Chanaka
Rathnayake
Fifteen years reading Sri Lanka's wild places — from Yala's leopard country to the cloud forest of Horton Plains. Licensed, local, and unhurried.
International Tours
Beyond Sri Lanka, I craft exceptional journeys to some of the world's most remarkable destinations — wildlife safaris in India and Kenya's legendary Masai Mara, the golden deserts of Dubai, and cultural adventures in China. Every international tour is tailor-made, expertly guided, and seamlessly arranged so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Birding & Nature Tours
Sri Lanka is a paradise for birdwatching and nature exploration — home to 33 endemic bird species, rare wildlife, and extraordinary landscapes. My specialist birding and nature tours are designed for wildlife photographers and passionate nature lovers, with encounters ranging from endemic birds to the elusive Sri Lankan loris.
The Pekoe Trail
300 kilometres of tea country, on foot.
Sri Lanka's first long-distance walking trail winds through the central highlands in 22 stages, tea estates, colonial-era hill towns, forest, and the high open vista of Horton Plains. I guide select stages for travellers who want the hill country on foot, not just from a car window.
Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Add any of these to your itinerary — river safaris, rafting, culture, and wildlife, all arranged for you.
Leopards and elephants in the dry zone, led by an experienced tracker.
Grade 2–3 rapids on the Kelani River, beginner-friendly with full safety gear.
Mangrove channels, a cinnamon island stop, and kingfishers along the way.
Traditional drumming, dance, and fire-walking on an evening in Kandy.
Blue whales, sperm whales, and spinner dolphins off Mirissa.
Four Ways to Travel With Me
From Sri Lanka's ancient temples to its wildest national parks, and journeys further afield — every trip is built around what you actually want to see.
Sri Lanka Heritage Tours
Ancient temples, cave monasteries, and centuries-old cities, guided with the same care as a safari.
International Travel Experiences
Wildlife and nature journeys further afield, planned with the same field-first approach.
Wildlife Safaris
Leopards, elephants, and sloth bears across Sri Lanka's best parks, with 15+ years of field experience.
Birding & Nature Tours
Endemic species, wetland birding, and rainforest trails for a slower, closer kind of trip.
The National Parks I Guide Across Sri Lanka
When To Come, Month By Month
Sri Lanka runs on two crossing monsoons, so there's rarely a bad time to visit overall — only a better park, coast or trail for the month you're travelling in. This is the timing I actually plan around.
| Month | West & South Coast | East Coast | Yala — Leopards | Minneriya / Kaudulla — Gathering | Birding — Migrants | Hill Country / Pekoe Trail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, high season | Wet | Good | Low | Peak | Good, cool & clear |
| February | Dry, high season | Wet | Best | Low | Peak | Good, cool & clear |
| March | Dry, high season | Transitional | Best | Building | Peak (tail end) | Good |
| April | Inter-monsoon showers | Transitional | Good | Building | Migrants departing | Wetter, showers likely |
| May | SW monsoon, wet | Dry, high season | Good | Building | Off-season | Mixed, often fine |
| June | Wet | Dry, high season | Good | Building | Off-season | Good |
| July | Wet | Dry, high season | Good | Peak Gathering | Off-season | Good |
| August | Wet | Dry, high season | Good, before closure | Peak Gathering | Off-season | Good |
| September | Wet (tail) | Dry | Typically closed* | Gathering tapering | Off-season | Good (tail) |
| October | Inter-monsoon showers | Transitional | Reopens mid-month* | Tapering | Migrants arriving | Wetter, showers likely |
| November | NE monsoon builds | Transitional | Good, reopened | Low | Building | Wetter, showers likely |
| December | Dry, high season begins | Wet | Good | Low | Peak begins | Good, cool & clear |
Birds and Wildlife of Sri Lanka
Discover Sri Lanka's remarkable biodiversity — endemic wildlife, resident species, and migratory birds that make the island one of Asia's premier wildlife destinations.
Questions Travellers Ask Me Most
Answers to what people usually want to know before planning a private guided trip in Sri Lanka. Still have a question? Message me directly on WhatsApp.
Do I need a guide, or can I just hire a driver in Sri Lanka?
A driver gets you from place to place; a licensed guide adds context, timing, and safety — knowing which entrance avoids the crowds at Sigiriya, when to be in Yala for the best chance at a leopard, or how to read a situation with wildlife safely. I'm licensed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and have been guiding since 2010, with a particular focus on wildlife, birding, and field-based travel rather than a standard sightseeing script.
Are you a licensed tour guide?
Yes — I'm certified by the SLTDA, Sri Lanka's official tourism authority. Always check that any guide you book is properly licensed; it's a meaningful marker of training and accountability, not just a formality.
How is booking you different from booking through a tour agency?
You're working directly with the person actually planning and often guiding your trip, not a call centre or a rotating pool of subcontracted guides. Itineraries are built around what you specifically want to see, and you can reach me directly on WhatsApp before and during your trip.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes — nearly all visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), applied for online before you travel. As of May 2026, this is free for a 30-day stay if you hold a passport from one of 40 listed countries (including the US, UK, most of Europe, India, China, and Australia); other nationalities pay a standard fee. Apply only through the official government portal, eta.gov.lk.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka for wildlife and birdwatching?
It depends on what you want to see. Leopards in Yala are seen year-round but sightings are strongest in the dry season (roughly June–September, and again December–March). The elephant "Gathering" at Minneriya peaks around July–September. Migratory birding season runs roughly December–March. Tell me your dates and priority species, and I'll tell you which park fits best.
Is Sri Lanka safe to travel with a private guide?
Yes — Sri Lanka is generally a safe, welcoming destination for international travellers, including solo travellers, families, and first-timers. A private guide adds an extra layer of ease: local road knowledge, cultural context, and someone to navigate the parts of travel that are more stressful alone.
Do you speak languages other than English?
My English is fluent. I have basic conversational French, though fluent French-speaking guides are genuinely rare in Sri Lanka — if you need a fully French-speaking guide throughout, let me know and I can help point you in the right direction.
How much does a private guide or safari cost?
It depends on trip length, group size, and whether a private vehicle is included. Message me on WhatsApp with your dates and interests and I'll send a straightforward quote — no hidden fees.
Can you guide multi-day treks, like the Pekoe Trail?
Yes — I guide select stages of the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's 300km, 22-stage long-distance hiking route through the central highlands. It's a good fit for travellers who want the hill country on foot rather than from a car window.
Do you arrange photography-focused safaris?
Yes — safaris timed and positioned specifically for photography, whether that's wildlife in the national parks or Sri Lanka's endemic and migratory birdlife.
How far ahead should I book?
For custom itineraries, 4–6 weeks ahead is a safe window, especially during peak season (December–March). Shorter notice is often still workable — just reach out.
Sri Lanka's greatest festival
Esala Perahara 2026
Kandy, Sri Lanka · July 31 – August 9, 2026