Genuine Encounters

Nazarulla - From graphical peaks to the real thing

Not too long ago, in 2016 in fact, Nazarulla decided that there was more to life than being stuck in an office crunching numbers as an Accountant. So he turned to his one true love, Nature, and hasn’t looked back since. This self-taught conservationist from Nawalapitiya has carved out a niche for himself as the most sought after Trekking Guide in the ecologically diverse hills of the Knuckles mountain range and has become a true expert of the area. He is so well known in the Riverstone area of Knuckles, that he is fondly nicknamed “KC”, short for Knuckles Conservationist. When not roaming the hills, this father of two can be found cooking up tasty treats for guests in his own Eco Lodge in Riverstone!

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From our news bulletin archive

Local Hosts You Will Meet

31 Aug, 2022

The Master - Ritigala Sumedha

The Master - Ritigala Sumedha An ancient form of fighting taught to warriors, angampora is filled with acrobatic moves that are as graceful as they are deadly, says the famous Master Ritigala Sumedha. It is mainly hand-to-hand combat, though it sometimes incorporates special hand-held weapons.An ancient form of fighting taught to warriors, angampora is filled with acrobatic moves that are as graceful as they are deadly, says the famous Master Ritigala Sumedha. It is mainly hand-to-hand combat, though it sometimes incorporates special hand-held weapons.Angampora is said to date back hundreds of years, to a time when kings reigned in the country, Traditionally, the art is passed from father to son, or to a close, trusted male relative. A descendant of one of the traditional angampora families, Sumedha has dedicated his life to preserving the martial art by teaching it, he says. he began his training at age 6, and qualified for the title of “gurunnanse,” or revered master, 10 years ago. He is also innovating by accepting students outside traditional angampora families. His family strongly opposed this at first, believing that the secrets of angampora should remain within the families that had been entrusted with them for generations. but he took a contrary stance.“This art form does not belong only to our family,” he says. “The knowledge should belong to the whole country. Hence, I decided to teach this art outside of the family.”He is famous for his Vishuddhi Harabaya - a new form of display to showcase the might of this ancient art.

30 Jun, 2022

Get to know Kaffir culture with Sherine

Get to know Kaffir culture with Sherine Residing in Sirambiyadi in the Puttalam area, Sherine is a one-of-kind find. Representing the Kaffirs, a race decended from 16th century Portuguese traders and their African slaves, Sherine specialises in preserving and exhibiting the orally recorded history of her people. Throughout the ages though, Kaffir culture, a wonderful contributor to the arts and culture of Sri Lanka, has become diluted due to the challenges represented by only having an oral record. Thus, the efforts of Sherine to preserve and promote her culture, songs and dance are highly commendable. If you would like to meet this lively personality, do let us know. We promise that a chat with her is highly enjoyable and memorable too!

24 May, 2022

“Deen” - the mountain “Dean”

“Deen” - the mountain “Dean” Deen - is an enthusiastic mountain soul with a knack for adventure, licenced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and 20 years of experience behind him, geared to provide you with the best experience in the mountains of Ella. he is the person to go-to for the TUK TUk ride as well. Deen - is an enthusiastic mountain soul with a knack for adventure, licenced by the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and 20 years of experience behind him, geared to provide you with the best experience in the mountains of Ella. he is the person to go-to for the TUK TUk ride as well. A lover of Trekking and mountain climbing - Deen has been to the tops of almost every mountain in Sri Lanka and has a lot of stories to tell..

30 Apr, 2022

Say hello to Lakmal Danushka!

Say hello to Lakmal Danushka! He’s chill and uncomplicated, loves all genres of music, great at making you laugh and ready to travel at the drop of a hat. Meet Lakmal - our new Operations Manager at Experiential Journeys! He is bored by the mundane, hates to stagnate and loves to try out new things in life. But don’t be fooled by his adventurous and easy going nature, under that chill demeanour lies a sharp mind that excels at conflict resolution, managing resources and creating processes. With over 10 years experience in the travel trade, Lakmal is our go-to-guy to get things done!

31 Mar, 2022

Madhawa the man for MICE!

Madhawa the man for MICE! We’re not talking about furry little mice though, but then again, with his skills he would probably sort out that problem too! With 14 years of experience in the industry, Madhawa Rajapakse is an expert in handling Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) events. He is the go-to guy at Experiential Journeys for all MICE assignments and also juggles duties as Wildlife Tour Planner and Cycling Experiences planner. This adventure lover is ever-ready to hit the road, and equally loves planning tours and events, so give him a shout if you’ve got an event in mind!

