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Guest Book - Bird Watching Tours Comments
2010
Ann and Roland Glifford
Preston, England
15 -31 December 2010
I am sitting outside our “bunglow” at Ranwali, watching the squirrel and listening to the waves pounding on the shore. Soon it will be time to pack and to make our way to the airport where we will see The New Year in over a cup of coffee! We have no desire whatsoever to leave this beautiful island and return to the stresses of our daily life at home! This has been the perfect holiday, thanks to Jith OK-
The rain was a bit of a pain at times but even he couldn’t sort that! He planned our itinerary, booked us into superb hotels (too posh for us) and through our walks with him we learnt about his culture as well as the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka. We saw many wonderful animals (but are still looking for a frog!) and most of the endemic birds. We have to leave some for next time, after all! If I have counted correctly we saw a total of 192 species of birds. Thank you, Jith you worked really hard to find the birds and we really appreciate that despite the leeches, the stand up canoe/ferry. The swinging bridge etc. etc. We will take a wealth of memories and experiences home with us and will never forget what a wonderful time we had with you and Mr. Silva – a really nice man with a quiet sense of humor, he will do anything to help and always with a smile on his face. So thank you to you too Mr. Silva. Thank you too for cleaning my trainers! What a hero!
The chances are, that of you are reading this you will already have “Walk With Jith” and so do not need me to recommend him. If you haven’t already walked with him, do so! You will not be disappointed!
Ann and Roland Glifford
Preston, England
Happy New Year Jith and Mr. Silva! May 2011 bring you much happiness and many more clients!
192 species of birds
30 other animals
Lots of butterflies
Brian and Sue Pollard - Joan 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
Joan and Dave Carman
Leicestershire, UK
John and Linda Wightman and Carol and Brian Phillips
Nottingham UK
9th-29th November 2010
We have both enjoyed Sri Lanka, everywhere people have been friendly and helpful. The country appears green and fertile and much less littered than other tropical countries we have visited. We wanted a mixed trip, wild life –especially birds and to learn something of the culture of the country, and that is what Jith has delivered: a rich diversity of experiences. He has been excellent when explaining the island’s history & culture. We have learned about spices, trees, orchids and benefitted from his skills at finding the birds: a great all-round experience.
With Silva as our driver for the three weeks we have always felt safe and he found a few birds as well.
Thanks, Jith, for your patience and help when we were feeling unwell and for a wonderful holiday.
John – Linda Wightman
Nottingham, UK
***
9th-29th November 2010
Travelled with John – Linda Wightman previous page.
Our visit to Sri lanka has been all we hoped for. Having planned what we wanted to see and where we wanted to go, Jith took over and organized our route, our journeys and great accommodation along the way.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island and it is obvious that the Sinhalese people are proud of their country and look after their surroundings. Jith shares his knowledge of his country with us giving us an insight into how the people live and use the natural sources of food around them. We learnt about the history of the island as we visited temples and landmarks.
Some places we visited were for bird watching and Jith proved an excellent guide spotting birds for us and also many other creatures very memorable as the scrambles down a hillside through trees and across bogs to see Serendip Scopes Owl and the monsoon rain which followed.
Many thanks to Mr. Silva for getting us around the country safely and cheerfully, always willing to help and sometimes spotting birds too!
Thank you, Jith, for making our visit to Sri Lanka such an enjoyable experience.
Carol and Brian Phillips
Calventon, Nottingham UK
Peter and Helen Preston
Melbury Osmond, Dorset, UK
and Montagu, W. Cape, South Affrica
8th-23rd Sept 2010
We first met Jith on the internet from South Africa and cemented the relationship at the Ruthland bird fair in August 2010. What followed for 16 memorable days, has been a very varied, often exiting always different and all in all a wonderful experience. We requested a bird watching/cultural and historical/gastronomically Sri Lankan trip and we certainly had all these in abundance! The cultural/ heritage series of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya were very special, as well as our trip to the Tooth Relic Palace in Kandy. The garden of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya were a delight both botanically and ornithologically. Our 12 hour excursion into Yala reserve and our two days in the rain forest of Sinharaja were magnificent and wonderfully tiring – relaxation more enjoyable by variations of rice and curry and doses of Lion/anchor beer and Arrack!
