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SLTDA Registered Local Tour Operator

Travel Deeper. Experience Sri Lanka.

Tailor-made journeys shaped by wildlife, culture, nature and meaningful local experiences.

Build Your Own JourneyExplore Sri Lanka
01 / 06Sigiriya · Cultural Triangle
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Why Experiential Traveller

A different way to discover Sri Lanka.

Experiential Traveller is a registered travel agency under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), with its office in Colombo.

From the moment you land until your holiday is over, we arrange what you need — hotel accommodation, ground transport, the assistance of a licensed tourist guide, and tour packages you can shape around your own interests. Always with a strict code of ethics, and your best interest in mind.

About Us
  1. A guide leading travellers along a forest trail
    01

    Personalised, tailor-made journeys

    We specialise in creating tailor-made wildlife and heritage tours — built around your expectations, not a fixed brochure.

  2. Guests walking a rural trail with their guide
    02

    Expert local knowledge

    Proper interpretation through well-experienced, licensed tourist guides who know the island's wildlife, history and living culture first-hand.

  3. Travellers birdwatching from a boat on a lagoon
    03

    Conscious, ethical, responsible

    We try our best to keep our footprint as small as possible during every tour, and follow ethical practices with the people and places we visit.

  4. A small group on a boat excursion across a lake
    04

    Small by choice

    A small-scale travel agent with a big heart for the environment — natural and human — so every traveller gets excellent, personal service.

  5. Lotus flowers on a still pond
    05

    Authentic, slow-paced experiences

    Slow travel gives you more time to experience our culture, heritage, wildlife, rituals and wilderness — in every region.

  1. 01Tailor Made
  2. 02Sustainable
  3. 03Ethical
  4. 04Slow Pace
  5. 05Conscious Travel
A vintage map of Ceylon

The island

Formerly Ceylon

Sri Lanka is formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

Formation during Triassic period (300–200 million years ago) and remains as a part of the southern continent (Gondwana). Being connected to India till about 5000 BC and now thriving as an island which only 29 kilometers off to the south-eastern coast of India.

Total extent
65,612 km²
North to south
434 km
West to east
227 km
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
8 Places

Destinations

One island. Six regions to wander.

Explore regional tour ideas across Sri Lanka, then combine them into a journey that's entirely yours.

The whitewashed entrance of Dambulla cave temple beneath a great rock overhang

Heritage & wildlife

Dambulla & the Central Cultural Triangle

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Anuradhapura
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Minneriya elephant gathering (Aug–Nov)
Explore the region

Thematic tours

Choose your way to experience Sri Lanka.

Choose a thematic tour and stretch or shorten it to suit your time — or build your own around the regions you'd love to discover.

Island experiences

Eight ways the island will stay with you.

Build your own tour

Your Sri Lanka. Your journey.

Create a journey around the places, experiences and pace that matter to you.

  1. 01

    Choose your destinations

    Pick the regions you'd love to discover — from the Cultural Triangle to Jaffna and the North.

  2. 02

    Choose your experiences

    Browse our tour ideas for each region and keep adding the ones that match the holiday you wish to spend.

  3. 03

    Choose your accommodation

    Tell us your preference — eco lodge, villa, boutique, glamping or hotel — and your budget.

  4. 04

    Request your custom itinerary

    Send your enquiry and we'll shape an itinerary around you, then reserve your hotels once you confirm.

Build Your Own JourneyOr talk it through on WhatsApp
Ashan Wijetilleke with guests on a boat excursion across a lake
Portrait of Ashan Wijetilleke, founder of Experiential Traveller
Ashan Wijetilleke

Meet your guide

Your journey, guided by someone who knows Sri Lanka.

  • Licensed National Tourist Guide
  • Proprietor
  • Naturalist
  • Tour Leader

A graduate of the University of Colombo with a BSc in Business and Environmental Sciences, Ashan worked at the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka before leaving the city to work as a naturalist in the jungles — first with an eco-tourism company, then guiding in Sigiriya.

After six months of full-time training at SLITHM he was licensed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority as an English-speaking National Tourist Guide — and founded Experiential Traveller.