28 Feb, 2022

An officer and a naturalist, meet Capt. Rajitha Fernando!

An officer and a naturalist, meet Capt. Rajitha Fernando! Our new Mahoora Camp Manager in Wilpattu, Capt. Rajitha Fernando, is a man of many talents - including time management! A President Commissioned military officer by profession, his true passion lies in nature. He is a member of the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, works with the Young Biologists’ Association and the Amphibia & Reptile Research Organisation, is the Editor of an environmental magazine, represented Sri Lanka at the South Asia Regional Conference on Climate Change and is also a wildlife researcher. In his spare time, he explores jungles and fearlessly handles venomous snakes and scorpions with his bare hands. He has also discovered a new species of endemic venomous spider during his explorations. Sit down with him for a chat and he will regale you with many stories - including the one where he saved the life of a fellow officer from a venomous snake!

31 Jan, 2022

“Raj” - the warden of the Misty Hills

“Raj” - the warden of the Misty Hills “Ajith Rajasinghe” or fondly known as “Raj” - the warden of the Misty Hills of Ahaspokuna. “Ajith Rajasinghe” or fondly known as “Raj” - the warden of the Misty Hills of Ahaspokuna. With 22 years of experience in the field of tourism, he is bound to be one of the most interesting souls you will ever meet. A well-travelled personality with fluency in six languages, Raj is a hardcore nature lover specialising in Birds and your gracious host at Ahaspokuna who will take care of you with the warmth of hospitality of a real Sri Lankan.

29 Dec, 2021

Get Yasa on the job!

Get Yasa on the job! Growing up surrounded by nature in the foothills of Athugala in Kurunegala, a run-of-the-mill desk job was never in the plans for Yasantha Kuruwita Aracchi or ‘Yasa’ as he is known to everyone. Encouraged by his family, he pursued a career in the Travel Trade and graduated with Honours from Sabaragamuwa University in Travel and Tourism. Now, with over 10 years of experience, Yasa is the Senior Travel Experience Designer at Experiential Journeys and an integral part of our team. In his spare time, he scoots off on his bicycle exploring Sri Lanka by himself and occasionally getting lost on hikes. His adventurous spirit, cheerful attitude towards life and a never-say-die approach to getting things done is why he has always delivered for every client and their requests!

29 Nov, 2021

Literally, the man with the plan - Meet Nadun!

Literally, the man with the plan - Meet Nadun! Some people just excel at juggling multiple things at once and Nadun is one such person. This Master’s Degree holder in Tourism, Economics & Hotel Management from the University of Colombo, loves the pressure of the job and actually thrives on it. Exceptionally skilled at organising events, he functions as the single point of contact for anyone overseas who needs to organise complex gatherings in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a conference, incentives getaway or a leisure group on tour that needs planning and organising, his cheerful personality, boundless energy and skills will take on your most demanding requirements and execute them with ease.

29 Oct, 2021

Shoot it… with a camera, says Priyantha!

Shoot it… with a camera, says Priyantha! Hailing from the hills of Beilhuloya, Priyantha Bandara was passionate about photography since he was a little lad. The tendency to shoot things, with a camera of course, was inescapable as he discovered later in life, and simply gave in and made it his career. Since then, he has never looked back and is now an award-winning Landscape, Travel and Architectural Photographer who has worked with many local and international clients. Priyantha was also featured in Top Teny - a New York-based online lifestyle magazine, and he was named in a list of top photographers by Rol Cruise - a luxury cruise line, in the recent past. In his spare time he vlogs, conducts classes on landscape photography and leads photography tours. Even if photography is not your thing, have a chat with Priyantha who loves to share his knowledge, and head out on a photography tour with him. You’re sure to be converted into a camera wielding maestro in no time!

28 Sep, 2021

Go in search of feathered friends with Solomon

Go in search of feathered friends with Solomon If it has feathers, you can bet that wise-old-Solomon knows all about it and can even tell you what it had for breakfast 3 weeks ago. Born and bred on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, Solomon left a lucrative career in the FMCG sector in favour of his true calling - Sri Lankan nature & wildlife. Since then, this nature lover has accumulated 21 years of experience in the field of Travel & Tourism and is a well respected Nature & Wildlife Interpreter. He loves to spend time in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, which he considers his second home, tracking his favourite feathered inhabitants. Solomon is always ready with a smile to share amazing tidbits about the wildlife of Sri Lanka, so be sure to have a chat with him when you see him.

