Tour Reviews, testimonials from United Kingdom

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The trip has been fantastic

13 Apr 2023
Sean with Guide Thilina Kitulgala

Sean with Guide Thilina Kitulgala

 

I am being met at the airport and throughout the trip, the guys have been amazing. Thillie and Indo are both very patient – especially with one non-birder – and have successfully shown us all the endemic birds as well as several mammals such as sloth bears and leopards. 

We cannot recommend Walk With Jith highly enough. 

The trip has been fantastic and there has been an easy travel around the South of the island, with everything organized for us.

Thank you for making some amazing memories!

13 – 28 March 2023

We were looked after at all times

19 Jan 2023
Debbie and Chris Moore

Debbie and Chris Moore

We booked a 10 day birding tour of Sri Lanka with Walk With Jith. We were greeted at the airport by Jith, who introduced us to Thilina, our guide for the group and Indunil our driver. From that point onwards we were looked after at all times by both Thilina and Indunil.

We visited cloud, dry and rain forests seeing and unbelievable amount of birds. Thilina’s knowledge and experience of birds, habitats and other wildlife is second to none.

All the hotels were of good standard with friendly staff and all well located for our bird tour. We would like to say a big than you to Thilina and Indunil for looking after us with great care making our birding tour of Sri Lanka such a memorable experience and one that we will never forget.

Thanks again for everything

Debbie & Chris Moore

England

My Walk With Jith tour was outstanding

6 Jan 2023
Michael Gilding in Sinharaja Sri Lanka

Michael Gilding in Sinharaja Sri Lanka

My Walk With Jith tour was outstanding. All aspects of the tour were excellent from the greeting by Jith on my arrival at Colombo Airport to my departure. Everything about the tour was organized to the highest standards.

My guide Dhammika was excellent. He had super knowledge of the bird life of Sri Lanka, and he shared that knowledge in a professional and friendly manner. Even on the occasional long drives we chatted freely about many things; Not only birds and wildlife but the people, the country, and the different lifestyles in different areas.

Dhammika, over the years, had also made many friends in each area/hotel we stayed at. It was a pleasure to see and share in the friendliness that existed at each stop. I was also impressed that he had the respect of local people whose knowledge of the locations of difficult-to-find birds they showed freely.

Second tour with us - fantastic knowledgeable, kind, and patient guide

5 Jan 2023
Welcom of Linda Lennon and Clive Duncan at the airport by Prasanjith (Jith) and Susa_edited

Welcom of Linda Lennon and Clive Duncan at the airport by Prasanjith (Jith) and Susa

We first did a tour with Walk With Jith around the South of Sri Lanka in 2019 and had the wonderful Susa as our guide. We have had two abortive attempts to return but are so glad it was third time lucky. As always Jith provided us with options on where to stay, what we were likely to see, and, as before nothing was much too much trouble. We really appreciate him and Susa meeting us at the airport and despite the recent problems in Sri Lanka we felt totally safe at all times. Not only did we stay in some wonderful hotels but everywhere we went we were greeted with interest and huge welcome smiles.

As for Susa, he is just a fantastic knowledgeable, kind, and patient guide. He spotted birds so brilliantly and also knowing of our passions also for wildlife and photography, created opportunities for both as well as many birds including endemics we saw, elephants, leopards, spotted brown cat, mongooses, 2 types of monkey, boar, 3 types of deer and crocodiles.

Gave us an exceptional bird list of over 200 species including all endemics and 6 owls.

4 Jan 2023
Brian and Claire Bone with Prasanjtih (Jith) and Saman on arrivalBrian and Claire Bone with Prasanjtih (Jith) and Saman on arrival

Brian and Claire Bone with Prasanjtih (Jith) and Saman on arrival

Dear Jith, Thank you very much for organizing our second wonderful tour of Sri Lanka. Saman was a great guide and companion and he and his enthusiastic network gave us an exceptional bird list of over 200 species including all endemics and 6 owls. To top it all we had great sightings of leopards! Saman was patient with us and always displayed a good sense of humour. Most accommodation was welcoming and the food delicious with the exception of Amaya Hills, Kandy (which we will explain in a separate email).

Our only disappointment was the included cultural elements that did not happen. The main issue was the Temple of the Tooth as our arrival in Kandy coincided with the first major festival of the year and Kandy was chaotic. Other elements were missed because of timing elements.

Overall, a memorable visit that we will treasure.

