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Guest Book - Bird Watching Tours Comments

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

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

26th April 2009

When we met you at the British Bird Fair in August 2008, we both knew right away that we wanted to Walk With Jith!

What a great opportunity to see your beautiful country and the nature – the jeep safari in Bundala – Painted Stroks and the challenge of IDing the Terns ( and of getting the cactus needles out of Daves uh… shorts)…

And the culture – thanks for arranging our visit to the ruins and the temples at Polonnaruwa (a good museum there!)- and the surprising Buduruwagala. Surprising to see a women there and surprise #2 – a great birding spot as well…

And the exercise – yes, we would gladly face the challenge of Sigiriya again to see those exquisite frescoes (Thank you, Alan, for making us go there at 6 a.m. – we marveled at the palace, just the two of us and the day was fresh, ahead of the mid day heat)…

And the food – I will not forget eating a large scoop of coconut sambol with my breakfast scrambled eggs wow! Yummy curd in the terracotta pot, delicious “bakery” lunches, bindi, brinjal, and a hundred other new tastes and treats…

And the hospitality – treated like royalty at Ranwali and Topaz and the grand old Grand Hotel, and treated like family at Martins Lodge in Sinharaja…

And the adventure – wondering of the elephant would let us leave Bundala, wondering if even a Land Rover could get us up the roads to Martin’s, wondering if Alan would ever get a cell phone signal again…

And the birds – 30 endemics! Wow – two frog mouths in bove, both of the thick knees that funny camouflaged Ash Crowned Lark Sparrow 2 pairs of glorious Malabar Trogans, the shy shy Thrushes – Spot winged and Scally, the follow – the – leader Dark Froned Babbler and Brown capped Babblers, oh! A special “thank you” to the leaders of the pack, the Orange Billed Babblers – you make it all happen at Sinharaja * … and the animals – the night of the Green Turtle was the most touching nature experience ever…

And the guide – Jith you are a great naturalist and we will remember this wonderful two weeks forever.

Lorraine Shaffer Briddon, Chicago, USA
David Briddon, Cheshire, UK

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

See more photos of the tour by Mary and Martin here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11426611@N03/

March 2009

Martin & Mary Leathwood

We found Jith on the Responsible tourism website went to his site and liked the mixture of culture, walking and bird watching.
We wanted to change the balance of the tour a little and this proved very easy. Paying the deposit to the UK bank and the balance in travelers cheques in Sri Lanka worked well.

During our three week trip virtually everything worked like clockwork. Prasanjith & Mr. Silva our driver looked after us exceptionally well always willing to stop for a photo. some fruit or buffalo curd and a more of information on the history, culture, religion and everyday life of this very beautiful country.

Met early at the air port then to first hotel after stopping at the ATM for some rupees. Note – that ATMs give cash in 1000 – 2000 notes so evolved as stratergy to get 50s, 100s, for tips. 500s are also very useful. Hotel are sometimes able to help but I used to go into the bank after using the ATM to get the lower denomination notes.

During is at a leisurely place and on the longer journeys Jith was fabulous at spotting birds or discussing various ….. of Sri Lankan life and we also loved “our lunches” brought at local bakeries and fruit stalls.

We asked for a mixture of accommodation from luxury resorts to very simple guesthouses and the mixture was perfect for us and our budget. In fact some of the best food and most memorable experience were at the guesthouses.

Any other information or help e-mail Martin & Mary at mlduckhole@aol.com

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.

20th February to 7th March 2009

Jith & Mr. Silva
I will start with a very big thank you for lots of hard work and early starts in the mornings which got us to your total of 231 species with only two of the endemics missing. This is a very good total and we are more than pleased with this number. Many of these would have been missed had it not been for your sharp eye and good hearing.

Good luck for the future!
See you at the Bird Fair.

Dave Nelson & Bob Crawford
Middlesbrough
England

Jan 3 – 20 Feb 2009

So jith, what was the question we were in fear of asking? At the supper table each evening -. “What time tomorrow?” With a little chuckle, you would give us the “bad” news! But of course it is sensible to start early, there are distances to travel and you are sure to see more birds before it gets too warm.
The south west and south was a good start. Pity we couldn’t visit Yala, but Bundala and Udawalawa produce good results. We “conghed it” in Sinharaja, but the experience and the birds will lingure in the memory. Even in the Cultural Triangle we saw some more species to add to the list – nearly 200 by the end of the trip.