28 Aug, 2021

Tag along with the island hopper, Mohan!

Tag along with the island hopper, Mohan! With wanderlust tugging at his soul from an early age, Mohan was never going to be satisfied being in one place. Being born in the Northernmost part of Sri Lanka, the peninsula known as Yalpanam (Jaffna), that wanderlust came with a caveat though - of needing to be near water at all times. So 25 years ago, when Mohan was looking to expand his horizons, the Maldives ticked all the boxes and he hopped over there and in the process, discovered his love for tourism. After a few years spent in the archipelago, Mohan returned home to Sri Lanka and now spends his time hosting visitors and showing them around the country. Although his speciality is in taking people around the Yalpanam area and hopping over to the numerous islands dotted around it, he is also extremely knowledgeable and well versed in attractions of other parts of the country. Whether it’s cycling or walking tours, dining experiences or cultural tours, Mohan is your man with the plan!

29 Jul, 2021

It’s a bird, it’s a plane it’s… Dil!

It’s a bird, it’s a plane it’s… Dil! If there is one person that can be solely credited with making Kite Surfing a thing in Sri Lanka, it would have to be Sri Lanka’s first IKO qualified instructor Dilsiri or Dil as he is fondly known to everyone. Dil’s love for adventure was always going to take him far from his home in Colombo and in 2013, he moved to Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka’s North Western province and turned it into the home of Kite Surfing. In the 8 years that have passed, Kite Surfing has become a booming business in Kalpitiya, with many of Dil’s students opening Kite Surfing operations of their own. Although his infectious enthusiasm is a key factor of his success, credit must also go to his foresight in ensuring no damage occurred to the environment and also that the community around the location benefitted from this operation. The next time you are in Kalpitiya, stop by for a chat with this sprightly personality, for a quick lowdown on all things adventure!

24 Jun, 2021

Buddhika, breaker of barriers!

Buddhika, breaker of barriers! From a young age, Buddhika was always a driven and passionate person, who forged her own path. Although she excelled as an athlete and was well on her way to becoming a lawyer, she soon realised that her love and passion for travelling overrode all else and that put her on the path to becoming an expert tour guide. Breaking cultural & traditional barriers, Buddhika succeeded in becoming Sri Lanka’s first-ever Licenced Female Chauffeur Guide in 2010, paving the way for many more aspiring women to follow in her footsteps. When she is not busy taking guests to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka, Buddhika loves spending time with her daughters and husband, who also happens to be a Chauffeur Guide too.

27 May, 2021

Attanayaka:Overcoming tragedy and finding purpose in life

Attanayaka:Overcoming tragedy and finding purpose in life Despite losing his 12-year-old sister to a wild elephant attack, right outside his home when he was just a 4 year-old, Chaminda Attanayaka chose understanding over hate in the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) that ravages some parts of Sri Lanka. Instead of blaming the animals for what happened, he chose to study them and the root cause that led to that tragedy. Attanayaka’s love for everything in the wild has led him to write several books on animals and diversity in the wilderness, conduct awareness campaigns in the villages and on social media on avoiding HEC, as well as spearhead many conservation projects such as tree planting initiatives. A Wildlife Ranger by profession, Attanayaka is a key volunteer in the HEC Mitigation Project in Koonketiya. His exemplary service towards environment conservation led Transparency International Sri Lanka to recognise him as one of 5 Integrity Icons of 2020.

03 May, 2021

Nazarulla - From graphical peaks to the real thing

Nazarulla - From graphical peaks to the real thing Not too long ago, in 2016 in fact, Nazarulla decided that there was more to life than being stuck in an office crunching numbers as an Accountant. So he turned to his one true love, Nature, and hasn’t looked back since. This self-taught conservationist from Nawalapitiya has carved out a niche for himself as the most sought after Trekking Guide in the ecologically diverse hills of the Knuckles mountain range and has become a true expert of the area. He is so well known in the Riverstone area of Knuckles, that he is fondly nicknamed “KC”, short for Knuckles Conservationist. When not roaming the hills, this father of two can be found cooking up tasty treats for guests in his own Eco Lodge in Riverstone!

