BIRDWATCHING WITH AMAN

Amanwella, Sri Lanka

On Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched south coast, a winding track through lush jungle finally reveals Amanwellaand its incomparable seaside setting in Tangalle. Just a 10-minute drive from the property along the shoreline of the Mawella Lagoon, Amanwella’s floating lounge is an ideal setting for sunrise or sunset canapes as Pelicans, Kingfishers and other birds glide above the water’s surface.

For a more active birdwatching adventure, Amanwella’s wildlife safari in Bundala National Park, hosted by an expert private guide, promises a birdwatcher’s paradise. The national park harbours around 200 species, such as the Sri Lanka Woodpigeon and the rare Sri Lanka Blue-magpie. In the winter, migratory birds soar above and large flocks of over 1,000 Greater Flamingo can be observed.

Amanpulo, Philippines

Amanpulo lies on Pamilican Island, a private island of unspoilt wilderness. The property’s bird-watchingwalking tour is a firm favourite amongst the island’s visitors. Led by a resident naturalist, the experience introduces the endemic and migratory birds that inhabit Amanpulo’s verdant forest such as Black-naped Orioles and Kingfishers. Thoughtfully designed exploration maps and bamboo bird whistles are provided to encourage self-exploration of the island’s abundant nature. Upon reaching a hidden location, a picnic is served in a native outdoor sala overlooking the azure sea, an intimate and idyllic spot to watch the avian world above.

Aman-I-Khás, India

Situated on the threshold of the Ranthambore National Park, Aman-i-Khás is a secluded oasis with daily safaris seeking out the reserve’s wildlife. Boasting a diversity of 350 exotic bird species, including the Indian Paradise, Flycatcher, Golden Oriole, Indian Pitta and the majestic Indian Peacock.

Available from October, a new dining experience in the wild of Ranthambore National Park will be hosted high above the forest floor in a hand-built wood-clad Machan – a raised platform in the trees perfect for bird watching. Another popular sojourn on the outskirts of the National Park, the Surwal Lake,is frequented by nature lovers who enjoy embracing sunrise or sunset surrounded by birdsong. Between October to March, various indigenous and migratory birds – such as Waders, Kingfishers, Parquets – fill the skies and wetlands. Lastly, the nearby lush Banas Riverbed, becomes a birdwatcher’s paradise during the dry season. Here, a naturalist assists in spotting various species of waterfowl and wading birds.

Amanwana, Indonesia

With just 17 luxury guest tents on the shores of Moyo Island, a national park, Amanwana is a full-board wilderness escape. The island is one of Indonesia’s key areas of conservation – home to an extraordinary array of animal and plant life. Guided treks or mountain bike excursions from Amanwana Ridge to Crocodile Head, offer ample opportunity to observe Moyo’s endemic bird species such as the Yellow-headed Parrot, a rare and endangered species and, the Tanimbar Megapode, a small megapode endemic to the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia.

Amandari, Indonesia

Amongst its lush surroundings, Amandari’s birdwatching excursion introduces the enchanting world of birds in Bali. Led by an expert guide, the experience provides an opportunity to learn about Bali’s vibrant avian life and the conservation efforts to save the endangered Bali Starling from extinction, including the initiatives of local community bird breeders.

Amanera, Dominican Republic

Backed by jungle on the Dominican Republic’s north coastline, Amanera is home to more than 160 colourful bird species, which can be spotted on a guided trek through the protected jungle. Potential sightings include the Dominican Republic’s national bird, the Palmchat, with other rare highlights including the Hispaniola woodpecker, the Smooth-billed Ani, American Kestrel and Mourning Dove.

Amanyangyun, China

A nature lover’s paradise on the outskirts of Shanghai, Amanyangyun’s biodiversity is tended by 30 gardeners, acting as an enticing stop-off for more than two dozen species of birds such as Long-tailed Shrikes, Yellow-billed Grosbeak, Warbling White-eyes and Kingfishers and Kestrels. Chinese Afternoon Tea on The Lake is an opportunity to unwind amidst beautiful surroundings as graceful black swans glide across the water and various rare birds fill the air with song. In fact, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) identifies Amanyangyun’s garden as a valuable habitat for rare and protected birds to rest here on their migration routes.

Amangani, Wyoming

Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the American West, Amangani is the ideal base from which to enjoy wildlife safaris. In the comfort of a luxury SUV and accompanied by a private guide, the surrounding flatlands, wetlands, valleys and forests can be discovered up close and personal for either a half, quarter or full day excursion. It is possible to spot some of the 300 species of birds found in Jackson Hole, including Bald Eagles, Mountain Bluebirds, Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes.

Amankora, Bhutan

In Phobjikha Valley near the village of Gangtey, Amankora Gangtey is part of the Black Mountains National Park wildlife reserve and home each winter to a flock of 300 endangered black-neck cranes. Visible during an early-morning tour guided by Sherab, a local award-winning ornithologist, the rare, Black-necked Crane has defined the landscape of the Phobjikha Valley for generations. Believed to be avatars of ancestors and loved ones sent from the heavens, every autumn they migrate from Tibet to Bhutan, with their return celebrated during an exuberant festival of song and dance at Gangtey, Goemba. The birds can also be witnessed at The Crane Centre, managed by Bhutan’s Royal Society.

Amanpuri, Thailand

Amanpuri’s guided treks through Phuket’s verdant landscape provide rare insight into the abundant avian inhabitants. A four-hour morning hike, starting from Amanpuri, through Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, uncovers an array of unique and colourful birds such as the Red-billed Malkoha, a species of cuckoo, the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, a medium-sized bird with elongated outer tail feathers, and the Red-backed Sea Eagle, a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. In addition, the tour includes dramatic waterfalls and the chance to meet playful gibbons in their natural habitat.