Sri Lanka is a small island located close to the equator with a very rich diversity of eco systems. It's one of the most extravagant hobbies of the ones who enjoy the beauty in the creations of Mother Nature. Learning by observation through both eyes and ears can be recognized as a key element of such a hobby as at present a huge variety of countries provides us with birding destinations. Out of these Sri Lanka is one of the most remarkable places under the spotlight. Sri Lanka is a tropical country situated below the Indian peninsula at the heart of Indian Ocean. It is also the home to a wide range of unique birds along with common, migrating, endemic birds and many types of forest habitations.

There are a number of categories of Protected Areas in the country managed by different authorities. Areas designated as Strict Natural Reserves (SNR), Nature Reserves (NR), National Parks (NP), Buffer Zones (BZ), Jungle Corridors (JC), Marine Reserves (MR) & Sanctuaries are managed by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC). Conservation Forests (CF), National Heritage Wilderness Areas (NHWA) and Forest Reserves (FR) are protected by the Forest Department. All these are areas maintained for the protection of habitat & biodiversity and harming any birds or animals, disturbing their nesting or breeding places causing any damage to a tree or plant within such area shall amount to the commission of an offence carrying heavy penalties and punishable in a Criminal Court of Justice. Except for a handful of species all most all wild birds and animals as well as a number of plants species are protected by law and causing any harm to them in or outside any protected area will also amount to the commission of an offence attracting similar punishment as well.

With the many wild life areas available in Sri Lanka, these below are the most suited for bird watching enthusiasts and for wild life photographers to visit.

Sinharaja world heritage wilderness area, Kitulgala- kelani valley forest reserve, Kanneliya forest reserve, Peak wilderness sanctuary, Galways land national park, Hortons plains National Park, Knuckles world heritage wilderness area, Ingiriya forest reserves, Labugama kalatuwawa forest reserves, Salgala forest, Meethirigala forest reserve, Bundala national park, Wilpattu national park, Udawalawa national park, Lunugamvehera national park, Ruhunu national park, Wasgamuwa national park, Gal oya national park, Kaudulla national park, Minnerya national park.