27 Mar, 2021

Dr. Prithiviraj - From healing Humans to healing the World

Dr. Prithiviraj - From healing Humans to healing the World Finding purpose in life is a blessing and for Dr. Prithiviraj, that blessing has grown as the years have passed by. This MBBS Doctor has always been passionate about pachyderms, especially the Asian variety, and has over the years devoted more and more time to helping humans understand them. He is a member of the Asian Elephant Specialist Group (AsESG) of the IUCN, a Research Associate of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) and is also Chairman, Trustee & Scientist of the Centre for Conservation and Research in Sri Lanka. With his vast experience, expertise and involvement in elephant related research projects overseas since 1998, he comes on board as a Consultant to the Human-Elephant Conflict Mitigation Project. The Eco Team family is proud to have him on board in this journey to find a lasting solution to the HEC issue in Sri Lanka.

27 Mar, 2021

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 outdoors, he takes care of the Sri Lanka Wilderness Foundation (SLWF) and the Academy of Eco, Wildlife & Nature Interpretation (AEWNI) - the two main Sustainability & CSR brands of the Eco Team family.

12 Jan, 2021

The curious case of Ratty, a man of many talents!

The curious case of Ratty, a man of many talents!A conservationist at heart, the multi-talented Ranjith “Ratty” Ratnayake, has a curious portfolio. He is an expert in Sales & Marketing and Human Resources Management, a knowledgeable Paramedic, a National Guide and has served in the Military Engineers Corps as well. Ratty is highly rated amongst our travellers and is constantly commended on his exceptional service. When he is not spending time with his wife and kids, Ratty loves to go fishing, trekking, hang out with friends and engage in charitable work. He is also an accomplished Dog Trainer at D-minor.

06 Aug, 2020

Sagara; Serving delicacies with Love

Sagara; Serving delicacies with Love Spending time in the wilderness is no new experience to Sagara, the head waiter at our Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala. Sagara is an enigma of a personality, and provides delight and joy to all our guests staying at our Yala campsite with his friendly and hospitable personality. Having begun his career at River Garden Restaurant in Belihuloya, he was groomed to become the head waiter at our Mahoora Tented Safari Camp over the years. He has served across many of our Mahoora campsites, with his experience at the Wasgamuwa National Park and Sinharaja Rainforests being his favorite experiences. Sagara is a true nature lover, and enjoys birdwatching during his short breaks at the campsite. His home town is in Balangoda, where he has a beautiful wife and a princess of a 10 year old daughter who he is very fond of and spends a lot of time with during his vacations from work.

30 Jun, 2020

Experience village living with an ‘aachchi and seeya’ in the misty Knuckles Mountain Range

Experience village living with an ‘aachchi and seeya’ in the misty Knuckles Mountain Range You can now experience true village living courtesy of an elderly couple in their late 60’s, residing in a remote part of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Unspoilt by modern developments, and untouched acres of trees, with no electricity, nor modern day amenities including internet and other luxuries, this is an authentic rural village experience. This village experience allows you to disconnect from the rest of the world, shut down your devices and take a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of our lives. Spending the night in the original mud house with the hosts, you will be woken up in the morning to a fresh cup of tea, with the water being boiled from a kettle that is 75 years old. With no cutlery or crockery to dine with, guests will have to use their fingers when eating their traditional Sri Lankan meals cooked on the wood hearth fireplace. We advise our guests to spend a minimum of 2 nights with our local hosts to have a truly rural Sri Lankan experience.

23 May, 2020

Sunny; A truly happy-go-lucky guide

Sunny; A truly happy-go-lucky guide’ Hailing from the beach village of Wadduwa, our guide Sunny always carries his guitar along with him wherever he goes. He not only speaks fluent German and English, but he’s also a great entertainer - as he’s gifted with a beautiful voice and a talent to play his guitar - which he plays and sings for our guests when touring with him. Sunny is a lover of nature, and prefers being close to nature whenever possible. All our guests are known to have fallen in love with him for his friendliness and hospitality as he has a knack for making our guests feel that they are safe being away from home. He is a proud father of two children who are currently pursuing their higher education overseas.

