fbpx
black strip2
MONTHLY NEWS BULLETIN - FEBRUARY 2021

feb coverbanner

 

Dear Trade Colleagues,

Greetings fellow explorers! 

We’re quite pleased to announce that the new year has brought good tidings and new beginnings! The Covid vaccine arrived in Sri Lanka last month and vaccination drives are currently underway all across the Island. We’re also happy to have welcomed our first guest in over 11 months to Sri Lanka, who is currently enjoying the benefits of his biosecurity bubble. 

All visitors to Sri Lanka are required to spend time in this bubble, but only for a period of two weeks. Thereafter, they are free to explore the Island… whether it’s living in the colonial era with Sir John, mastering the making of the king of all Sri Lankan accompaniments, hanging out with an Avifauna expert, or finding out how we’re brokering peace between elephants and humans… the possibilities are truly endless.

I wish you and your clients an experiential journey and look forward to seeing you soon.

Anuruddha Bandara (AB)

Founder
Experiential Journeys



The wait is over - Tour operations resume safely after 11 months

The wait is over - Tour operations resume safely after 11 months We take great pleasure in announcing that Eco Team has resumed Tour Operations after 11 months! Our first client, who hails from Denmark, was welcomed by Denver our chauffeur, and transported to the Fresco Water Villa in Sigiriya. Health guidelines and protocols mandated by the Government, including PCR testing, were strictly adhered to when receiving the guest, and will continue to be followed throughout his stay. Within the first 14 days, our guest will be restricted to a biosecurity bubble with access only to “Ministry of Health Approved” tourist...
Read More

Finding a solution for the Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka

Finding a solution for the Human-Elephant Conflict in Sri Lanka   The Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) in Sri Lanka has escalated alarmingly over the past few years. The increasing land grabs as settlements encroach on migration trails and food reserves have resulted in elephants and humans meeting on violent terms. One of our Dutch Partners, All For Nature Travel & Consultancy, has initiated a fundraiser in the interests of finding a sustainable solution for the HEC. Experiential Journeys and the Sri Lanka Wilderness Foundation (the Sustainability arm of Eco Team), along with the Academy of Eco, Wildlife & Nature Interpretation (AEWNI) have conducted...
Read More

Migara - Returning to his roots

Migara - Returning to his roots One of the lucky ones who’s found the perfect marriage of a career and doing something they love, Migara leads all our Sustainability and CSR initiatives. Having had enough with life as a banker, this graduate of the Colombo University and subsequent IT Professional, decided to switch tracks and work with what he loves - Nature. A keen wildlife and nature enthusiast since his childhood days with a vast knowledge of Avifauna, Migara loves birdwatching and also loves to share his knowledge with others. In addition to his passion for travelling and experiencing the great...
Read More

Pol Sambol - The undisputed king of accompaniments

Pol Sambol - The undisputed king of accompaniments Pol Sambol, as it is known all over Sri Lanka, is a condiment made of Coconut, Dried Chilli and Red Onion with Salt and Lime. Sounds simple enough, but getting the mix just right can be quite hard, which is why Pol Sambol is often used as a benchmark of culinary skill in Sri Lankan cuisine. Your experience starts at the very beginning, with husking a coconut, learning the trick to split it into two perfect halves and then enjoying the delicately sweet water within as you prepare for the next step. You...
Read More

Wake up in a pristine world lost in time at Sir John’s Bungalow

Wake up in a pristine world lost in time at Sir John’s Bungalow Sitting peacefully in the middle of a vast garden close to the clouds, while feeling the cool air swirl and gently caress you as the first light comes over the hills... is a soul enriching experience. The night duty creatures scurry away, soft bird calls pipe up all around you, and one-by-one the morning crew of the forest take over and even stop to give you a quizzical stare as they go about with their lives. That’s when you hear a little clink - the sound of a...
Read More


Frequently Asked Questions

For amazing stories on Exjourneys

Subscribe2

 

Our policy in discouraging Animal Cruelty, Tourist Traps and Staged Tourist Shows

Animals Are Friends Too: Discouraging Animal Cruelty, Tourist Traps and Staged Tourist Shows

We at ExJ stay away from tourism experiences that are staged and involve animal cruelty and shopping traps that are contrived to exploit and deceive clients.

Even though some of the popular ‘attractions’ are not included in our programmes due to the above reasons, we have no objections in our clients making their own arrangements with our Drivers to visit these places.

 

Why we do not promote following attractions

 

Turtle Hatcheries

As this concept has serious negative aspects in terms of conservation, we do not encourage our visitors to patronize the turtle hatcheries, as not all of them are really turtle-friendly. We instead encourage them to observe turtles in their natural habitats.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

When we became aware that the animal welfare standards there were questionable, we stopped encouraging our clients to visit the orphanage. We are pleased to observe that the Born Free Foundation has now adopted similar measures.

Elephant back rides – Habarana

There’s uncertainty surrounding the attitude of this place towards animal welfare. There may be a few ethical operators, but in general, we are not in agreement with how the place is run. We all would love a photo of us riding an elephant, but is a lifetime of pain caused to these magnificent mammals really worth a few fleeting likes on social media?

Traditional Village Tour with a Canoe Trip and Bullock-Carts – Habarana

This is a tourist trap where a lot of the trip is ‘staged’ for commercial purposes. Such fake touristic experiences will not give our visitors an idea of what life in the country is really like, so join us as we show you the real side of Sri Lanka. And at the end of every vacation, always ask yourself, “Did you feel that your holiday was ethical, eco-friendly, and reduced environmental impacts?”

Are you a Tour Operator?  Visit our Members Area

 

© 2021 Experiential Journeys Sri Lanka

HOME

EXPERIENCE

ACCOMMODATION

LOCALS TO MEET

SUSTAINABILITY

CONTACT US