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.
I have been looking forward to this trip for quite a while – ever since you were introduced to me when you were birding at the RSPB reserve of the Saltholme . I was told how brilliant you were at finding the birds, but it did not prepare us for just how wonderful your country is. As Barry and Brenda have written, you opened up the country of Sri Lanka to us all and you exceeded my expectations over the birds.
I hope that one day you will see an English medow pipit, and a puffin with several sand eels in its bill!
Than you Jith, & your crew
Peter & Ann Langham
Derbington
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Alan - Jith - Betty Fowles - Gery - Tina Shirt - Mr Silva
29.01.2011 – 12.02.2011
We’ve had this trip booked for 18 months & it was worth the wait – despite the heavy rain & flooding we experienced in the first week. For my first ever “birding” holiday this was tough but Jith has shown great patience & now I’m “hooked”.
The habitats have been as varied as the accommodations & that variety has enriched the experience. We’re currently in Galle with your final adventure in the morning. Down to Merissa at 05.15 am to go in search of the mighty Blue Whale. Fingers crossed we were lucky as we were in Yala when we saw a leopard with a young cub.
Many thanks Jith for our second birding trip with you albeit only a week this time.
Although a shortened trip the birding as ever was superb and the transport and support from “Mr. Silva” was second to none. (as was his ever present smile)
We loved Sri Lanka, the birds and the people the first time we came and nothing has altered, long may it remain unchanged!
How can we put into words what a wonderful week we have had?
You have created for both our needs, as amateurs birders who can’t always see what you want her to see and teenage princess who hates to move an inch without checking her hair, but you made her see the light + visit the rainforest wearing leech socks + funny waterproofs and no makeup + trimmings + and she actually enjoyed herself!! You have taught us so much about your wonderful Island and your passion and enthusiasm is inspiring. A never ending supply of funny stories and simple jokes has kept us amused us throughout and I am sure we have amused you with our funny English ways + “things”.
A wonderful holiday that has been all that was promised and more! Jith has been attentive since the day we contacted him over the internet. He has provided a brilliant service, a tailor made itinary that has given us a wonderful insight into this fascinating country.
The birding has been wonderful under Jith’s expert guidance and boundless patience!! We have learned so much about the history of the island and experienced such a variety of towns, villages, historical and religious sites. Some highlights: Reclining Stone Buddha; making it to the top of Sigiriya, fire walking dancers; Landover Safari; 35 new birds a day; more Buddha’s in caves; curry for breakfast; monkeys and elephants ---- and more and more.
Well where do we start. Thank you Jith for an amazing trip. We wasn’t sure what we would make of Sri Lanka but we love it and thanks to you for all your knowledge of the cultural side.
We came to Sri Lanka mainly for the birds and wildlife. Before we arrived in Sri Lanka we exchanged lots of emails asking if we could see bats and leopards. He delivered us with 100s of bats and 3 leopards so was very happy. Birdwatching wise was excellent. We saw 27 of 33 endemic birds, 175 species of Birds in total of which 112 where new (would have been happy with a 100).