The Idea
Decades ago, Herman Doettlinger walked these hills and cliffs to study one of the most striking raptors in Asia, the Black Shaheen, the resident race of the peregrine falcon. This trip retraces those footsteps.
Over eight days we move from the dry-zone forests of the cultural triangle into the misty high country around Ella and Wellawaya, the heart of Black Shaheen country. We travel in the company of some of the finest peregrine biologists working today, with a dedicated local guide alongside us throughout.
Land at Colombo International Airport and meet your Predatours team.
Transfer to the coast and settle in. Nothing on the schedule but rest after the flight.
Overnight The Walawwa, Negombo
Drive up to Sigiriya through the dry-zone landscape.
Evening birding walk to warm up the eyes and ears before the falcon work begins.
Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Sigiriya
A full day around the great rock fortress and its surroundings.
› Time to explore at your own pace, camera and binoculars in hand.
Overnight Cinnamon Lodge, Sigiriya
Early morning birding in the Sigiriya sanctuary.
Drive to Kandy via Dambulla, stopping at the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Overnight Simpson’s Forest, Kandy
Transfer up into the high country to Ella.
First climb of Ella Rock, our main lookout for the Black Shaheen.
Overnight 98 Acres Resort, Ella
Back up Ella Rock for a full session with the shaheens.
Watching, photographing and following the birds with the biologists.
Overnight 98 Acres Resort, Ella
A walk through Wellawaya tracking Black Shaheen across the valley cliffs.
Our last full day in the field, and often the most rewarding.
Overnight Jetwing Kaduruketha, Wellawaya
Transfer from Wellawaya back to Colombo International Airport.
› Safe travels home, until the next expedition.
Overnight Departure
- Meet and assistance at the Colombo International Airport.
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking guide
- All Fuel, Insurance and license fees of the vehicle
- Replacement of vehicle in case of breakdown or emergency
- Accommodation at the hotels mentioned in the itinerary on mentioned meal basis.
- Activities Included:
- Evening Bird Watching in Sigiriya (Paid experience )
- Morning Bird watching in the Sanctuary of Sigiriya (Paid experience )
- Climb Ella Rock to see Peregrine Falcon (Paid experience )
- Climb Ella Rock to see Peregrine Falcon (Paid experience )
- Walk in Wellawaya for Peregrine Falcon (Paid experience )
- International airfare
- Expenses of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, etc,.)
- Explore the surroundings of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (On your own )
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (On your own )
- Visit to Kandy Temple of Tooth relic of Lord Buddha (On your own )
FAQs
General
Standard check-in is 2:00 pm and check-out is 12:00 noon. We'll always do our best to have your room ready on arrival, but these are the hotel's standard times.
Unfortunately, unutilized accommodation or services are non-refundable.
Yes, but any changes made after confirmation will be at your own cost.
Yes — full terms and conditions are published on our website (see footer).
Prices are valid for the tour period quoted, but may change if there are sudden government levy changes or significant foreign exchange fluctuations.
