Justin – Sep 2015 (English)

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, but it is difficult to access without vehicle transportation and a committed driver. My friend and I hired Sarath for an eight-day tour and could not have been happier. With excitement and enthusiasm, Sarath picked us up at the Colombo airport and showed us Kandy and its attractions, the Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, the Galle fort, the Glenloch Tea Factory, the Sea Turtle Hatchery, and various other nature sites along the way. He was always prompt (far more than we were!), offered helpful dining and lodging advice in advance, and is well-connected to other people in the Sri Lankan tourism industry after having 38 years of experience. Additionally, he was not afraid to be candid (or to poke fun) if we had unideal visiting or lodging plans in mind. We appreciated his integrity, panache, warmth, and patience – especially when I lost my debit card!

More poignantly, we appreciated the fact that Sarath welcomed us not just into his country, but also into his family. During our sojourn in Kandy, we had a lovely dinner prepared by Sarath’s wife Geetha and greatly enjoyed the company of his college-age daughter, Nadee. By the time we left Sri Lanka, we felt like we not only had seen an exotic place but also had gained a friend and had become part of an extended family. I had a great time with Sarath, and would strongly recommend him with enthusiasm!