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Left: William, Molly, Florence and Tony at Bundala
Right: Florence, Molly, Tony and William at Horton Plains

Feedback – Wildlife & Heritage Tour
7th Oct -  19th Oct 2011

Tony Hung, William But, Molly Fu & Florence Kwan (Hong Kong)

(Tony Hung is a conservation officer, Mai Po Projects, of Mai Po Wildlife Education Centre and Nature Reserve in Hong Kong)

We have a very nice trip with Jith in these ten days. We went to Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Horton Plain, Bundala Ramsar Wetland, Yala National Park, Benthota Turtle Hatchery and Negambo. It covers half of Sri Lanka most wonderful wildlife and natural scenery. We learnt more about wild life of Sri Lanka and on religion as well. As birdwatchers we enjoyed the variety of birds and abundant endemic that Jith showed us. He tried on his very best to find us target species of birds and mammals.  For mammals we were excited to see Leopard for 5 times in Yala National Park and one at a very close range. It is both exiting and frighten when it just walk next to the jeep. We saw quite a lot endemic birds here such as Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Ceylon Jungle Foul, Brown-capped Babbler and the moxt amazing one is the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie which was just found at Martin’s Lodge in Sinharaja Rainforest.
We love Sri Lanka!

Hong Kong girls are beautiful kind & Cute!! We love you, Jith!!!

Jane, Nandana and Adam - Photo from Jane Dixon

May 2011

Hi Prasanjith,

We spent 1 week in southern Sri Lanka at Yala NP and Sinharaja Forest Reserve in May 2011. Our guide, Nandana, was wonderful - he explained the culture of Sri Lanka and was well versed in the wildlife and natural history of Sri Lanka. We spent 3 full days in Yala undertaking full days safari drives from 6.30am to 6pm in the evening. The birds, mammals, reptiles and butterflies were numerous. We saw some amazing behavioural moments while just sitting and watching. The most memorable was the leopard launching an attack on a wild boar herd, subsequently catching and killing one of the baby wild boars. The incident was dramatic and I never expected to see the aggressive response with which the boars tried to fend off the leopard. We also saw water buffalo chasing away a leopard, a ruddy mongoose digging up and wrestling with a land monitor, and a mongoose desperately trying to work out how to catch a 2m Sri Lankan python. Birds were also numerous and we saw plenty of endemic species. After leaving Yala we drove to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a completely different habitat to that of the dry, rocky, shrub-filled Yala. We did a couple of morning walks through the forest. Rain prevented afternoon expeditions. Seeing green pit vipers and Sri Lankan frogmouths were amongst the highlights. However, the icing on the cake was our guide finding the Serendip Scops Owl in the depths of the jungle. Braving leeches and bogs, we had a fantastic view of this recently discovered for nature species. We would definitely recommend Walking with Jith tours of Sri Lanka.

Jane Dixon and Dudley Adam

Brian and Sue Pollard - Loan and Dave Carman
Wales and Leicestershire, UK

1st to 15th December 2010

We were first invited by David and Joan to join them in a trip to Sri Lanka over a year ago, and both Sue and I jumped at the Chance.
The trip has exceeded our expectations both in the beauty of the country, its flora and fauna and its people. We have found everyone so open to us, especially the children.

The experiences we have had have been vast and will always stay with us, well worth the few bumps traveling up and down the various roads and lanes.

Jith has been marvelous and his knowledge of many birds around 200 species exceeding that of the guides we met. Nothing has been too much trouble ensuring that our trip was as perfect as possible. It was so helpful that his command of English was so good.

Mr. Silva turned out to be one of the nicest people we have ever met always a smile and always ensuring that our photographic gear and telescopes were always safe. An excellent driver, we felt very safe at all times, mind you we did take a few deep breaths at times with the oncoming traffic, roaming dog and cows etc.

All in all a fantastic trip

Brian & Sue Pollard
Wdohpool, Wales    

***

What a wonderful trip, we have thoroughly enjoyed it from day one.

Our main aim was birding and in particular the sighting of endemic species, this was achieved mainly due to Jith’s expertise. His knowledge of specific species versus climatic conditions and terrain was outstanding, as was his ability to locate and guide us on to birds in a forest environment.