Tour has been outstanding from start to finish

26 Nov 2022
Bob Biggs, Steve Taylor, and Richard Dunn with guide Thilina and driver Indunil

Bob Biggs, Steve Taylor, and Richard Dunn with guide Thilina and driver Indunil

We have visited many countries in the world and have engaged several bird guiding companies. From 26th November to 08th December 2022, we have been on a tour in Sri Lanka.

The tour has been outstanding from start to finish. Jith arranged everything perfectly and responded to all of our questions quickly and totally efficiently.

While in Sri Lanka, Thilina has been our guide and Indunil our driver/guide. Both have been exceptional. They are both extremely professional, with the added bonus of being kind , caring and considerate individuals.

Our previous tours included South America, Africa and North America. Our tour in Sri Lanka has been as good, if not better, than any we have been elsewhere.

We are happy to recommend WALKWITHJITH without reservation.        

Saw all the endemics and more. 10/10

18 Nov 2022
Scott and Glenn Hiklin with guide Saman

Scott and Glenn Hiklin with guide Saman

A wonderful tour! We stayed at lots of great places. We saw all the endemic birds (and many others). Saw lots of other animals, the food was great and the people were very friendly. Our guide, Saman, was very helpful in every way – he found lots of birds and animals, organized breakfasts for when we left hotels early, helped us translate queries to hotel staff, and many more ways too! The recent political unrest and riots have not caused us any issues at all!

Overall, a very good trip (10/10), and if we visit Sri Lanka again in the future, we will definitely be coming back to Walk With Jith.

Thank you very much Jith and Saman!!

In two days finding so many endemics; I didn’t think it was possible.

15 Apr 2022
Ken Field with guide Thilina and local guide

Ken Field with guide Thilina and local guide

Thank you so much for organizing my short 2 days trip to Sinharaja. It was all last minute but it has worked out better than I would have ever thought. 
In two days finding so many endemics. I didn’t think was possible but having Thili as a guide with his incredible knowledge and spotting skills has enabled me to see all but 2 of the endemics possible here even with the bonus of the Sri Lankan White-eye. Nothing tops the excitement of crawling through the undergrowth to see the Serendib Scopes Owl !

 

Good value for money, great communication.

26 Feb 2022
Nolan Hayden and Eilidh Hall with Upali

Nolan Hayden and Eilidh Hall with Upali

Sri Lanka is a wonderful country and the birds and wildlife are fantastic. We really enjoyed our trip!
The people here are very friendly and we are grateful to those generous folks who opened their homes and gardens to us to bird watch. They were so welcoming always ready with a cup of tea and some Sri Lankan sweet treats. (We recommend Juggery!)
All the accommodation was to a good standard and the staff were very kind and helpful. We enjoyed trying Sri Lanka food and definitely recommend going for the rice and curry option when offered. 
It was amazing to see the 33 endemic birds along with the others – 200+ total!
Thanks to the guides who us find them. 
Thanks Upali

Delayed due to the pandemic. Very happy to be a part of the tourism “restart”.

22 Nov 2021

The tour was excellent. The itinerary was exactly as it heeded to be, within the decided time span.

The guide (Thilina) was excellent in every respect

  1. Very safe driving.
  2. Superior knowledge of bird calls and identification.
  3. Long established knowledge of previous trips was extremely useful.

The accommodations were all very clean and comfortable. Food provided was varied, well prepared and delicious. It is not often that I can attend a private tour. So, this was a special holiday – delayed due to the pandemic. I’m also very happy to be a part of the essential tourism “restart”. I was very well taken care of by the guide. Thank you so much

NAIM HARIS

22 – 29 November 2021

 

Fantastic trip in a fantastic, clean and picturesque country

1 Mar 2020
Darren and Paula with Hetti

Darren and Paula with Hetti

I arranged a 7-day birdwatching tour for me and my non birding wife, focusing on the endemic birds of Sri Lanka. This was to be followed by a week at our chosen beach resort. All arrangements and events were dealt with impeccably by Jith and our guide “Hetti”, a very good meet and greet,  and we were of on our tour.

Our guide Hetti was superb throughout. His knowledge of all things from butterflies, dragonflies and lizards was fantastic, his binding skills were excellent. Hetti was a joy to be with, he has 25 years as a guide and this shows, all our needs taken care of, nothing too much for him. Hetti should be very proud of the service he provides.

All in all a fantastic trip in a fantastic, clean and picturesque country.

