Kandy - Sigiriya Full-Day Private Tour

Awesome day!

We had such a great day with Janaka!! We learnt about Sri Lanka’s history, drove through the countryside, hiked Pidurangala for gorgeous view of Sigiriya and beyond, visited some temples, had a delicious traditional buffet lunch, and some fresh fruit from a stall on the side of the road. Janaka is kind, friendly and so considerate. Great day :)

Response from the operator: Thank you so much. Your kind words mean a lot.

via Viator

Knowledgable and friendly guide

Our experience with Janaka was truly outstanding and far exceeded all our expectations. From the very beginning, it was clear that he has a deep passion for his country and an incredible knowledge of not only the famous sights but also the hidden gems and everyday life in Sri Lanka. He brings the country to life with fascinating stories, local insights, and his genuine love for sharing his culture. What makes Janaka so special is the way he goes beyond the usual tourist information. He tells you about the history of the people, the traditions that are still alive today, and the small details of daily life that you would never learn from a guidebook. Whether it’s explaining the significance of a temple, pointing out unique plants on the roadside, or sharing stories about local customs, he adds so much richness and depth to the experience. He is also incredibly knowledgeable about Sri Lanka’s wildlife, landscapes, and food, making every moment of the journey exciting and meaningful. On top of his knowledge, Janaka is simply wonderful company. He has such a friendly and approachable nature that we instantly felt comfortable with him. He has a great sense of humor, a caring personality, and a natural way of making every guest feel welcome and looked after. Janaka was patient, flexible, and always made sure we were enjoying ourselves and experiencing things at our own pace. Janaka is amazing at his work, and it’s clear that guiding is not just a job for him, it’s his passion. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and want more than just a tour, but an unforgettable experience full of learning, laughter, and discovery, we cannot recommend him highly enough. Booking a tour with Janaka is truly one of the best decisions you can make to see and understand the real beauty of Sri Lanka.

via Tripadvisor

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.

via Tripadvisor

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.

Response from the operator: Thank you

via Tripadvisor (translated)

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.

Response from the operator: Thank you

via Tripadvisor