Journals
Australia Awards Highlights: Success of 2018 Short Course on Sustainable Tourism Development
A recent publication by the Australia Awards program showcased the success stories from the 2018 delivery of the Short Course on Sustainable Tourism Development. This program, designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants, highlights the significant strides made toward sustainable tourism practices.
By empowering individuals with practical tools and innovative strategies, the course exemplifies Australia Awards' commitment to fostering sustainable development and global collaboration.
"Alumnus Rahula Perera is an ecologist, nature-based tourism product developer and photographer. He runs a specialised tourism venture in Sri Lanka….
…During the course, Rahula learnt about Australian tour guiding qualifications and developed contacts with Savannah Guides Ltd—Australia’s leading tour guide professional development and training organisation. This paved the way for him to complete the necessary requirements and become an EcoGuide certified by Ecotourism Australia and the first international Savannah Guide accredited by Savannah Guides Ltd.”
Sri Lanka: The Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka, affectionately known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a captivating island of 65,000 square kilometers located just above the equator. With over 1,300 kilometers of pristine coastline, it offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. Recognized as one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots by the IUCN, Sri Lanka is an idyllic destination for relaxation, exploration, and learning.
Boasting over 2,500 years of documented history, Sri Lanka is a land of ancient cities and remarkable achievements. The ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, with their meticulously planned cities and advanced irrigation systems, stand as testaments to a civilization that thrived for millennia. The country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites—including Sigiriya, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the sacred city of Kandy, the old town of Galle and its fortifications, Sinharaja Rainforest, and the Central Highlands—offer a rich tapestry of cultural and natural treasures, easily incorporated into any itinerary.
Strategically positioned along the ancient Silk Route, Sri Lanka was historically known as Taprobane and Serendib to traders who sought its gemstones, elephants, and spices—prized for their unmatched quality. The island’s coastal regions fell under Portuguese control in the 16th century, followed by Dutch rule, before becoming a British colony in the 19th century. Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, gained independence in 1948. This layered history has left a legacy of European influence interwoven with its own cultural heritage.
Sri Lanka’s multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society celebrates a vibrant array of festivals, pageants, and social events. The island also boasts several national parks, botanical gardens, and protected areas that showcase its remarkable biodiversity. Above all, the warmth and hospitality of its people, always accompanied by friendly smiles, remain the country’s greatest treasure, ensuring every visitor feels truly welcome.
A rainforest is a realm of mystery, brimming with life and wonder.
However, it becomes truly magical and inviting when you understand its intricate dynamics. Interpreting the unique characteristics of a rainforest is a challenge that requires dedication, training, and deep knowledge. At Aarunya Vacations, we are committed to equipping our interpreters with the skills and expertise needed to provide our clients with an unparalleled experience of these natural treasures.
Aarunya Vacations is more than a travel company; we are your gateway to seeing, understanding, and feeling Sri Lanka in a profoundly meaningful way. Many visitors struggle to fully grasp the richness and fragility of the places they visit, as they often lack the necessary background knowledge. For international travelers, this challenge is even greater due to unfamiliarity with local conditions, terrain, biodiversity, and language.
Our mission is to bridge this gap, empowering travelers with insightful interpretations that deepen their connection to Sri Lanka’s extraordinary landscapes and cultural heritage. By enhancing our interpreters’ abilities, we ensure that every journey with Aarunya Vacations is not just a tour—but a transformative experience.
At Aarunya Vacations, we are committed to continuously enhancing the knowledge and capacity of our Front Runners—the dedicated interpreters who bring Sri Lanka’s wonders to life for our clients. Leveraging the expertise of our sister company, SquareRoot Consulting, and the finest specialists in their fields, we ensure that our team is equipped to deliver exceptional and insightful experiences.
The third workshop in our 2016 series is scheduled for early September and will take place at the Sinharaja World Heritage Site. This session will feature the active participation and guidance of Professor Sarath Kotagama, a renowned ornithologist and environmentalist.