“Ashan, why don't you start your own thing!”

— a solo traveller Ashan guided in Sigiriya, and the conversation that started it all
  1. BSc
    University of Colombo — Zoology & Environmental Science
  2. WNPS
    Executive, Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (est. 1894)
  3. 2019
    Began working as a naturalist
  4. SLTDA
    Licensed National Tourist Guide
  5. 2023
    Winner, Youth Travel & Hospitality Award — 4th New Generation Awards

Our sustainability policy

Travel with purpose.

We believe travel and tourism can protect natural habitats and the environment while improving livelihoods through the opportunities it creates. Sustainable, responsible tourism is a core principle — so we strive to make a positive impact wherever we travel.

Planting a tree sapling in a field to offset a journey's carbon footprint
We can calculate the carbon footprint of your holiday and, if you wish, plant a tree to help offset it — and keep a record of its growth.
  1. i.

    Lighter footprint

    Designing trips that limit the physical impact on our planet and the places we visit.

  2. ii.

    Local communities

    Working with people in local communities to share the economic gains of tourism with them.

  3. iii.

    Responsible resources

    Using water and electricity without waste, reducing disposables and recycling whenever possible.

  4. iv.

    Ethical partnerships

    Working with others who share a sustainable mind-set — and ensuring every partner is treated with respect and paid fairly.

  5. v.

    Conscious travel

    Respecting our surroundings wherever we go, and showcasing that consciousness to the world around us.

  6. vi.

    Slow-paced journeys

    More time to experience the country, its culture, heritage, wildlife, rituals and wilderness.

Stays

Stay somewhere worth remembering.

Every property we use is trying its best to minimise its footprint — in how it's built, the concept it holds, or the way it operates. Through long-standing ties with hotels around the island, we pass the best available rates on to you, whatever your budget.

Guest reviews

In their own words.

Rated Excellent on Tripadvisor and Google

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 karin492014 profile picture 
 
 
 karin492014 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Fascinating Sri Lanka
We spent 19 days in the company of Ash and our driver Tharusha and were extremely well catered for. Ash is an extraordinary guide, he is knowledgeable and passionate about his country. His English is fabulous. Activities ranged from cultural to exploring the beautiful nature of Sri Lanka. A truly memorable experience in this fascinating country.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Seaside14013547740 profile picture 
 
 
 Seaside14013547740 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Exploring Sri Lanka
We spent 2 weeks with Ash travelling with a family group of 15. We had an amazing trip and experience! He is an excellent and knowledgable tour guide who went above and beyond to make sure we experienced the true Sri Lanka. From climbing, hiking, safaris, temple visits and relaxing at the beach, we all loved every minute. Ash is such a kind and generous person, and always took very good care of us.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Ashley K profile picture 
 
 
 Ashley K 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Unforgettable trip!
I absolutely loved my trip to Sri Lanka it was incredible from start to finish. Ash made the whole experience so enjoyable, and we saw so many amazing things, especially the elephant safari!! It was truly unforgettable and a trip I’ll cherish forever.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Harry K profile picture 
 
 
 Harry K 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Holiday in Sri Lanka
An incredible trip enhanced by an incredible guide. Me and my whole family had such an incredible time, creating the most special, life lasting memories. I would recommend to everyone looking to go to Sri Lanka 100%.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Karen K profile picture 
 
 
 Karen K 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Amazing holiday in Sri Lanka thanks to Ash
Ashan is an exceptional guide, friendly, knowledgable and extremely caring of his guests. We had an amazing trip in Sri Lanka thanks to Ash.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Carolyn S profile picture 
 
