This was the best birding trip ever! - Going birding with Thilanka across Sri Lanka’s wildlife sanctuaries and the Sinharaja Rainforest was an unforgettable experience. His knowledge of birds is incredible, he can identify species just from the faintest sounds and somehow always seems to know exactly where to look. But beyond the knowledge, what stands out is his genuine love for birding and nature. Spending time with him makes you appreciate the forest and its wildlife in a completely different way. His passion is contagious, you can’t help but start noticing and appreciating birds more deeply. He’s also very thoughtful and ethical in how he conducts the tours, always respecting the environment and the animals. We were lucky enough to spot many endemic species thanks to him, which ended up being some of the most special moments of my entire trip. If you want to experience birding in Sri Lanka in the best possible way, Thilanka is the guide you want.

An amazing birding experience around Colombo - The walk with Mr. Thilanka was absolutely amazing and worth the time and energy spent. He’s very knowledgeable and ensures you get a hang of birding, to point where I wish to continue this as a regular hobby. He equips you with all the tools required (i.e. binoculars, birding guide) and has a strong grasp of the origins of the species we spotted and how they came to be in the area. He also covered how ecosystems (wetlands, forests, types of trees, seasons) influence the spotting probability of different birds. A truly unique experience and would highly recommend it to any beginner looking to indulge, avid birders would certainly have an amazing time with sir and can actually go into far deeper dialogues than we could as beginners. It was an amazing experience.

birding and guiding exellence - This was my third trip with Thilanka. The first was in a beautiful mixed patch close to Galle; the second was 36 hour trip in the Sinar raja forest about 3 1/2 hours drive from Colombo, and this Columbo half-day trip to a wetland area; Here are a few things that make a trip with Thilanka special. He loves birds, birding and Sri Lanka flora and fauna. Whether you want a leisurely walk with a home cooked picnic; a hardcore endemic tick mission or the best photo ever of a Chesnut-Backed Owlet, he can deliver. He has a network of excellent local spotters around country. He brings perspective and experience. He and wife and big budget travelers and overseas birdwatchers themselves. He understands what life is like when you are on the road and in a new culture. He is a host in the truest sense. Snacks, water, leech socks etc all provided. We talked about durian and my love it on the trip. On the way back to Colombo, we stopped and got some. Great conversation. Thilanka enjoyed a long corporate career before becoming a guide. As well as history and flora and fauna, we talked about the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, politics, the business of tourism, the economic model of Airbnb in Sri Lanka, looking after aging parents, European football championship etc. Smooth and reliable. Excellent clear and responsive communication before the trip. Tells you what to expect. Good advice.

I had a truly great trip with Thilanka - I cannot rate Thilanka as a guide highly enough. He is organised, communicative, thorough and polite. Thilanka showed me around Sinharaja over three days, in four sessions. His planning is meticulous, and we kept to time always. Thilanka never over-promised, but always over-delivered. Every aspect of the trip was well researched and considered. His experience and contacts made my trip to Sinharaja bountiful in terms of bird species seen and a pleasant time in the forest area. Thilanka has that wonderful Sri Lankan characteristic of calm optimism, and is always positive. He has a very objective and well-read view of Sri Lanka, and indeed of the world in general, and we had lively conversations about all sorts over meals and in "down-time". He's an utter pleasure to get to know, and truly a gentleman. I will certainly be making another trip with Thilanka, not necessarily for bird watching, but one of his many other guided offerings.

More than birds - Excellent tour gave us what we asked for which was birds and local culture. Knowledgeable naturalist, historian, Sri Lanka culture expert with a passion for Beethoven! Got a very late start birding due to cruise ship docking issues but had a great day of 49 species all new to us! Plus monitor lizard, water buffalo, and monkeys. Very knowledgeable on architecture visiting several notable structures. Visited local grocery store and local gathering spots to give us a vibe of what life is like for locals. Worth way more than charged for 8 hours of his time. Comfortable car and excellent driving in what sometimes feels like a free for all traffic situation! Nicely timed breaks for snacks, drinks and breaks. Fun stop at street vendor for Coconut. We are 73 years old and were able to keep up. Highly recommend this guide and tour. He will tailor your tour for whatever you are interested in.!