This trip will not be forgotten. No hesitation recommending Walk With Jith.

Darran Stanyard

01/03/20

Fantastic tour! Communication excellent and prompt

24 Feb 2020
Jennifer Thomasson and Ian Billenness at Yala

Jennifer Thomasson and Ian Billenness at Yala

We have had a fantastic tour, with a great mix of birds, wildlife & cultural sites. We have seen over 220 bird species several leopard and numerous elephants. Our guide Thilli was fantastic and his ability to hear and find birds was amazing. He worked tirelessly to make our trip enjoyable.

The communication with Jith before and during the trip was excellent and prompt. The Sri Lankan people are so friendly and welcoming.

It’s unfortunate that our grip was cut short by Coronavirus before we reached Sinharaja, so we have a good reason to return and find the 7 endemics that we missed!

We would certainly recommend Walk With Jith and Thilli our brilliant guide.

Many thanks

Jennifer Thomasson and Ian Billenness
Kent
United Kingdom
15 03 2020

24th February – 19th March 2020

-----

Dear Thilli,

We have been well looked after throughout...

19 Feb 2020
Dave Cox and group with Hetti

Dave Cox and group with Hetti

We were a group of 2 couples and 4 single males. On behalf of the group I cannot fault the organization, the team, transport, or accommodation. We have been well looked after throughout seeing all the garget bird species and more, total birds seen by Group were 217 which included all 34 endemics. Jith and his team and contacts worked tirelessly to ensure our trip met all our objectives even finishing with 2 leopards at Yala and Excellent view of some buffalos.

Our flight was delayed by over 16 hours due to weather in London but this was taken in stride and did not inhibit us from getting everything from the …. The late change hote,, Hill Pride, could have done with heating as we experienced & …. Of c…. wet …… . The Rooms were good and staff and food excellent so al in all work out well.

All of the endemic species were seen in a very short time. Tx Saman!

3 Feb 2020
Wingspan Group with Saman

Wingspan Group with Saman

03rd – 16th February 2020

This was the third tour of Sri Lanka by Wingspan bird tours organized by Walk With Jith and as usual it was a resounding success. All of the endemic species were seen in a very short time. Thanks to the effort of our guide Saman.

The trip was well organized and well-coordinated, drivers and mini bus were superb and all accommodation excellent.   

Thank you Jith for another wonderful trip. Windspan Bird group will be back next year.

Bob Buckler

Birds, Wildlife And Cultural Tour

1 Feb 2020
Anny Kilbourne and Ian Dodds with Thilina

Anny Kilbourne and Ian Dodds with Thilina

We could not have enjoyed our first visit to Sri Lanka more. We came as near-beginner birders, with only four or five years' experience. We were a bit worried that since most of Jith's clients seemed to be hard-core bird-watchers, dealing with us would be like looking after the village idiots. But that fear dissipated once we met out guide, Thilina, who assumed we would have the same ambitions to see birds as any expert.  Here, I have to say this man is something of a phenomenon. His ability to find a bird simply from the reactions of other wildlife, or from the slightest, barely audible whistle (which we often couldn't detect) is little short of uncanny. Thanks to his skill, we saw all but one of Sri Lanka's endemic bird species. And the one that got away was the victim of abnormally dry conditions in his habitats, something we were forced to admit after Thilina led us in two and a half days' hunts. We knew that if he couldn't find it, it wasn't there.

100% satisfaction guaranteed if you book him through WALK WITH JITH!!

12 Dec 2019
Paul Pugh and Thilina

Paul Pugh and Thilina

I guess that coming back to Sri Lanka, just 15 months after my first visit speaks volume about the place…. But the main reason I came back was that I didn’t visit the highlands on my first visit. So needed the last 4 endemics plus Bay Owl … And better view of the “bloody” Starling!!

My expert and friendly guide Thilina is simply the best birder if you want if you want to see things quickly and well… My second time with him also… 100% satisfaction guaranteed if you book him through WALK WITH JITH!!

Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Moths Mammals, and a great time with a great person…My sincere thanks THILY – you are the best – Thanks for my BAY OWL and especially for that “Bloody” Starling.

Kindest Regards

Paul Pugh

12th – 23rd December 2019

 

Best price and fast response. Highly recommend “Walk With Jith” and Sri Lanka

10 Dec 2019
Abdul Rahman,Chris Lansdell , Graham Sorrie and Hetti in Tissamaharama

Abdul Rahman,Chris Lansdell , Graham Sorrie and Hetti in Tissamaharama

It was a great tour with Jith. The logistics, transport, accommodation and places we visited were excellent.

