Amandani Ariyarathna

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in bespoke journeys around Sri Lanka, be it religious, cultural or UNESCO sites, luxury getaways, beach stays, live like a local experiences, forest and mountainous trails, wildlife encounters, local cuisine, adventure activities, wellness and ayurvedic experiences.
I'm thrilled to be your go-to expert for any hiking, trekking, adventure & wildlife experiences since I can fill you up with my own experiences of best locations and eco-friendly accommodation - lodges, cabanas, tree houses, chalets, villas, bungalows, etc. "

How did you get involved in travel?

"Learning multiple languages such as French, Spanish and German made me travel around the world through literature and movies and it awakened the explorer in me. My inspiration for local travels came from a best friend duo who were into hiking and trekking. I made my first trek to Knuckles - the central highlands of Sri Lanka for 4 days with camping and trekking in the virgin dense forest which changed my life forever and since then I chose to become a hiker, trekker, seeker of adventure and an explorer of culture and history. Being intrepid, I find myself often in the forests of Sri Lanka and in places where I haven't been before, discovering the less visited and the unknown. By nature, I find myself a lover of all animals hence wildlife became another reason for me to get into where I am today. Soon after university, I chose a career in travel & tourism and over a decade of personal and professional travels locally and internationally, I have made to a seasoned traveler who take great pleasure in crafting another lifetime travel experience for a fellow traveler. For the love of this island's rich history, verdant cloud forests, misty hills, amazing wildlife, golden sandy beaches, its authentic inhabitants and cuisine, I can not but picture myself being an ambassador for my own kind. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Out of all the adventures I have embarked on locally which are very unique and special in its own ways, I can still reminiscence the feeling I got over my first trekking expedition which was to Knuckles range - the central highlands which is also listed as a UNESCO natural wonder. It was a 4 day trekking that took me into the deep lush forest through unspoiled, dreamy landscapes, tiny streams and picturesque waterfalls. I was as happy as a kid doing the simplest things in life like grounding, moon walking on stones in the streams, touching the earth and the moss. It was calling for rejuvenation of all senses. I fell in love with this mighty range and chasing each night's destination to set the tent up, sometimes end up camping at unbelievable locations made me realise how travelling can make you whole and help to find your own self. "