28 Apr, 2020

Our nature interpreter Sameera at our Wilpattu campsite

Our nature interpreter Sameera at our Wilpattu campsite Hailing from the Cultural City of Anuradhapura, Sameera comes from a family who are longstanding farmers. Despite his family being occupied in the farming industry, young Sameera was always a keen wildlife enthusiast. Holding over a decade of experience as a naturalist in many parks around the country, Sameera has an Advanced Diploma in Ecology from the University of Colombo and he’s completed many courses by the Young Explorers Society, whilst he currently reads for his Advanced Degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Colombo. Sameera is a dedicated and passionate naturalist, which is further cemented by his lifetime membership at the Royal Society of Protection of Birds in the UK. His eagerness to be with nature has brought him to his current position of Nature Interpreter in our Wilpattu campsite. Sameera is one of the six members of his family, and he lives with his parents and sister whilst serving in our Wilpattu campsite.

30 Mar, 2020

Meet your local host ‘Upali’ - a local leader of ‘Kalapuraya’; a village of craftsmen

Meet your local host ‘Upali’ - a local leader of ‘Kalapuraya’; a village of craftsmen A 59 year old village craftsman named Upali, does brassware with the support of his family and is an active member of the Nattarampola Rural Colonial Industrial Cooperative Society. In addition to his work as a brass craftsman, Upali is also a local tour guide, certified by the Central Province Tourism Department. Even though brasswear is his primary source of income, he also serves as a provincial tour guide lecturer, explaining the local arts and crafts to our valued guests. Having started his craftsmanship in 1982 soon after having left school, post his advanced level examinations, Upali now holds 38 years of experience in the industry. He has vast knowledge on other crafts in the industry, and assures that our guests will receive the best experience when exploring the village and community with him.

28 Feb, 2020

Dammi; A keen birder, butterfly specialist and Nature & Wildlife interpreter

Dammi; A keen birder, butterfly specialist and Nature & Wildlife interpreter A Nature & Wildlife Guide, Dhammithera is from Kandy – the picturesque hill capital of Sri Lanka. wledge on wildlife to the guests who patronize this village trail, which will surely be a valuable addition to the guests.He went on to join many wildlife research programmes conducted in various parts of the island under the supervision of both Sri Lankan and UK research organisations during his early career.His versatility extends to photography as well. A keen birding photographer, Dhammithera presented his debut Photography Exhibition on Butterflies of Sri Lanka themed “Colourful Wings of Nature” in 1997 and has seen regularly contributed to many national and international magazines with his captivating photographs. As a Nature & Wildlife Guide, Dhammithera continues to serve Nature & Wildlife tourists from many overseas tour operators, serving to educate, promote and inform about precious Sri Lankan wilderness and biodiversity.

31 Jan, 2020

Prem: Leaving the nest, but flying strong

Prem: Leaving the nest, but flying strong Prem has not experienced a life without animals constantly wandering in and out of it. Growing up close to Udawalawe, the most popular National Park for elephants, probably has something to do with that! This wildlife enthusiast graduated in Tourism Management and really took a shine to his role as a Wildlife Travel Experience Designer at Experiential Journeys. But just like the wildlife he loves, Prem loves to fly free, so when he wanted to start his own venture, we had nothing but support for him! Along with his bosom buddy Bandara, he offers “An Authentic Village Experience in South Matara” as a way for guests to truly get an understanding of village life and a healthy dose of wildlife facts wrapped in adventure. We wish him and his venture all the very best!

06 Jan, 2020

Puwathara: a Memoir of a Senior Naturalist, Zoologist and Dreamer

Puwathara: a Memoir of a Senior Naturalist, Zoologist and Dreamer “I was born in a village in Kelaniya, close to the popular city of Colombo. But, growing up, and even still today, the Kelani river was what was most popular between me and my childhood friends! We’d go for river baths, fish, swim, and just shoot the breeze. Of course, you had to keep on your toes unless you wanted to lose them, as the river was home to many saltwater crocs! It wasn’t just the crocs though; our floodplains teemed with wildlife, and aquatic birds and reptiles like water monitors and water snakes thrived there. If I stayed up past my bedtime, I saw fishing cats or other pole cats like the golden palm civet, toddy cat, and ring-tailed civet just outside my window! It was truly here that I found my love for all things wild, ironically not at all in the wilderness where I live now – Udawalawe! Doing what I do today – a Senior Naturalist at Mahoora Udawalawe, national and NGO conservation volunteer, and researcher for environmental programmes at Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (Adam’s Peak), and Udawalawe National Park – really does feel like my love for all things wild has been requited, tenfold.”