We are not bird tickers and counters, but bird lovers and watchers. However if we have to list some of our special encounters with local birds there would have to include the BLACK NECKED STROK at Yala (one of only 5? left in Sri Lanka). The CRESTED HAWK EAGLE, 10 yards away also at Yala. The VELVET FRONTED NUTHATCH in one of the amazing ‘flocks’ of multi-species birds in Sinharaja. Especial REDFACED MALKOHAS also in the flocks and the MALABAR/SRI LANKA TROGON. Was that a DOLLARBIRD on the skyline 500 meters away, or just a HOUSE CROW not in its normal habitat? We shall never know; but it was fun speculating and not being tickers/twitchers, it didn’t really matter!... Also what about the BLACK BIRD (UK style) with red legs, beak and eyes at Hakgala Gardens? Debating on him lead us to have perfect sighting of the SRI LANKAN WOOD PIEGON (the fissi of 6), DULL BLUE FLY CATCHER and YELLOW EARED BULBUL. Wonderful birds in the informative and entertaining company of Jith. He and his many colleagues in conservation in Sri Lanka have the most amazing ability to see we would normally completely overlook –especially YELLOW-WATTLED FARNINGS, COLLARED SCOPS OWLS and BROWN FISH OWLS –plus many others; including varied LIZARDS & BUTTERFLIES.
Many before have commented on the cheerful and happy character of Mr. Silva, who always manages to miss 20+ potential daily collisions on the road with shill, aplouds and the occasional ‘toot-toot’ on his horn. Driving in Sri Lanka is an art best left to the professionals and Mr. Silva is definitely at the top of these roads.
So, at the end of a fantastic 16 days in Sri Lank; our first time in this friendly and varied country, we say very many thanks to Jith for giving us one of our top “experiences of a life time”.
All the very best—we may be back sooner rather than later!
Thank you!
Peter and Helen
23 Sep 2010
Penny and Graham Lower
July 2010
We have greatly enjoyed our short trip with Jith to Sinaraja. His expertise & skill at spotting birds, sometimes at great distances has been truly impressive. Lots of information too about flora and fauna. We have seen a wonderful range of birds while here under his guidance and he has addressed all our questions and ensured we have had the best chance at the endemics. Our third visit to Sri Lanka and it has been well- worthwhile. We will highly recommend Jith’s services to others.
Many thanks,
Penny & Graham Lower
Sussex, UK.
Lynda & Terry Dalton, Debbie & Peter Luetchford, Sue & Kevin Dengate, Ann & Steve Marley
16th April 2010
Meeting Jith at the bird fair in 2009 has led us to one of the best holidays we have ever had' As a group of friends – some very keen bird watchers and some not so keen, we wanted a mix of; birds wildlife and culture. After many e-mails and telephone calls to ensure we included all we wanted, you gave us all three in excellent measure. Your organization and attention to detail has been second to none. We have many happy memories to take home with us including a wonderful time in the rainforest with an entertaining evening of song and guitar playing – there is no end to your talents!
All of this was made even more enjoyable with your provision of a fantastic guide in Nandana together with Susanta and Harsha to drive us arround and make sure that we had all of our luggage at the right time and place.
Nandana was attentive at all times, good company a jolly good sport – not to mention the 29 out of 33 endemics that he managed to find for us in a very limited amount of time. A bird list in total of 142!
We thoroughly enjoyed hearing all about Sri Lanken history and culture from him and have hsared many laughs along the way due to his appreciation of our british humour!
Once again many thanks for such a wonderful holiday, we will not hesitate to recommend you around UK and look forward to maybe 'WALKING WITH JITH' again!!
Lynda &Terry Dalton
Debbie & Peter Luetchford
Sue & Kevin Dengate
Ann & Steve Marley
- Whitstable, Kent, England.
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
 
Janet inside the coach with her birthday's decorations. 2010
Right: Helen, Chris, Janet, Warwick, Dave and Ian at Unawatuna beach
25th March 2010.
Jith,
All of our deepest thanks and gratitude for the care and attention that ensured a very successful tour to your beautiful country.
Your welcoming and friendly approach made us all feel relaxed, contributed to the enjoyment thought our time with you.
Your enthusiasm brought the trip to life with your comprehensive knowledge and expertise.
You went the “extra yard” in every aspect of our trip and provided a service “above the call of duty.”
Your flexible approach enabled one of our party, Janet, to celebrate in style her 50th birthday party in Tissa – including a decorated table and cake set in the beautiful hotel grounds. The transport provided to both the rain forest and safari parks was excellent. Nishantha the driver excelled in ensuring a safe journey through out the tour and Harsha, his companion attended to all our needs. Our expectations were exceeded to the extreme. We spotted over120 bird species and many mammals including the spotted leopard, crocodiles, and elephants.
This has been an experience of a life-time made possible by yourself and we would whole-heartedly recommend your services to anyone else visiting Sri Lanka.
Thanks again for all your help and support and best wishes for the future.
From,
Helen, Chris, Janet, Warwick
Dave and Ian
Sue and Alan Browne at Hotel Dolphin, 2010
27 February – 13 March 2010
Jith – What an amazing holiday.