Jith not only knows where to find birds, but an excellent organizer. His driver, Silva is a great asset and might in another life, has been a grand pix driver. There were other appropriate experts of various venues, which helped to make the trip that much more enjoyable. Thank you, Jith, for a good time.

Shirley and Barrie Bird
Peter and Jakie Bourne

28 January 2009
Jith,
Thank you for showing us your wonderful island. We have enjoyed it all; the culture, hotels, fantastic scenery and most of all the birds. The driver Nishantha and his assistant Sisira should also be commended for their friendly nature and bird spotting skills. Our appetite for Sri Lanka has certainly been whetted and we hope to return again.
Thanks again;

Ian & Lynn Cowgill, Melanie & Roy Rovill

***
28 January 2009
Jith,
Your good organization and local knowledge allowed our group to find 170 species of birds within the different nature reserves and cultural places we visited. The mixture of cultural treasures of different religious and industrial sites, like tea production factories, ensured a mix of interest for everyone. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and Jith ensured we was it at its best, well done Jith and thank you!

Regards
Terry and Julie Doman

John & Margret Butt
March, Camgridgeshire

09 December 2008

Jith,
Thank you for a wonderful holiday. You have thought us so much about Sri Lanka. The rain does seem to have followed us around but nevertheless we have seen some wonderful sights and had many memorable experiences. Some were good - Sigirya, Polonnaruwa, the birdlife and the animals. Some were not so good - leechs, NuwaraEliya Botanical Gardens in the pouring rain...
We hope to see you at the bird fair next year.

November 2008

Jith,

Once again you have planned the perfect balanced holiday & combined wildlife, culture & relaxation all into & two week action filled break. Thanks again &  rest assumed we will be back.
Lyn Reynolds Exmoor Zoo
Barnstaple, N. Devon
***

We can only reiterate what has been said above. For us, the highlight was the close encounter with the elephants.
Thanks again!
Ivonne and Lyn Summerset
***

Jith,
It was an honour to meet you. I enjoyed our little talks together, I am only sorry we could not meet your wife & son. Thank you for arranging this fantastic holiday! I enjoyed every moment of it apart from the leeches! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Until we meet again...
Cath xx
***

Dear Jith,
Thank you for a truly wonderful holiday. I really have had the time of my life. I will be back.
Thank you again
Sam xxxx
North Devon
***

Jith
Thank you for a fantastic holiday seeing new things different from last time especially Dollar bird and Sri Lankan Ornamental Tarantula and more memories to last a lifetime. Many many thanks and hopes to the next time.
Pat Tucker, Ana Kalanag
North Devon
***

Jith,
Hard to find the words. But I hope the pictures we can share bring back great memories or the great times we spent. Many thanks.
John Hammond
Croyde Imagery
North Devon
***

Jith Thank you for sharing with us your wonderful country - culture, history, flora and fauna. There are so many highlights to mention but this was a good one!
Very many thanks!
Joe and Jan.
Norfolk. Uk.
***

David and Betty Barrans
Huddersfield, U.K.

09 November 2008

Walking With Jith

What a wonderful experience this has been. Betty and I have thoroughly enjoyed the two days - not only learning about the birds, but about the structure of the forest and its plant and animal life. Jith has been quite happy to have taken each day at our peace ensuring that we slow as much as possible, particularly the endemic birds. Whilst he was a little disappointed that we missed out on one or two, I can give every assurance that we were more than satisfied.

Good luck for the future!

Udawalawa Safari with Jith. Right: Alistair McLee and Carol
More tour pictures >>

20th March - 10th April, 2008

All things bright & beautiful
All creatures great & small
All things wise & wonderful
Our man Jith knows them all

Thank you for making this a wonderful trip for me - being with two fanatical birdwatchers, your job was not an easy one but you "wrapped it up" oh so well!! Cool. Only joking!!

Without your superb vision and field craft I would never have seen even a fraction of the bird species. The impromptu arrangement to watch the turtle laying eggs, is in my mind's eye for ever. Your knowledge and love of your island's history was obvious as you guided us around the shrines, temples and places. Not only that the information you shared with us about the present daily lives of the island's people, allowed us to "get beneath the surface" of the place - a thing tourists who simply come for "sun and sea" fail to do.

Thanks a million and hope to see you at the Bird Fair this summer!