26 Nov, 2019

Dhammika: from the accounts department to hitting the open road

Dhammika: from the accounts department to hitting the open road Hailing from the foothills of the Central Highlands, Kegalle, Dhammika the Finance Manager found nothing but boredom working a regular 9-5. Finally breaking out of the corporate shackles, he followed his dream of exploring Sri Lanka by becoming a chauffeur driver in the travel sector. The last 5 years of his life were filled with nothing but open roads, diverse landscapes, cultural excursions, and happy passengers. When he isn’t exploring the island, he goes birdwatching, spends time with his family, and serves as a qualified umpire on the Sri Lanka Cricket Board!

05 Nov, 2019

Priyamali : the Polonnaruwa family that cooks together, stays together

Priyamali : the Polonnaruwa family that cooks together, stays together The name of the home-style restaurant ‘Priyamali’ is derived from the names of the father and mother – Deva‘priya’ and ‘Mali’ni. This culinary family of 5 (mom, dad, 2 daughters and son-in-law) personally cooks and serves hearty Sri Lankan meals to locals and curious travellers who seek authentic Sri Lankan flavours. The idea to open an eatery near the Vatadage in Polonnaruwa, was inspired by groups of wandering tourists searching for nearby places to try local food. Today, they serve their home-cooked goodness to both local and foreign tourists, presenting an array of traditional and delicious Sri Lankan dishes with local snacks and sweetmeats.

05 Nov, 2019

Ranga: the Kalametiya lagoon bird whisperer

Ranga: the Kalametiya lagoon bird whisperer Meeting Ranga automatically means you’ll have an incredible birding experience at Kalametiya lagoon! Honing in on his experience as a lagoon fisherman in his teenage years, where every inch of the Kalametiya lagoon was explored, he’s spent the last 11 years introducing birds to guests. Even living with lagoon wildlife, as he resides just a few hundred meters from the lagoon with his wife and daughters, keeps him on his toes with the latest in the bird world. His younger brother assists him in ferrying guests on village-style catamarans, providing a quirky and remarkable birding experience at the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary for even larger groups.

17 Sep, 2019

Judith puts the ‘home’ in ‘homecooking’

Judith puts the ‘home’ in ‘homecooking’ With over two decades of experience as a hotelier, Judith happily runs her homestay in bustling Negombo with the help of her husband. She’s filled the last 20 years of her life with everything she loves; very personal handmade spice mixes, happy travellers she’s taught some of her best recipes to, and colourful orchids she’s excitedly growing around her homestay! Whether you’re kicking back with a king coconut and feeling at home in her home, or part of her cooking class learning to make her signature Negombo Prawn Curry – you’re in for a treat!

01 Aug, 2019

Denver the Explorer/ Chauffeur Guide

Denver the Explorer/ Chauffeur Guide Meet Denver, officially a chauffeur guide with 4 years of experience, and unofficially an explorer and mango fanatic! Hailing from the outskirts of Colombo, Denver makes his way through Sri Lanka’s back roads as well as he makes a 3-pointer on the court – perfectly! Of course, his most famous tell for you to know you’re travelling with him, is when you hear the greatest hits of the good old days play from the car stereo!

01 Aug, 2019

Avinka the animal whisperer

Avinka the animal whisperer Avinka – or Avi as his feathered and non-feathered friends like to call him – joined the Eco Team Family in 2016 and fast became a travelling Naturalist highly conversant in Sinhala, English, Elephant, Leopard, Grey Langur, Crested Hawk-eagle, Giant Squirrel, Wild Buffalo, Hornbill, Peacock, and Indian Nightjar! Being one of the quirkiest members of the Eco Team Family, his stories can range from being casually attacked by a 35 year old elephant, to why papadams (fried lentil discs) are the greatest things on earth.

17 Jul, 2019

The art of whittling by master whittler Gunapala

The art of whittling by master whittler Gunapala How do you fit an elephant into a suitcase? By making sure the wood carving is small enough! Gunapala, hailing from a rural village in Sigiriya, is a master craftsman who turns wood into works of art to support his family of 4. Simply meet our local wood carving legend at his home-based workshop in Sigiriya, share a cup of tea, and learn the art of whittling! Not only do you personalise your souvenir of Sri Lanka with your own hands, but you also make a memory worth revisiting!

