered well since its protection and is now the largest area of lowland rainforest in all of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have the late afternoon to begin birding the area around our lodge. Birds here may include Layard’s Parakeet, Crimson-fronted Barbet, Crested Treeswift, Sri Lanka Hill and Southern Myna, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Orange Minivet, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Lesser Goldenback (Black-rumped Flameback), Sri Lanka Swallow, Asian Brown Flycatcher, and Scaly-breasted and White-rumped Munias.

Days 9 & 10: Sinharaja Rainforest. Some of the special birds we will be looking for during our time in this extensive forest include Brown-capped, Dark-fronted and Orange-billed Babblers, the very secretive Sri Lanka Spurfowl – usually tracked down by Sri Lanka Frogmouth by Markus its call, Layard’s Parakeet screeching overhead, the migratory Chestnut-wingedLilje Cuckoo, Green-billed Coucal, Large-billed Leaf Warbler, the scarce Red-faced Malkoha, striking Malabar Trogon – often perched motionless high overhead, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Sri Lanka Green Pigeon, and several species of munia, including the uncommon and localized Black-throated Munia. Forest clearings will afford us views of the canopy and it is here where we will scan for the scarce and very localised White-faced Starling, while watching the forest fringes we will keep our eyes peeled for the magnificent Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Spot-winged and Sri Lanka Thrush, Sri Lanka Drongo, Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Brown-backed Needletail flying overhead, and Black, Yellow- browed and Black-capped Bulbuls. Possible mammals include Sri Lanka Giant Squirrel and Purple-faced Leaf Monkey. A night walk in the area may yield a sighting of Sri Lanka Frogmouth, a truly outrageous bird, and we will again make a concerted effort to find the inexplicably localized Serendib Scops Owl by Adam Riley Serendib Scops Owl. This area is also home to a colourful variety of butterflies as well as a fine selection of vividly patterned frogs, lizards and snakes – we may even be lucky enough to encounter Hump-nosed Pit Viper and / or Indian Rock Python!

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Day 11: Sinharaja to Colombo. After some final birding around our lodge grounds, this morning we will depart Sinharaja and drive back toward the capital city of Colombo where the tour will conclude.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Tour dates, prices, single supplement rates, approximate flight costs and spaces available for this tour are displayed on our website. Please see under IMPORTANT NOTES below.

This includes:  On selected tours we are able to arrange free transfers to our specified hotel or airport, within 3 days of the beginning or end of the main tour. However, since our capacity to offer this service can vary from tour to tour, details of this option will be sent to you upon confirmation of this tour;  All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 11;  Bottled drinking water;  All lodgings during the tour;  All ground transportation;  All national park and other reserve entrance fees; and  All guiding services (including tips for local guides and services).

The tour fee does not include:  ANY flights;  Visa fees;  Any drinks;  Special gratuities; and  Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature.

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Tipping: As noted above, gratuities (drivers, hotel staff, restaurants etc.) are included on this tour. However, this does NOT include your Rockjumper leader/s. If, therefore, you feel that he/they have given you excellent service, it is entirely appropriate to tip them.

Please note:  It is important for the comfort of your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick to 20 kg (44 lb) for check in luggage and 8 kg (18 lb) for hand luggage.  In certain areas that contain potentially dangerous animals you are confined to the vehicle and are, quite understandably, not allowed to exit.  Fitness: This Sri Lanka tour does not require a high level of fitness, but participants should be reasonably fit and in good general health as most of the birding will be done on foot, and may require walking for several hours at a time. Should you have any physical limitations or medical conditions, please notify us in advance of departure. For much of this tour we will be well away from modern medical facilities.

ARRIVAL AND DEARTURE DETAILS: This tour does not include any airfares. The tour will depart from Colombo International Airport (IATA: CMB) on day 1 no later than 11:00am. The tour will conclude by midday at Colombo International Airport (IATA: CMB) on day 11. The above information in respect of arrivals and departures is a guide only. Precise arrival and departure information will be sent to you in your Tour Confirmation package once the tour has been officially confirmed. If you wish to arrive early and/or depart late and would like assistance in this regard, kindly contact the Rockjumper office.

FLIGHTS: Colombo International Airport (IATA: CMB) is the main port of entry for international flights into Sri Lanka and is well serviced by all of the world’s major airlines. We have the capacity to advise you on the best route according to your preferences but your local travel agent will best be able to book these flights for you. If you would like further assistance, kindly contact the Rockjumper office. IMPORTANT, please DO NOT book your international flights until you have consulted the Rockjumper office for confirmation on the status of the tour.

Rockjumper Birding Ltd c/o Summit Trust Mauritius Limited Labourdonnais Village Mapou Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com