Alistair
North Yorkshire

More tour pictures >>

Marianne and John Ball
More tour 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 >>

Helen Mike Jith Gill and John
More tour pictures >>

8th to 21st Feb 2008

Thank you Jith for a wonderful holiday! We have been delighted with everything we have experienced - the smooth arrangements; the varied and interesting places to stay; the trouble you took to make sure that we were having a good time; and, of course, seeing all those wonderful birds;- 29 of Sri Lanka's endemics and nearly 200 species in total. Your guiding was excellent and knowledgeable - and patient!
Traveling around in your micro-bus was comfortable and spacious, and we really appreciated the careful and considerate driving of Silva, our driver, for the two weeks. It is always difficult to decide on the high lights of any holiday. But we all enjoyed the walks up Sigiriya Rock and around the Horton Plains. We certainly plan to "Walk With Jith" again.

All the best for the future!

John & Helen Franklin
Mike and Gill Lewis
U.K.

See you at the Birdfair! - Helen and Franklin
Thanks for a lovely holiday! - John

More tour pictures >>

More tour pictures >>

January 6th - 18th 2008

Dear Jith,

My wife and I considered coming here birding with a guide as somewhat of a risk. Previously we have always just booked a flight, to wherever, hired a car at the airport and travelled around with great freedom aiming at particular sites of interest and staying wherever possible. So to book a guide and driver for 2 weeks was somewhat questionable for us. Having to spend 2 weeks together with two strangers was not something we did lightly. We have always enjoyed the excitement of finding our own birds.

However, we should not have worried because we would have been completely lost with regard to finding and seeing the birds, as well as on the roads, driving ourselves. Our friend Jith is an undisputed expert at charming the birds out of the trees and covering all the important sites comfortably in two weeks. The two night stay at Sinharaja was from another world, and not to be missed by anyone who has the slightest interest in anything natural. Both myself and my wife were very impressed by the selection of sites of cultural & archeological interest and Jith's deep knowledge of the same.

Your knowledge of all aspects of Sri Lankan life is to be admired, along with the enthusiastic way you put it over to visitors, and we hope that many more people will benefit from your tours in future, particularly with regard to the birdlife. We hope you didn't find our few days on the beach too much of a bore. We must also mention your 71 year old driver, Silva, who has endless years of experience touring round the island. He did it with great confidence and composure in what we would describe as sometimes very trying circumstances. Well done Silva!
Many many thanks to both for a really great holiday. Hope to see you at the bird fair, 2008, and if you wish to see a red grause be sure to book you accommodation early!

Best wishes
John & Margret Corbett
Nottingham, UK.

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

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

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 >>

See more pictures of their tour here >>

Steve Woolnough and Malinda Brooks
Suffolk, UK

1st  December 2007

Well, where does one start? Firstly, by saying a huge thank you to Jith for helping us have probably our best holiday ever.
We've spent 3 weeks in Sri Lanka and thanks to Jith's first class organizational skills and all round professionalism, we've seen everything we asked for and more.
Jith's knowledge of the birds, plants + wildlife has been excellent; as has his knowledge on the cultural side - a great combination of skills. Indeed, we've learnt more from Jith than any guide book could tell us.
I'd like to add that he was always ready to answer our questions, no matter how much!
We've enjoyed every minute of our time in Sri Lanka and Jith's guidance + company has given us some beautiful moments, such as releasing baby green turtles - something never to be forgotten.
We'd happily recommend Jith to anyone - whether you want birding, wildlife or culture, or, like us you want to combine everything.
Our driver, Silva, was simply excellent and between him and Jith there wasn't a single glitch in the whole holiday. Just perfect!

5 August 2007

Jith,

Thank you so much for showing us Sri Lanks. We arrived without much knowledge of what to expect and we leave feeling like we've really seen the real Sri Lanka. The combinationof culture and bird watching gave us the opportunity to visit some amazing historical sites - the steps a Sigiriya were a real challenge - while also clocking 154 bird species at the 'off' season. We were amazed by the range and colour of the endemic species - both plant and animal. A real highlight was the Royal botanical Gardens in Kandy - who would have thought you had so many useful plants here? But I think the baby elephants still stole the show - at 2 weeks old we could almost fit it in out suitcase! We'a love to keep in touch & Maybe see you at the bird fair.