Professor Kotagama, celebrated for his tireless work in studying, protecting, and educating others about Sri Lanka’s rainforests, was honored with the 2003 Distinguished Service Award for Environment Education and Journalism by the International Society for Conservation Biology. His unparalleled expertise and lifelong dedication make him an invaluable resource for understanding the intricate dynamics of the Sinharaja Rainforest.
At Aarunya Vacations, we believe that nature interpretation is an essential component of conservation and communication. It serves as a powerful tool to meet the expectations of knowledge-seeking travelers, fostering a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s natural heritage. This workshop reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful, transformative travel experiences.
Enriching Travel Experiences through Knowledge and Insight
Aarunya Vacations is more than just a travel company. We don’t merely guide you through Sri Lanka; we help you see, understand, and truly feel the essence of this remarkable island. Many visitors struggle to fully appreciate the diversity and fragility of the environment due to a lack of contextual knowledge. This challenge is even greater for international travelers who are unfamiliar with local terrain, biodiversity, and culture.
At Aarunya Vacations, we pride ourselves on deeply understanding our diverse clientele and their needs. To ensure our services remain exceptional, we continuously organize activities to enhance the knowledge and skills of our Front Runners—our dedicated team of interpreters.
Drawing on the expertise of our sister company, SquareRoot Consulting, and the best specialists in their fields, Aarunya’s training initiatives set a new standard for interpretive excellence. Among the series of workshops planned for 2016, the second was successfully held from July 10th to 11th at the Udawalawe National Park. This event was conducted with the invaluable support of the Center for Conservation and Research (CCR) and its esteemed chairman, Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando.
The workshop brought together Dr. Fernando, Aarunya directors Malinda Ekanayake and Rahula Perera, and all Aarunya lead interpreters. The session began with an open forum discussion in Aarunya’s signature relaxed and interactive style. It then delved into in-depth topics, including elephant ecology, behavior, ranging patterns, and conservation strategies in Sri Lanka.
Adding a touch of celebration to the event, the team also marked the birthday of Tiran, one of Aarunya’s lead interpreters, with an evening gathering. This blend of learning, collaboration, and camaraderie exemplifies Aarunya’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections—both with the natural world and within our team.
The second day of the workshop was dedicated entirely to fieldwork, offering participants the opportunity to traverse Udawalawe National Park while observing elephants in their natural habitat. This hands-on experience allowed participants to apply and expand upon the theoretical knowledge gained on the first day.
Discussions during the field excursion centered on the importance of habitat quality management and current conservation priorities, enriching the participants' understanding of the delicate balance required to sustain wildlife. The visit concluded with a trip to the Eth Athuru Sevana, the Elephant Transit Home (ETH), where attendees observed efforts to rehabilitate and release orphaned elephants back into the wild.
At Aarunya Vacations, we firmly believe that nature interpretation is not only a valuable aspect of conservation and communication but also an indispensable tool in meeting the expectations of knowledge-seeking travelers. By equipping our interpreters with a deeper understanding of the environment, we aim to offer experiences that inspire and educate, creating lasting connections between visitors and the natural world.
Elevates Interpreter Standards with In-House Training
In a continuous effort to maintain high-quality and standardized services, Aarunya Vacations has launched a series of in-house training programs for its interpreters. The inaugural session for 2016 took place on May 3rd and 4th at the Windy Ridge Chalet in Nuwara Eliya, with the enthusiastic participation of 10 interpreters.
The training focused on the theme, “Characteristics of a Good Interpreter and How to Become a Great Interpreter.” Aarunya’s directors, Rahula Perera and Malinda Ekanayake, who are accomplished trainers themselves, led the sessions. They shared valuable insights and best practices, ensuring a highly interactive and engaging experience in the signature Aarunya style—relaxed, informal, yet impactful.
A key highlight of the program was a field visit to the nearby Pedro Tea Factory. While many participants were already familiar with the high-grown orthodox tea manufacturing process, this visit offered a deeper, more detailed exploration. Participants discovered several fascinating facts and nuances that will undoubtedly enhance their future interpretative work.
This training initiative not only reinforces Aarunya Vacations’ commitment to excellence but also empowers its interpreters to deliver exceptional experiences that resonate with travelers.