We found the country green and clean, much cleaner than other parts of the Indian Sub-continent that we have visited.

The hotels that we used were adjacent to the NP’s or specific birding locations thus providing the greatest opportunity to see the widest range of birds, mammals flora, etc. The meals were grand with the staff being helpful and friendly, Jith always on hand to assist if necessary.

Mr. Silva proved to be an excellent negotiator of the many hazards on the roads and as custodian of our luggage etc. during this great experience.

Thank you
Loan and Dave Carman

Mandy and Mick West

See Mandy and Mick's wild life photos taken in Sri Lanka here:
mandyandmick.zenfolio.com

23 April 2010

Jith,

Just wanted to offer our thanks for our recent trip (April1st-15th 2010) with "Walk with Jith", to your beautiful country, Sri Lanka. From the moment we arrived we were looked after, from that first courtesy call right through to our departure. The organisation of the trip was second to none and we felt in safe hands! Many thanks to our guide Mr Sandun and our driver Deepak for looking after us so well and for their enthusiasm, care and attention. We were lucky enough to see so many stunning birds and wildlife, from Leopard to Cobra, from Squirrels to Elephants and most magical of all, the Green Turtle laying her eggs on Kosgoda beach, for which we are eternally grateful. It was one of the most moving experiences we have ever had.

All the accomodation surpassed our expectations, we particularly loved the Ranweli and Sygiria Village.  The expertise and attention to detail from yourself and your staff made our holiday to Sri Lanka  a trip of a lifetime. We cant thank you all enough!! We wouldnt hesitate to travel with you again and will recommend you 100%. Anyone wanting to visit and experience beautiful Sri Lanka can be guaranteed a fantastic holiday if they "Walk with Jith"

Kind regards

Mandy n Mick West, North Lincolnshire UK

Jith,-Bunny,-Mimi

15 November 2009
Massachusetts
USA

Dear Jith,

I don’t know where to start here but Bunny and I had such a good time with you. From practically converting us both to Buddhism to learning at last to decipher the crested hawk eagle it was wonderful. Thank you for sharing your expertise and beautiful country and of course “country road” with us.

Mimi Marshal

**

Hi Jith.

From cyber space to face to face, we have been so pleased with your guidance and knowledge. Thank you for sharing so many things about Sri Lanka. The birds are spectacular and of course the leopard sightings were thrilling. I only hope my photos can tell the story! You will see.

Bunny Flemming

16 April 09
Prasanjith,

Thank you so much for showing us almost endemic species of Sri Lanka and all beauty of Sri Lanka nature. The birds more very beautiful and your people were very friendly. We love all birds, nature and people.

Jith, your hospitality and kindness make all of us feel very comfortable while we were travelling and binding with you. Spending 14 days with you in Sri Lanka allow us to learn a lot in many aspects of your country.
Thank you very much again for this wonderful trip!

Chairatna Nilnond & Nut, Tida, Wilairatna, Noi, Kamolpan
From Hatyai, Thailand
April 13 -26, 2009

Click below links for photos and more information in Thai Language:

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=162749&topic_id=164753

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=162882&topic_id=164888

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=162888&topic_id=164894

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=162983&topic_id=164989

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=162986&topic_id=164992

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=163136&topic_id=165145

http://board.trekkingthai.com/board/show.php?forum_id=31&topic_no=163139&topic_id=165148

Read full report and buy DVD from www.birdseen.co.uk >>

27 March 2009
Wet zone birding.

What an excellent week. The total 116 species doesn’t tell any part of the story. We did see all but 2 of the traditional wet zone endemics, but the quality of the birds, and not just specialities was hugely enjoyable. Jith combined an applaudable mix of holdcraft identification, and just as important, organizational skills. All 3 accommodations were comfortable and wholly suitable for the birding xxxxxx. Anyone considering birding, or even cultural, trips to Sri Lanka should visit Jith’s website before the tour companies – reasonable price, one to one instructions, and no competing with a crowd for the birds (or the best seat on the bus!)
It will be a pleasure to see Jith at the bird fair again, and I can only hope that the business progress from strength to strength.

Ian Hillery
Durham, UK.

