Who We Are?
About Aarunya
Aarunya Vacations offers far more than nature adventures, cultural explorations, birdwatching, or twitching. Our team includes some of Sri Lanka’s most renowned experts—ornithologists, mammalogists, ichthyologists, archaeologists, acclaimed wildlife photographers, and documentary film producers. This wealth of expertise allows us to deliver a truly customized and professional service to every client.
At Aarunya, we believe in creating meaningful travel experiences rather than hurried itineraries. We don’t promote whirlwind tours of Sri Lanka in just seven days, nor do we rely on fixed itineraries. Instead, we prioritize your interests, preferences, and pace.
To begin your journey, Aarunya provides model itineraries that serve as a foundation. These plans are then personalized based on your specific interests, available time, budget, and even the prevailing weather conditions. This thoughtful approach ensures that you get the most value for your time and money while enjoying an unforgettable vacation tailored uniquely to you.
From the Team
At Aarunya Vacations, We Share Your Passion for Travel and Nature.
We love to travel. We love nature. We love to relax.
We cherish the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, to hear their stories, and to learn from their experiences. We take joy in exploring diverse ecosystems, discovering unique flora and fauna, and appreciating the beauty and variety that nature offers—especially those rare features that exist only in certain corners of the world.
Yes, these wonders can’t be found anywhere else! And we don’t want you to miss them.
At Aarunya Vacations, we are passionate about sharing the true essence of nature—showing you how to experience it responsibly and without harm.
This is why we established Aarunya Vacations: to help you immerse yourself in these remarkable experiences.
We are dedicated to making your vacation truly inspirational. Enjoy and learn with our friendly, professional, and knowledgeable interpreters while we take care of all the details of travel, allowing you to relax and savor every moment.
Whether you’re planning your vacation weeks, months, or even years in advance, we’re here to help you plan a trip tailored to your needs. We specialize in creating personalized journeys for small groups and even individuals.
Customization is our secret to making every trip special. We look forward to assisting you on your journey.
Founder – Rahula Perera: A Multi-Faceted Expert in Nature and Travel
Rahula Perera is a dynamic individual with a diverse set of skills, excelling in multiple roles as the need arises. His passion for travel and nature exploration began when he received his first bicycle. In a time when travel options were limited and roads were less congested, he began to explore the country on two wheels, immersing himself in Sri Lanka’s nature and culture as a carefree teenager.
These early travels not only honed his ability to connect with people from all walks of life but also deepened his appreciation for cultural values, flora and fauna, and the local history and folklore of the places he visited. These long trips shaped his learning and ultimately led him to become an ecologist and nature-based tourism specialist.
While still in school, Rahula often traded his hours in the classroom for the latest movies at the nearby cinema. His curiosity about the art and science behind filmmaking, along with the technical aspects and equipment involved, sparked his first job as a trainee producer at the Government Film Unit, immediately after completing his schooling.
By combining his childhood passions with formal academic qualifications in biology, nature-based tourism, and photography, Rahula emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s foremost field biologists, wildlife photographers, documentary producers, and nature interpreters.
Rahula’s travels around the world have enriched his perspective, blending international knowledge and local expertise. This unique combination has enabled him to develop various interpretative tools and materials for both local and international visitors, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of nature. After years of working as a consultant and trainer, Rahula established Aarunya Vacations to offer travelers a chance to experience Sri Lanka in a more meaningful, enjoyable, and insightful way.
Front Runners
Prashantha de Alwis "Malkoha"
A Dynamic Chauffeur Guide and Interpreter
Known as “Malkoha” in the tourism industry, Prashantha, or Prash, is a well-respected chauffeur guide and interpreter with over 25 years of industry experience. His nickname comes from the Red-faced Malkoha and Blue-faced Malkoha birds that are commonly seen in the wild, but his colleagues affectionately call him the “Changeable-faced Malkoha” because his expression can shift from red to blue, reflecting the full spectrum of emotions!
After completing his schooling in Kandy, Prash began his career as a sales agent, starting with sweets, then moving to motorbikes, before finally transitioning into tourism. His extensive experience in sales helped him develop excellent interpersonal skills, making him a natural interpreter.
In addition to his work as a guide, Prash is an active member of various nature and wildlife protection organizations, including the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. While birding, wildlife, and cultural heritage are his primary interests, Prash is also passionate about classic cars and earth-moving vehicles. Anything rustic or with a unique charm always captures his attention!
Tiran Abeywardana
A Unique Blend of Archeology and Biodiversity Expertise
Tiran’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, with a background in Archeology, Social Science, and Mass Communication leading him to become a valued member of several scientific research teams focused on Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. Who would have predicted that someone with a Bachelor’s degree in such diverse fields would develop a profound expertise in wildlife? Yet, his instinctive love for nature and wildlife guided him to this unique position.
Tiran began his wildlife journey through the Young Zoologists Association of Sri Lanka and furthered his knowledge with a Diploma in Biodiversity Management. He has contributed to a variety of research projects, including the national review of Sri Lankan flora by IUCN, the protected area management and wildlife conservation project, and the biodiversity baseline survey conducted by the Department of Wildlife Conservation and the University of Colombo.
With his combined expertise in archeology and biodiversity, Tiran offers a distinct perspective and enriches every experience through his insightful interpretations, taking his audience to a different dimension of understanding Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage.
Chamil Uddika
A Passionate Nature Interpreter with Deep Roots in Conservation
Chamil was born in the Colombo suburb of Kottawa, where he developed a deep love for birds and wildlife in the urban wetlands that surrounded his hometown. The unique beauty and biodiversity of this magical ecosystem captured his fascination from an early age.
His passion for nature evolved into scientific exploration when he joined the Young Zoologists Association in his teens. This experience marked the beginning of his professional journey, starting as a Game Guard with the Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka. Over the years, he expanded his knowledge of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity, serving as a Field Assistant with various organizations, including IUCN.
Chamil’s journey into tourism began as a chauffeur guide in mass tourism, but he quickly realized that his true calling lay in nature-based tourism. Since 2009, he has worked as a freelance nature tour interpreter, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to every client. Today, Chamil is a valued member of the Aarunya Vacations Interpreter team, where his knowledge and passion for nature continue to inspire travelers.