We have seen so much of your island and learnt so much about Sri Lankan customs, traditions and the way of life. The planning, travelling and accommodation was first class throughout and your patience with Sue and some of the climbs was much appreciated.
The bird watching was wonderful and much more than we expected. Tour knowledge of where to go and what to listen and look for was amazing. But the time we left Sinharaja on day 12 of our holiday we had seen 205 different species and 30 out of the 33 endemics including the Serendib Scops Owl which we never dreamt we would see.
Thanks for a wonderful two weeks
Sue & Alan Browne
Chesterfield, UK
P.S. And to the ever smiling, courteous, and patient Mr. Silva, a big ‘Thank You’ for driving comfortably and safely around the Island over some difficult road, and through some terrifying traffic!
Sue, Colin, Mary and Pete. In front of Ravana Water Falls, Sri Lanka, 2010
Feb 6th 2010 to Feb 21st 2010
Thank you Jith for arranging our wonderful tour of Sri Lanka. We have had a fantastic time in your beautiful country. You enhanced our trip enormously with your knowledge of the history, culture religion and the traditions of Sri Lanka, whilst still managing to show us 200 species of birds many mammals, flowers and plants – The Serendib Scops Owl is something we will never forget.
Our wive thank you, Jith, for the tour of the jewellery factory. Pete and I are now broke – but the girls are happy.
The hotels you arranged for us were all of a high standard with cuisine to match.
You have a wonderful personality Jith and a great sense of humor – and not a bad singer. We all had some great nights in your company.
A special thank you to Mr. Silva, our driver, who got us everywhere safely and kept us well stocked up with water.
A brilliant time has been had by all. Thanks again Jiith and well done Mr. Silva.
We would not hesitate to recommend you to anybody wishing to visit Sri Lanka.
Sue & Colin Green
Mary & Pete Asher
Leicester, England
David and Sarah Blair at Sinharaja Rain Forest- 2010
January 22nd – 8th February 2010
We have had a marvelous time with you on our tour, you have taken so much time & trouble to arrange.
Everything was perfect for us made us feel very special. The accommodation you recommended for us has been ideal and the welcome and hospitality have been first class, and we haven’t had to worry about a thing. Your guiding has been excellent and your knowledge of the calls & habitats as well as excellent identification skills has been first rate. Birdwise, it has been really good to see almost all of the endemics awailable. It has been particularly good to have your expertise and & patience to get both of us and every bird with excellent sightings. We have seen approximately 200 species with xxxxx and over 50 of these have been like lifetime lists for us. You have also now taken us over the 3000 birds milestone!
We were so pleased to see the Serendib Scopes Owl on the 2nd last day. What a wonderful bird, really sums up Sinharaja along with other wonderful mixed flocks such as the Red faced Malkoha, Malabar Trogan, White faced Starling, etc. all in the one eyeful!
Its also been lovely to enjoy your company and conversations on the wide range of topics, politics, religion, philosophy, culture, education and so on. You have made this a wonderful trip for us and kept us entertained through out, and even surprised us at Sinharaja by bringing out your guitar for some musical entertainment!
All the arrangement for the holiday have been excellent due to your care and attention. The transport has been excellent too, with excellent driving with Mr. Jayawardana who has looked after us with great skill and excellent reflexes on the roads!
In short, everything was fabulous. It’s been a busy trip taking seven different locations and lots of early starts but the pace has suited us well and the time has really flown by. I can’t believe our tour is almost over! We can now spend our last few nights in Ranweli reflecting last two weeks and all the experiences that we have had together. We will be dreaming about Sri Lanka for a long time now!
We would recommend a trip with you to anyone coming to Sri Lanka and look forward to meeting up with you some time when you are over in the UK for the Birdfair. Thank you for everything Jith! We had a great time.
All the best wishes and regards
David and Sarah Blair
Lancashire, UK
Phil and Di Swanwick at Martin's Lodge, Sinharaja, 2010
Jan 09th – Jan 23rd 2010
Jith,
We would like to echo all the previous wonderful testimonials, as your ksill, knowledge and professionalism are indeed unique. Our stay has taken in to beautiful and sacred places meeting lovely Sri Lankan people everywhere we have been.
We enjoyed our stay immensely and thank you for your patience as I know we can be a little trying!
Butterflies, bugs, trees, fish your knowledge is great but we came fof birds and birds we got. I have not totaled our hit but we have not been disappointed at all, “our wish list” is almost 100% completed.
Thanks for your insight into Sir Lankan life and culture and also your guitar playing and singing like most things Sri Lankan different and delightful!
Finally many thanks to Silva (Mr. Silva) who delivered us to where we supposed to be exactly, safely, punctually and almost with a greeting and a smile.
Many thanks Jith.
PHIL & DI SWANWICK.
STROKE – ON – TRENT
UK
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