Feb 9, 2025
More than just Temples, UNESCO sites and tea - We found Janaka by chance and the reviews were excellent. I’m sure you’ve seen the myriad of drivers out there but what sets Janaka apart is his personable and customized tours. He doesn’t stop where the tourist buses usually go (even though you won’t miss the highlights!) and he does side trips to lovely spots or stops to try certain foods (ex. dodol or cashews). When we went passed the vegetable market in Dambulla and expressed interest in peeking in, it wasn’t a problem and this was certainly a working market with the smells, chaos and colours that makes it interesting.
I’m not a person who likes long journeys and the roads in Sri Lanka can be tedious but the hours flew by with the conversation. Janaka’s English is excellent and his fluency and approachability made it possible for us to ask him all types of questions that affects Sri Lanka, from political turmoils, corruption, the education and health care system, taxation to LGBTQ and religion. It allowed us to really form a lovely connection and have us so much more insight than would have been available. So please don’t think it’s only about the Temples, UNESCO sites and tea, this tour is so much more than that. Thank you Janaka for sharing your story and days with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 13, 2024
Best tour in Sigiriya / Kandy - The tour was amazing. He came to pick us up at the hotel very punctually and took us to all the points we wanted.
There was a moment during the car trip when I was not feeling well due to menstrual problems and he was very understanding, he made several stops, even telling acquaintances so that I could be comfortable.
The places we visited were incredible.
He made a few more stops even than we had talked about and we loved them.
He is very detailed and makes you feel comfortable.
For example, he stopped us at a fruit stand so we could try them, he was in charge of paying the saleswoman and didn't let us pay anything.
He knows a lot about history and tells you many interesting details.
It's like talking to a friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 13, 2024
Very nice day trip - We had a really good day with Janaka. He drove us to the places we wanted to visit and told us a lot about his country and the sights on the car ride. He customised the day to our taste and even helped organise our trip further by providing contacts and recommendations. He is a good driver and very friendly person.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Feb 19, 2024
The best way to explore Pidurangala Rock - We did the trip from Kandy to Pidurangala with Janaka and it was such a great experience! Janaka made sure, we only see the stuff that‘s really worth it and don‘t go to the very touristic places. We had very good conversations and got to know the country so much better because of it. We can really recommend booking a tour with Janaka :D
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 5, 2023
Amazing tour with an amazing guide! - The tour with Janaka was one of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka! I am so thankful to him for showing me this part of his country and for all the talks we had, which helped me connect much more to the culture and also hear about the history. The tour was so rich in terms of experiences - we did Pidurangala, we had an amazing stop at a village where I ate the best coconut roti prepared by a local woman in an authentic way, we went to the Dambulla Cave Temple and ended up with a Hindu temple on the way back. Janaka is the most friendly, thoughtful and kind guide you could ask for. I told him I haven’t tried jackfruit and he remembered that and bought some for me to try. It was really an incredible day. You won’t regret booking the tour with Janaka, highly recommend it! Thank you Janaka!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 12, 2023
Great tour with friendly, knowledgeable guide - Fantastic tour. Janaka had great suggestions of places to go. He was very knowledgeable of Sri Lanka’s history and culture. When he found out I was vegan, he recommend lots of food and restaurants I could eat at. Overall really friendly guy and nothing was too much. I highly recommend booking his tour. Great value for money
Review provided by Tripadvisor
May 2, 2023
I regret not joining a professional tour group on a bus with a good Sigiriya guide who also provides cold water & lunch - Janaka is a nice guy, but much better as a driver than as a tour guide. He was unprepared for common scenarios and situations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