Our guide Hetti was able to find us all the endemics, and the rare wintering birds. I do highly recommend “Walk With Jith” and Sri Lanka in general. You had the best price and fast response.

Abdul Rahman Al-Shiran Arenezi
Kuwait city
Kuwait

10th to 20th December 2019

His experience proved invaluable, especially when it comes to recognizing calls.

30 Nov 2019

A very intensive but ultimately successful tour, despite poor weather in Nuwara Eliya area. Hetti and the driver Indunil (who doubled up as a bird- spotter) worked very hard to make sure I saw as many of my targets as possible. His experience proved invaluable, especially when it comes to recognizing calls.  I usually know what I am looking at, but often not what I am hearing. So I am sure that had I been on my own, I would not have seen half of what I did.  

4. Bird watching tour

30th November – 02nd December 2019

 

Athula - amazing birder, excellent eyes and hearing, recommended

26 Nov 2019

Hi Jith, Firstly I would like to thank you for organizing a great birding and wildlife tour for me. I have given some written feedback to Athula for you but I guess I wanted to summarize my thought to you in an email.
In total I was able to see in excess of 180 birds and I realize that my focus was on the target birds I have not seen rather than seeking higher number of species. I am glad I was persuaded to change the plan from Bundala to Lunugamverah? as I had fantastic views of a leopard which I had not expected or hoped for.

You have earned our trust as a company - 5th year touring

24 Nov 2019
Exmoor Zoo group with Saman and Jith

Exmoor Zoo group with Saman and Jith

 

Thank you for all your organizational expertise for the tour. You never fail to provide a memorable experience. Your guide Saman , the driver + footman have all showed us your country, culture + wildlife. We will be back, I’m sure
Lynn Reynolds

As usual the whole experience from booking, discussing the itinerary, agreeing the standard of accommodation, provide the right standard of guide, the most beneficial transport and the length of stay at the destinations resulted in a smooth and worry free relaxing holiday. You have earned our trust as a company. Thank you!
Danny Reynolds

Fifth time and another amazing tour. Thank you Jith and your team
Pat and Tracey

First visit for us. Wonderful, good wildlife, good culture, food and a wonderful holiday
Dick and Rosie

Great time for all of us especially me, first time visit. Your team are great and thanks again for a great night on Friday 6th December
Steve

All 34 endemics seen at a tricky time of the year

14 Aug 2019

A good adventure with all endemics seen at a tricky time of the year.

Met by Jith and Upali at the agreed time and this continued to be punctual throughout the tour. The contrast between the hot, humid lowlands to the cold windy highlands, then back to the dry south and then to the wet rainforest of Sinharaja was an experience but luckily Jith prepared us by telling us to bring warm cloths.

Upali was a great driver, manage the long drives, including twisty mountain roads carefully even with challenging car conditions. He was very knowledgeable about the birds and other animals seen and knew of special locations to find more secretive birds.  

Additional guides were used in some places Bundala, Yala and Sinharaja. They were also good drivers and excellent at spotting birds and animals as we were moving along! No binoculars needed.   

Expert birding with culture - enabled us to do the impossible

12 Aug 2019

Walk with Jith did a great job of mixing specialist bird watching and cultural tourism, all packed into 8 days! The tour was very well planned to enable us to do the impossible: mix expert guided birding with visiting the main cultural centres.

The driving guide they gave us, Chamil, was superb at finding birds for us. In just 4 days of birding we saw 135 species including 26 of the 33 birds endemic to the island. It was well beyond anything I expected. He was brilliant as a bird guide and as a driver, but he also made a very good job of taking us to the key cultural sights that we could fit into the short time we had. He was very courteous and considerate throughout. 

Sad time to be in Sri Lanka. But it didn’t spoil our trip.

19 Apr 2019
Safari in Yala National Park -- Lisa Correl and Julian with Thilina

Safari in Yala National Park -- Lisa Correl and Julian with Thilina

Everything was fabulous. Great bird sightings. Great safari.

Excellent hotels (apart from Lake view) Lovely Sri Lankan people

Fabulous food.

Thilina is an amazing guide. Very knowledgeable – polite – nothing too much trouble. He made this a perfect tour. Very sad time to be in Sri Lanka with the awful troubles. But it didn’t spoil out trip. Thank you to Jith and Thilina !!!