Debbie McGuinn, Adventure Ecologist
Flagstaff, Arizona, USA

25 May 2007

Jith,

Thank you so much for putting my tour together with such short notice. It was a fabulous 5-day tour to Thalangama Wetlands, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawalawe N P and Yala N.P. You were very patient and kind. The bird and wildlife watching were fantastic, and I very much enjoyed learning about the plants, and cultural aspects of Sri Lanka. Thanks for the many highlights and treasures! Sri Lanka is an amazing place! The people are warm and friendly. And you are an excellent and well rounded guide.

Take care.

Lynn & Danny Reynolds, Directors, Exmoor Zoo, N. Devon; Ben Potterton, Norfolk; Colin Scott, Devon; Bruce Walton, Cheshire; Pat Tucker, Devon; John & Shelly Ray, Warwickshire.

17 Feb 2007

Well all I can say is this has been the BEST bird watching (and animal) "holiday" I have been on. The early morning starts were made up with excellent birds or very interesting local culture and history. The time was spent immersing our selves in Sri Lanka. The knowledge of Jith on birds/ animals and plants was outstanding and so was his organization. It was second to none. (Even when the land rover was stuck in the mud) -We laughed -. I would recommend him to everyone. The only way to see the real Sri Lankan and all its wonders.

John Ray, Deputy Director
Twycross Zoo, England.

***

Jith,

Your patience and knowledge was out-standing. You successfully led a mixed group of zoologists, botanists and enthusiasts on a magical tour of your country.

In fact the memories will be so vivid and the places so diverse, that we will never really need to return. We all will I am sure and would like to retain your friendship.

Live long and prosper and excellent experience!

Lynn & Danny Reynolds
Directors, Exmoor Zoo
UK

***

May the force be with you! - Ben Potterten

***

Had a fantastic time - Thank you! - Shelley Ray

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!

July 30, 2010

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.

Geoff Binks and Liz Young
British nationals living in Spain.

November 05, 2006

Reading through this guest book, we realized that every one has said already what we feel about our tonight with Jith & Saman. We have had a throughly enjoyable and informative time with them both, as well as a few laughs! The whole trip has been truly emorable - the birds, the lovely people, the food and the country as a whole. We won't forget and we will return.

Thank you Jith for every thing - so glad we stopped at your stand at the bird watching fair at Rutland last August. It was the beginning of a wonderful experience here Sri Lanka.

Mel & Miles McKey
California, USA.

February 16, 2006

We havent made a final count yet, but we certainly sure a lot of birds, most of them new to us. We thank you, Jith, for having such sharp eyes, even from the van. We'll never forget the Dwarf Kingfisher landing on the road so we could get a really good look at it. We also appriciated your wide knowledge of botany, butterflies and the many reptiles and mammals we saw.

Thank you so much for every thing including the Lion Largers!

Mark Taylor
General Sales Manager (New vehicles)
BMW group (Doncaster)
Melbourne, Australia

Click here to read Mark Taylors travell report

November 15 - 29th , 2005

Prasanjith has put togather an excellent birdwatching tour, but also with the help of Jayaweera, the jeep drivers and national park guides. The combine knowledge of these guides is exceptional. I have looked up 223 species of birds, (no, I was not counting, but my palm pilot was) with a day to go and this is testament to all those mentioned above.
But more than just the nature, it was the cultural and human interludes that made for such a memorable holiday. From buffolo curd & Kithul syrup, to the very ancient history of Sri Lanka and being present during the presidential election - love those firecrackers!, all was greate than the parts.

Thank you Prasanjith & Jayaweera!

Mark Whittaker, Journalist
Sydney, Australia

10th August 2005

Dear Jith,
Thanks so much for a very relaxing few days birding. It never ceased to surprise me how you pull these birds out of no where, like you conjured them up your self. Shame about that starting never mind that just gives me an excuse to come back and get it next time. I certainly look foward to playing the CD and being reminded each time of the splenders of Sinharaja.
All the best!

Janet Dewes & Paul Seligman
Wales, UK

Click here to read Paul Seligman's travell report

10th – 25th January, 2005

Jith has given us a marvelous holiday. We have seen large numbers of splendid birds in marvelous surroundings, been informed about flowers and animals, and have been made to feel welcome members of the Sri Lankan family, rather than tourists. Many thanks to him and Samanth for such a wonderful introduction to the country and its customs.