A Journey Through Sri Lanka: From Mountain Trails to Ancient Cities and Wildlife
Every traveller experiences Sri Lanka differently. For some, it’s the challenge of hiking through misty mountains. For others, it’s spotting elephants on safari, exploring ancient heritage, or connecting with local village life. My goal is always to bring these experiences together into one seamless and memorable journey.
Recently, I had the pleasure of organising a tailor-made holiday for three wonderful guests. Their itinerary took them across some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular destinations, blending adventure, nature, culture, and wildlife.
Their journey began in the beautiful hill country around Ella, where they explored sections of the Pekoe Trail and experienced the breathtaking landscapes that make this region so special. One of the highlights of the trip was hiking through Horton Plains National Park, where I had the privilege of joining them as their guide. Together we explored the unique montane ecosystem while discovering its remarkable birdlife and wildlife.
The adventure then continued to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Staying in Habarana, they explored the historic surroundings of Dambulla, enjoyed an authentic village experience, and embarked on an exciting safari, creating unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity.
Every part of the journey—from selecting comfortable accommodation and organising reliable transport to arranging knowledgeable local guides and unique experiences—was carefully planned to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday.
Receiving messages like these after the tour is the greatest reward.
“Thank you, Dinesh, for making my first serious hiking holiday in Sri Lanka such a lovely experience. My level of hiking was pushed to its limits, but satisfyingly so. Thank you also for a lovely lineup of a variety of settings that gave me a rich and wonderfully memorable experience of Sri Lanka. Thank you for sharing your expertise on birds during our Horton Plains segment of this trip. You have an abundance of knowledge of birds that both Shyla and I just loved.”
— Catheeja Ismail
“We have had a wonderfully smooth and enjoyable trip. This wouldn’t have been the case without your help, organisation, attention to detail and expertise. All the accommodation places and guides have been excellent. Meeting you and having you with us at Horton Plains was the icing on the cake. Many thanks for putting together this trip for us.”
— Tungchi
These heartfelt words remind me why I love what I do. A great journey is not simply about visiting famous places—it’s about creating meaningful experiences, paying attention to every detail, and ensuring every guest feels comfortable, inspired, and connected to Sri Lanka.
To Catheeja, Tungchi, and Shyla, thank you for trusting me to plan your Sri Lankan adventure. It was a privilege to be part of your journey, and I hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future.
— Dinesh Sanjeewa De Silva
Naturalist | National Tourist Guide Lecturer
Founder, Ceylon Nature Trail