More tour pictures >>

Marianne and John Ball

See Photo Report prepared from photos taken during their tour. These photos are hosted at Picasa:
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/walkwithjith/ . Click images below to see each album:

Birds

Insects

Plants Flowers

Butterflies

Reptiles

Mammals

Places

our pictures >>

22 February - 8th March 2008

Many thanks Jith for a wonderful stress free holiday. We won't say it's been relaxing getting up so early in the morning but it's been worth it to see all the amazing birds you have shown us. We were disappointed not to be able to visit Yala National Park but appreciated your concern for our safety and very much enjoyed the destinations you arranged as an alternative.

Thank you, too, for your patience as John pursued countless butterflies in an attempt to photograph them and for your help in spotting them.

We were pleased to see that you used local guides and supported enterprises benefiting local communities wherever possible. After all the information you have given us and the places you have shown us we feel that we have learnt a great deal about Sri Lanka and you are certainly a great ambassador for your country. Of course, without Silva's careful driving we would not have made it to all the marvelous places we visited. So many thanks, Silva for delivering us safely to our destinations.

Our very best wishes to you both!
Marianne and John Ball
Westbury - Sub - Mendip

More tour pictures >>

Behind standing: ASHOKA JAYARATHNA (Sri Lankan field scientist), SOMJAI MONOTHIRAKUL, VORAWAN AKSORNSART, PORNKASEM KANTAMARA, PONGSUDA VONGSINGHA, PIYANIPA SAENGKAEW, KRIANGKRAI SUWANNAPHAK, LILIN SONGPASOOK, SUMATE  BHLAPIBUL, PRAPAS KANAYART, UDOM SETAJID, SAMUTH CHONGVISAL, PENCHUN IAMCHUM, BUSSAYA  CHANSAREKORN, NATTINEE LIMKITISUPASIN, PRASIT  CHANSAREKORN, SUWANNA MOOKACHONPAN. Front seated: CHOSITA, FAHRUNG, SUMALEE WONGDARA, NISA PUECHPOLCHAROEN, RENUKA VONGVIRIYATHAM, TEERAPONG SINJAROENMANEE, PANEE TANGJAROENBAMRUNG, SUKANDA LALITKITTI

1. More comments from other group members and tour in pictures >>

2. Nattinee Limkitisupasin and members of the Thai Birders' group , Thailand travelled with Walk With Jiht from December 2007 to January 2008. See more photos by some group members here >>

Dec 28, 2007 - Jan 5, 2008

From Thailand.

Dear Jith and the team,

We the 24 enthusiastic birders from Thailand, could not have thanked you more for such a wonderful birding trip in Sri Lanka. We might have been the craziest, the loudest, the funniest, but also the most lovely group. We all greatly appreciate your effort to find all the great birds for us. No matter they are Red- faced Malkoha, SL Wood Pigeon, Hanging Parrot, White-throated flowerpecker... but anyway... no need to feel guilty, if you can't find it! We'd Buddhist too. We're very understanding! The Safari's are such memorable experiences which we will surely remember forever. No need to go all the way to Africa!

P.S. All the local guides at Sinharaja are very nice & helpful too!

Nu Oar & Somjai,
Dan Kantama

More comments from other group members and tour in pictures >>

Jim France & Brian Clasper Durham, England

18 Jan 2007

Dear Jith,

Thank you for an excellent trip. the birds were amazing, the food incredible & all the people we met were so friendly & helpful. We both appreciate your (and Sam's) patience in actually getting on birds which we couldn't initially see!

Your knowledge of the history of Sri Lanka is truly amazing. We both learnt an awful lot in such a short space of time. Please give out sincere thanks to Samanth, He was an incredible driver and we always felt totally safe in his care.

We both have many incredible memories that will always stay with us, and hopefully we will send some fantastic photos!

We really enjoyed your company and hope we were'nt too loud over our ten days.

Many, many thanks!

Thai Birders Group
Bangkok, Thailand.

December 04, 2006

We do have a very wonderful time in Sri Lanka, a very lovely and nature friendly country. Very many birds were observed with much enjoy. We would like to thank you, Jith and your ream for taking best care of us during the whole trip of about a week. With your bird consideration and lovely arrngement, we hope we will have another chance to visit your home country again in the future Thank you very much for every thing.