20 Jun, 2019

Lal Jayasuriya: The Great Miracle Mechanic

Lal Jayasuriya: The Great Miracle Mechanic Known mostly to vintage motorcycle collectors and enthusiasts around the world is a small shed covered with metal sheets, owned by miracle mechanic Mr. Lal Jayasuriya. His work on vintage motorcycles is legendary to a level where one of his Triumph Thunderbird restorations is displayed at the Fujiyama Museum in Fujiyoshida, Japan! He has dedicated the past 50 years to become one of the best vintage bike restorers in the world! Having exported over 450 restorations to his foreign clients and having another 250 ongoing projects at present, Lal keeps bringing these classic icons to life with the help of his sons. If you’re in the Colombo Suburbs, drop by Ceylon Motors for a chat about Triumphs, Nortons and Ariels, over a cup of Ceylon tea.

01 Apr, 2019

Roshan Kenneth – More than a Chauffeur

Roshan Kenneth – More than a Chauffeur Roshan, one of Eco Team's friendliest chauffeurs, has experience of 18 years in the tourism industry as a Hotel Driver, and 6 years as a member of the Eco Team family as a Licensed Chauffeur Guide. To us and everyone he meets, he’s more than a chauffeur; he’s a host, a guide, and a friend while exploring Sri Lanka

03 Mar, 2019

Eshan - Your Riding Companion

Eshan - Your Riding Companion Eshan is our lead Cycling Guide who counts for over 20 years of experience and is a veteran of all the adventures we feature. Out of all the diverse activities, his passion is cycling and him having covered almost all the cycling routes in the country, north to south and west to east speaks for itself. Hailing from the most famous hill country destination Kandy, he has led cycling tours for up to 21 days covering the entire country. Other than cycling, birding is also one of his interests. This would be an added advantage for any guest who is interested in both areas.

03 Mar, 2019

Osha: The First Female Safari Camp Manager in Sri Lanka

Osha: The First Female Safari Camp Manager in Sri LankaSri Lanka’s Pioneer in Luxury Mobile Camping; The Mahoora Team welcomes its first Female Safari Camp Manager, Osha, who anticipates more engaging experiences for her guests at Mahoora Yala. Having grown up in a West African country, Nigeria, Osha, recently joined the Mahoora Team, as our first Female Safari Camp Manager. A Certified Marketer of Chartered Institute of Marketing in Sri Lanka, Osha served the Hilton Colombo for 15 years and has worked in the hospitality industry overseas. Vastly experienced and with her exposure especially as a camp manager in the African region, Osha looks forward to enhancing our valued guests’ experience, during their stay at Mahoora Ca

03 Jan, 2019

Kuda Banda

Kuda Banda Kuda Banda - a lifetime’s experience shared with guests who come to the Knuckles Mountain Range. A local farmer and inarguably the most experienced local trekking guide in Knuckles. Kuda Banda has spent his entire life in the village of his childhood, cultivating paddy fields and growing vegetable farms. His affinity with his surroundings of waterfalls, mountains and forests, have long instilled a love and respect for nature. For the past 20 years, Banda has been taking care of our guests, guiding travellers on trekking trails whilst sharing his many experiences in avid detail. His hospitality does not end with a wondrous trekking adventure through the Knuckles Mountain Range, but only when you share a warm Sri Lankan meal prepared by his amiable spouse.

21 Nov, 2018

Sanjeewa

Sanjeewa: With many years of experience in the outdoors, Sanjeewa makes a great guide to accompany clients in their expeditions. Sanjeewa is a professional guide who has been in the field since 2007. A former Police Officer with the Special Task Force in Sri Lanka Police Department, he later opted to work in the travel sector, specifically trekking. Over the years, he has become a reputed adventure sport guide in the fields of Trekking, Hiking, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Canyoning, Waterfall Abseiling, Camping and Bird Watching. He has an Advanced Diploma Certificate in Wildlife Conservation and Management from the Sri Lanka Open University and is an active senior member of Young Zoologist Association.