Big success due to the expertise and leadership of our guide Thilina

30 Mar 2019
Tim Snieder and Ramata Cisse with Thilina

Tim Snieder and Ramata Cisse with Thilina

Our birding trip was a big success due to the expertise and leadership of our guide Thilina Karunanayaka. His combination of passion for passion for nature, enthusiasm, resourcefulness and jovial character ensured that we found all 34 endemic species of Sri Lanka, plus a few bonuses! Thilina carried out detailed reconnaissance on the most difficult species, especially owls, seeming to have local contacts assisting him in every place we went. Lastly, we encountered a couple of tricky situations during the trip which our guide took care of in an extremely professional manner. We highly recommend Thilina of Walk With Jith tours to anyone serious about observing birds and / or wildlife in Sri Lanka.

Most well organised Birding tour we’ve ever undertaken

30 Mar 2019

Dave Tanner with Guide Athula
Dave Tanner with Guide Athula

Hi Jith​

Mary & I are now back home and fully recovered from our long flight from Colombo to Scotland via Dubai (26 hours travelling).

Firstly, we would like to thank you personally for organising a wonderful tour. We’re both of the opinion that this was the best and most well organised Birding tour we’ve ever undertaken, a credit to your planning .

We would also like to take this opportunity to once again thank Athula, who primarily was an excellent guide, driver and general all-round fixer . At a number of our hotels the staff didn’t seem to understand the concept of being vegetarian, on one occasion even thinking that Chicken soup was vegetarian . Not to worry, all sorted by Athula.

We are birdwatchers not “twitchers”

26 Mar 2019

We are birdwatchers not “twitchers” and so were unsure what to expect. We were reassured firstly by Jith’s prompt and helpful information.

Our guide, Upali was amazing – he made us feel safe and secure, drove really carefully and carried out the itinerary to the letter. His knowledge about birds is first class. He was always polite and very helpful and never lost patience with our lack of bird watching experience. We managed to see the majority of the endemics and most of the birds shown in the bird book I had purchased. We were generally happy with our accommodation – it did vary considerably but we felt was value for money. The evening meals at Rock View motel were not to our liking. We particularly enjoyed the plantation hotel at Kithulgala and the Hibiscus hotel or Tissamaharama.

Exceptionally positive experience

19 Mar 2019
Linda Lennon and Clive Duncon

Linda Lennon and Clive Duncon

This has been an exceptionally positive experience from our initial enquiry and creation of a bespoke itinerary to Jith personally meeting us at the airport and introducing us to our superb guide Susa.

Our third trip. Guide's knowledge is astounding.

19 Mar 2019

This was our third trip and as enjoyable as the others, Our guide made it particularly enjoyable – his knowledge of the birds and wildlife generally was astounding.

His knowledge of location, habitat and calls ensured we saw more different birds than on earlier trips to Sri Lanka with “walk with jith”.

His organising and time schedules ensured we were out birding at the best/most comfortable times of the day.

Hetti’s English and sense of humour were particularly entertaining whilst driving between locations.

My wife and I thoroughly recommend “walk with jith” for birding in Sri Lanka.

 

Guide Dhammika - very knowledgeable, affable and fun to be with

18 Feb 2019

Jon Wilson - Lynne Martin
Jon Wilson - Lynne Martin

We had an excellent trip.

Our guide Dhammika was very knowledgeable, affable and fun to be with.

The care and attention and emphasis on meeting our individual needs was always a priority. Sri Lanka is a treasure house for birding, and we were guided wonderfully well to see all we wanted to see. In addition, the driving, drivers, tracker, hotels and extra activities were fabulous. Overall, we would highly recommend walk with Jith and Dhammika.

Thank you.

Jon Wilson - Lynne Martin
Jon Wilson - Lynne Martin

 

Jon Wilson - Lynne Martin
Jon Wilson - Lynne Martin

Excellent bird knowledge

16 Feb 2019
DOF group with Ingelise Petarsen 2019

DOF group with Ingelise Petarsen 2019

Hotels nice and comfortable. Good standard. All situated nice.

Bus: Very nice with space for everyone.

Bus helper: Helps with all things like water, food etc.

Sightings: Birds here there and everywhere. So nice. The guide is excellent finding them, pointing every bird out of us. Has an excellent bird knowledge.  

Bus driver: Fantastic. Very nice. Always smiling – always very careful

In all: Everybody helpful and friendly

Love some more birding – even when we have seen them all.

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