Real Guests, Real Journeys
Travel Stories &
Testimonials
Every journey leaves a mark. Here are the stories our guests brought home from Sri Lanka.
4.96
Average Rating
Across 50+ reviews
98%
Would Recommend
To friends & family
62%
Return Guests
Book a second trip
50+
Verified Reviews
From 41 countries
"Mr. Asanka thank you for your million smiles!"
Dear fellow travelers, I have just returned from a seven-day trip to Sri Lanka. I consider myself honored and happy that Orina Travel has appointed Mr. Asanka as my driver. Prior to arriving in Sri Lanka, Ms. Pawani did very professionally the arrangements and administrative work. Everything went smoothly and without stress.
Mr. Asanka — our driver — a young, professional, responsible driver with the most sincere smile in the world, was the most beautiful thing we experienced on our trip. Nothing was ever too much for him.
Asanka knows and will take you to places that no one else knows exist. He knows the most beautiful beach in the country. With him you will eat the best fish of your life in a charming beach restaurant, and the best coconut roti in the jungle. He will take you to a restaurant where you watch elephants bathing while having lunch, to a small factory of souvenirs made from elephant poop, and to learn all about silk production and experience wearing a traditional sari.
With him you will feel the magic of Sri Lanka. Our children loved him so much! I work in the tourism industry all my life and I have to admit that I managed to learn a lot from Asanka about how to love your job. Asanka, your country is forever in my heart — be sure to see you again soon!
Mirna
Guest Stories
From solo travellers to families — every kind of journey
czaris2018
"Sri Lanka in 4 days"
We were greeted at Colombo Airport by the happy smiling face of Asanka, our appointed driver from Orina Travel — he immediately made us feel welcomed and comfortable. We had pre-arranged hotels, starting at Sigiriya where we climbed Lion Mountain, then on to Kandy, catching the scenic train to Ella with its breathtaking mountain views. On the fourth day we left Ella, stopped at Mirissa beach and visited the Old Fort City of Galle, then Asanka drove us back to Colombo Airport that night. Asanka was excellent — we saw everything we wanted to see, plus other great suggestions including restaurant recommendations.
Arpit
"Asanka is the best"
Really loved the service and hospitality provided by Asanka. I would give 50% of the credit for making our trip convenient, comfortable and fun to him. Asanka was friendly, adjusting to our ever-changing plans and was a great guide. We did not have Yala National Park in our itinerary but he insisted it would be worth it — and we were able to spot a leopard. He helped us with locals, communication, and the restaurants he suggested were just amazing. I would highly recommend Asanka as a guide.
dom_wilson89
"Asanka the best driver ever"
From the moment we booked I was welcomed by a friendly WhatsApp message from Asanka introducing himself and recommending good tips for our trip. We arrived very late at night to Colombo airport and were greeted with a big smile and happy face. Asanka knew all the top spots to go, spoke to locals and bartered on our behalf. He was always on time, never ever late. His English was very good, the car was excellent, his local knowledge was top notch, and most importantly he was our friend during the trip. By the end of our trip he felt like a member of the family. Asanka, we will 100000% be back!
Gclarke69
"Fabulous driver making a fabulous holiday"
We arrived at Colombo Airport and were greeted by an enthusiastic, energetic, happy and smiling face — our driver Asanka — and these qualities stayed with us for the 10 days we spent together. Our trip covered 2 nights Negombo, 2 nights Sigiriya, 1 night Kandy, 1 night Ella, 2 nights Yala, 1 night Galle, 1 night Colombo. Asanka was extremely professional at all times. He has a lot of local knowledge, knows all the best places to eat, and took us off the main attractions to experience old-time Sri Lanka. This young man is a gem — extremely well mannered, genuinely kind and caring. My husband Sean and I had the most amazing experience and it is all thanks to Asanka. We will leave Sri Lanka with memories for life.
Kim V
"Such a wonderful experience"
If you're looking for a guide and driver to travel Sri Lanka with, Orina Travel is the way to go. We travelled around the country for 3 weeks in June/July 2022 with Asanka and we would not have been able to do it without him. Asanka went above and beyond for us — assisting with our itinerary, recommending great activities and places to stay, awesome food and restaurant recommendations, and making sure we always had enough fuel to get from place to place.
Jarek K
"Sri Lankan family vacation"
We booked a van with the driver for our one week tour across Sri Lanka. Our driver Asanka was very helpful in suggesting dining spots and additional places worth sightseeing that were not on our list. Pawani arranged the van and even train tickets for the beautiful Nanuoya to Ella route — and by the time we arrived at Ella, Asanka was already waiting for us. Overall I would definitely recommend Orina Travel to anyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka.
Stuart R
"Travel with Asanka!"
We booked Asanka for just over two weeks as our driver and tour guide. Asanka was the best investment we made into a relaxing holiday and enjoying our time in Sri Lanka as much as humanly possible. He was always willing to go and do as much or as little as we wished and always had very good suggestions for places to go and things to do. I should add that it would be a great idea to engage Asanka and the team as you plan your trip — they are able to provide invaluable local knowledge to deliver a trip beyond your own expectations. Overall we had a great trip and we would like to thank Asanka again for a great time.
Rayed
"It is the way to do it in Sri Lanka"
We booked flights to Sri Lanka knowing only a few things about the country. I sent Orina Travel a message and within minutes received a full 10-day itinerary suggestion including vehicle and guide. Once arrived, Asanka was waiting with a big sign of our names. Very flexible, knowledgeable and knows what to do to get things done. We stayed in Kandy, Nawarlia and Kalutara and visited Sigiriya rock, tea plantations, sea activities in Bentota, safaris, village tours, elephant sightings, waterfalls and more. This trip won't be a success without Asanka accompanying us 24/7. Thanks Orina for arranging this memory.
James M
"Our 20 day tour of Sri Lanka"
On April 28th our driver Asanka picked my friend and I up in a smart-looking Toyota Prius from our Negombo hotel. Immediately we knew we were off to a good start with the ever-smiling, helpful, considerate, knowledgeable and courteous Asanka. We undertook a 20-day self-planned tour and Asanka had a wealth of local knowledge everywhere we went. He also organised personal safaris for us on two occasions. Asanka has friends and contacts everywhere. Whilst in Kandy I lost my passport — Asanka took control and escorted us to the tourist police, and someone had handed it in. Why would anyone sign up with a tour group when one can have the services of Orina Travel and a driver, guide and friend like Asanka?
What Guests Say
Verified reviews from TripAdvisor & Trustpilot
ozm83
"Asanka contacted me right after booking to confirm he'd be our driver and waiting at the airport. Once we arrived, we started our 10-day journey. We didn't have a solid plan but Asanka devised a mini itinerary on the way from the airport to our first hotel — and the things he suggested were quite entertaining. We would not have done them if it wasn't for him."
7zartajk
"Our 5-day trip from Colombo to Nuwaraeliya to Ella to Southgate to Galle to Colombo with the vehicle guide Thimira went really well! He was so nice and helpful throughout the entire journey."
Carlostraveller
"My wife and I travelled through Sri Lanka for seven days — what a wonderful journey! Truly 5 star service. We changed hotels every day, changed plans every day! And there Asanka was, every morning waiting for us with a smile. Never in a rush. Safety first. A big thanks to Asanka and Orina Travel for one of the most wonderful trips we have made in Asia. You will not be disappointed!!!"
Ready to write yours?
Every story on this page started with someone clicking "Book Now". Yours could be next.
Browse Tours