22 Oct, 2018

Meeting your local host; Rev. Makkanigama Buddhadaththa Thero

Meeting your local host; Rev. Makkanigama Buddhadaththa Thero Amidst the beautiful and misty hills of the Kandyan Kingdom of Sri Lanka is the ancient temple of ‘Bahiravakanda’ where our guests will have the opportunity of meeting Venerable Buddhadaththa Thero who is well versed in Buddhist philosophy. He is a teacher in one of the leading schools in Kandy and is also a spiritual teacher in Wegweiser Germany. He holds over 25 years of personal experience of practicing the philosophy as a monk and our clients travelling with us will have the opportunity of speaking to him on the Buddhist Way Of Life and meditate in the calm and ancient temple premises. This visit is surely bound to add priceless value to your trip as well as life.

04 Oct, 2018

Meeting our local host of the month Chandralal when cycling in Galle

Meeting our local host of the month Chandralal when cycling in Galle When in Galle, make sure you book a cycling tour with us around the historical and fascinating town of Galle. Here you will have the pleasure of meeting Chandralal, an all-rounder with experience of cycling around his hometown Galle for over two decades and an experienced diver who is a mechanic by profession. He has been working with us for quite a number of years and his experience as well as knowledge has proved to leave our guests to have a great time on wheels.

22 Aug, 2018

Meet your local host Dananjaya

Meet your local host Dananjaya! Hailing from the ancient city of Kurunegala, Dananjaya is one of the most experienced chauffeur guides under our ExJ umbrella. With a smile on his face whenever you see him, his energetic and lively character paired with his knowledge about the country has made him one of the best rated guides by our guests. Like almost all Sri Lankans, he too is a massive cricket fan and your guests are sure to enjoy his company during their journey through the paradise island of Sri Lanka!

01 Aug, 2018

Dr. Priyan Perera - The Pangolin Expert

Dr. Priyan Perera - The Pangolin Expert Dr. Priyan is a senior lecturer at the Department of Forestry & Environmental Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenapura with several international publications on his work. He holds a PhD in Forestry and Masters’ Degree in Forestry and Environmental Management from the Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA. We caught up with Dr. Priyan on his research interests as well as some ongoing projects related to sustainable tourism, sustainable tourism planning in protected areas, biodiversity, environmental certification and forest certification – the former being very relative to our efforts at Eco Team for a sustainable future. His most present research work focuses on recreational ecology, which is the scientific study of environmental impacts resulting from recreational activities in protected natural area and their biodiversity. Should our guests want to be involved in our ‘Pangolin Project’ he is the scientist they would meet to be part of this wonderful experience.

19 Jun, 2018

Professor Sarath Kotagama

Professor Kotagama has lectured at the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo and at the Zoological Division, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Open University of Sri Lanka since 1974, reaching Senior Lecturer - Grade I by 1997. Between 1989 and 1990, he served as Director of the Department of Wildlife Conservation on secondment. In 1997, he was appointed a Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo holding it until he gained Professor Emeritus status on retirement. He also served as the Head of the Department of Zoology, University of Colombo. Currently he is a Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Wildlife Resources Conservation. During our tours, your guests will get to meet him and they will find that he has many stories to tell of his experiences, which will be really fascinating and interesting.

21 May, 2018

Rahju

Being part of the world of Art for over 30 years, Rahju is a renowned painter of Sri Lankan-Norwegian descent. After initially living in Kandy and moving to Norway, Rahju returned to Sri Lanka in 1982. His work, heavily inspired by mysticism and eastern culture, has been displayed around the island. He now lives in a cottage in Kandy with his daughter, where he paints and makes music surrounded by the breathtaking hills.

25 Apr, 2018

Vipula Wanigasekera

Vipula Wanigasekera Vipula is one of our preferred hosts that your clients will meet to have a one-on-one discussion on happiness, mindfulness, Buddhism or even to get introduced to meditation.After having gone through many teachings and practiced meditation for a long time, He decided to write the book ‘Pointers to Enlightenment’ with the realization that the seeker is illusory, while most humans are caught up in a mind driven life. As of now, he is a Senior Lecturer at the Sri Lanka government-owned National School of Business Management. He has previously worked as a Marketing Professional, Diplomat and Senior Government official.

24 Apr, 2018

Shanjei Perumal

Shanjei Perumal Shanjei Perumal, a former advertising executive from Colombo, quit his job because he didn’t want to be confined to the concrete jungle of Colombo. He chose Galle Fort as he was obsessed with this fascinating living legend and became a full-time tour guide to assist the beautiful people who want to explore Galle Fort, differently.

Frequently Asked Questions

For amazing stories on Exjourneys

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?”

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