 
 Carolyn S 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
13 day tour of Sri Lanka
We have just returned home after the most incredible trip to Sri Lanka, thanks to Ashan our wonderful guide and Leyon our amazing driver. Ashan organised a bespoke itinerary, having listened carefully to our interests and expectations. Ashan organised a mix of history and culture with fascinating visits to temples, ancient sites, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and a beautiful performance of traditional dancing and drumming. We also requested opportunities to see wildlife and weren’t disappointed. We were rewarded with the sighting of a Sloth bear and many other indigenous animals and birds at Wilpattu National Park. We also had the most wonderful time watching the gathering of over a hundred elephants grazing in the evening light at Minneriya NP. A most memorable experience! Ash also arranged a sunset boat trip to Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary where we were delighted to see kingfishers a plenty and so many other species of birds to tick off in our bird book! Ash demonstrates and is keen to share his extensive knowledge of Sri Lankan birds and wildlife but also plant, trees and flowers too. In Tangalle, we were privileged to witness a sea turtle dig her hole in the sand, lay her eggs, cover them and return exhausted back to the sea. We especially enjoyed a train ride through the tea plantations and misty mountains from Nanu Oya to Ella. In Nanu Oya, Ash also made it possible for us to visit some family graves dating back to the 1880s, a special moment for our family. We finished our tour with a visit to Galle and a stay in Colombo. Ash always ensured everything ran smoothly, was a great communicator and took great care of us. He was always calm, professional and adaptable. We could not have had a better experience, all thanks to Ash and Leyon. We would love to return one day, and absolutely would choose Experiential Traveller again and recommend them to all our friends.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Joel S profile picture 
 
 
 Joel S 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
15 days in Sri Lanka
Ashan put together a bespoke itinerary for our family, mixing culture, nature, adventure and relaxation. From our first interaction with Ashan, he listened to our wishes to tweak the itinerary, and we met Ashan over Zoom before we left the UK. He provided a wonderful chauffeur/guide (Nalin) who took really good care of us. Ashan was also very attentive while we were in Sri Lanka, checking in to make sure everything was going well, and taking the time to drop in to meet us in person in Habarana. We could not have asked for anything more, and we had a fabulous time – thank you, Ashan!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Elena profile picture 
 
 
 Elena 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Authentically beautiful
We really enjoyed this experience. We did the sunrise boat ride and it was so worth getting up early for. Birds are just waking up and you hear a lot of them chirping. We saw a lot of different birds and a water monitor. Our guide Thusitha was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. He provided a brief description about each bird and we could also use binoculars to look at them. We were provided with authentic Sri Lankan red millet pancakes and tea for breakfast. Thusitha also taught my daughter to make a necklace from a water lily. It was such a peaceful and authentic experience that teaches you to appreciate simple things in life. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting this part of Sri Lanka.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Joana B profile picture 
 
 
 Joana B 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Lori watching
We went to see the Loris in the evening and the tour guide was very knowledge and made a big effort for us to find them. We only managed to see one Lori but we saw it very close which was amazing, we understand how difficult it is to spot them.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Joana B profile picture 
 
 
 Joana B 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Elephant tour
Driver was very nice and profissional. Did a big effort to find elephants and we manage to see many. The park was very busy but our driver knew all the spots and roads. The park should control the amount of Jeeps that enter, it feels that it can be a little bit overwhelming for the elephants

Good to know

Planning your first journey?

Build Your Own Journey

Is Experiential Traveller a licensed travel agency?

Yes. Experiential Traveller is a registered travel agency under the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), and its founder Ashan Wijetilleke is an SLTDA-licensed, English-speaking National Tourist Guide.

Can I change the length of a thematic tour?

Yes — thematic tours can be stretched or shortened. Nature & Wildlife and Leisure & Heritage run for 5, 7, 12 or 15 nights, and Spiritual & Wellness for 5, 7, 10 or 12 nights. You can also build your own tour from our regional experiences.

What is usually included?

Tours typically include an air-conditioned private vehicle with a professional driver, half-board accommodation at a listed eco lodge, villa, boutique, glamp or hotel, guidance from an English-speaking licensed tourist guide, drinking water, entry tickets to cultural sites and national parks, and safari jeep and ranger fees. Airport pick-up or drop-off can be arranged on request.

How are children priced?

The operational cost is a flat USD 110 per day for your whole group, so children do not add to it. For experiences priced per person in Build Your Own, children aged 6–12 pay 50%, children aged 2–5 pay 25%, and infants under 2 travel free of charge.

Begin here

Sri Lanka is waiting.

Let's create a journey that feels entirely yours.

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