Quick answer
Birdwatching in Kandy centres on four sites: Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary behind the temple, Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya and the Hantana ridge. Udawattakele has about 80 recorded species, including endemics such as the yellow-fronted barbet, Layard's parakeet, the Sri Lanka hanging parrot and the brown-capped babbler. The best hours are 6.30 to 9 in the morning. A morning in the forest followed by an hour at the lake can produce 40 to 50 species without leaving the city.
Key takeaways
- Sri Lanka has 34 endemic bird species, and around ten of them can be found in and around Kandy.
- Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary, a ten-minute walk from the temple, has roughly 80 recorded bird species.
- Kandy Lake supports cormorants, pelicans, herons, egrets and kingfishers throughout the year.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya hold a large roost of Indian flying foxes as well as many garden birds.
- Migrant birds from northern Asia are present in Kandy from roughly October to April.
Why Kandy is good for birds
Kandy is good for birds because of where it sits. At around 500 metres it falls between the lowland rainforest and the montane zone, and species from both reach it. The city's forest reserve, old gardens and river banks give them places to feed and nest.
Birdwatching in Kandy is also convenient. No permits, jeeps or long drives are needed for the main sites, and a beginner with binoculars will see plenty. Serious birders treat Kandy as a warm-up for Sinharaja, Kitulgala and Horton Plains, where the rarer endemics live.
Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary
Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary is the best birding site in Kandy. Its tall canopy and dense undergrowth hold forest species that are otherwise hard to see near a town. Walk Lady Horton's Drive slowly and stop wherever you hear a mixed flock.
The birds of Udawattakele include several endemics. The yellow-fronted barbet calls constantly from the canopy. Layard's parakeets fly over in noisy groups, and brown-capped babblers skulk near the ground. The Sri Lanka hanging parrot, crimson-backed flameback and Sri Lanka grey hornbill are possible with patience.
- →Yellow-fronted barbet: common; listen for the rolling call.
- →Layard's parakeet: fast, high flocks in the early morning.
- →Brown-capped babbler: low in thickets beside the path.
- →Also: forest wagtail in winter, emerald dove, black-naped monarch.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake is the easiest birdwatching in the city. Indian and little cormorants crowd the trees along the shore, and spot-billed pelicans fish in the open water. Black-crowned night herons roost by day near the island.
A circuit of Kandy Lake at dawn or dusk adds the water birds to a forest list. Look for white-throated and common kingfishers on the overhanging branches, pond herons along the edge, and white-bellied sea eagles overhead from time to time.
- →Cormorants and pelicans: all day, in the trees and on the water.
- →Night herons: in shaded trees near the island.
- →Kingfishers: on low branches and railings.
- →Egrets and pond herons: along the wall and spillway.
Peradeniya and Hantana
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya offer open, easy birding among enormous trees. Common hill-country species such as the Sri Lanka hanging parrot, brown-headed barbet and black-hooded oriole are readily seen, and the river loop attracts kingfishers and raptors.
The Hantana ridge, south of Kandy, adds grassland and scrub birds. Walks from the Ceylon Tea Museum pass through tea, pine and patana grass, where pipits, munias and hill swallows occur. Crested serpent eagles and black eagles soar over the slopes on clear mornings.
Timing, gear and guides
The best time of day for birdwatching in Kandy is from first light to about 9 in the morning. Activity drops sharply in the heat and picks up again briefly after 4. From October to April, migrants such as the Indian pitta, forest wagtail and several flycatchers join the residents.
Gear for birdwatching in Kandy is simple: binoculars of eight or ten times magnification, a field guide or app, and leech socks for Udawattakele in wet months. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange a local naturalist for a morning, which roughly doubles what most visitors find.
- →Best months: December to March for dry weather and migrants.
- →Wet months: October and November; birds are active between showers.
- →Clothing: dull colours, closed shoes, a light rain jacket.
Beyond Kandy
Birders with more time in Kandy have rewarding day trips. The Knuckles Range, an hour and a half to the north-east, holds montane endemics including the Sri Lanka white-eye, dull-blue flycatcher and yellow-eared bulbul at higher elevations.
Kitulgala, about two hours south-west of Kandy, is a lowland rainforest site with a different set of endemics, such as the Sri Lanka spurfowl, green-billed coucal and chestnut-backed owlet. It is usually visited on the way to or from the coast and is best with an overnight stay.
- →Knuckles Range: montane endemics, full day.
- →Kitulgala: lowland rainforest endemics, best with a night.
- →Victoria reservoir: raptors and water birds, half-day.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for birdwatching in Kandy?
Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary is the best place for birdwatching in Kandy. It lies directly behind the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and has about 80 recorded species, including several endemics. Kandy Lake and the botanic gardens at Peradeniya are good second sites.
What endemic birds can you see in Kandy?
Endemic birds regularly seen in Kandy include the yellow-fronted barbet, Layard's parakeet, Sri Lanka hanging parrot, brown-capped babbler, Sri Lanka grey hornbill and crimson-backed flameback. The Sri Lanka junglefowl, the national bird, occurs on the forested edges of the city.
What is the best time of day to see birds in Kandy?
The best time to see birds in Kandy is from about 6.30 to 9 in the morning, when they feed and call most actively. A shorter period of activity follows from about 4 until dusk. Midday is quiet and hot.
Do I need a guide for birdwatching in Kandy?
A guide is not essential for the lake or the botanic gardens. In Udawattakele a local naturalist is a great help, because forest birds are heard far more often than seen and identification by call takes local knowledge.
What are the big bats in Peradeniya gardens?
The large bats in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya are Indian flying foxes, fruit bats with a wingspan of more than a metre. Thousands roost in the tall trees near the river by day and fly out over Kandy at dusk to feed.
When is the best season for birdwatching in the Kandy area?
December to March is the best season, with dry mornings and the presence of winter migrants from northern Asia. Resident and endemic species are present all year. October and November are wet, though birding between showers can be productive.