Puneet & Neha’s Sri Lanka Review with Thrillophilia: A Trip Built on Warm People and Genuine Care
Some journeys stand out not because of a long list of attractions, but because of the people who guide you through a new country. For Puneet and Neha, their Sri Lanka holiday became memorable for exactly this reason.
From the beginning, two names shaped their trip more than anything else: Nakul Gupta and Pooja Gupta. They were the ones who helped Puneet build the itinerary, customise the flow and understand how the days would unfold. Their responsiveness, patience and willingness to clarify every detail stood out immediately. Puneet felt that they handled the entire planning process with the kind of ease that comes only from true expertise.
And then came the person who made the trip feel personal — Chanaka, their chauffeur, guide, companion on the road and someone who quickly became more than just a local contact.
Beginning the Journey: Landing in Colombo and Heading to Kandy
The trip began on 21 June, when Puneet and Neha arrived in Colombo. A representative greeted them at the airport, and they began their drive to Kandy. The first major stop was Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a place known for giving rescued elephants a safe environment. Watching the elephants walk, eat and interact gave them a wholesome start to the journey.
Once they reached Kandy, they checked into the Ganga Addara Hotel and rested for a while before heading out again. The drive to Upper Lake Viewpoint showcased Kandy from a high vantage point, offering a panoramic spread of the city. In the evening, they attended the Kandyan Dance performance, a cultural show featuring traditional moves, rhythmic drums and colourful costumes. The day ended quietly back at their hotel.
A Scenic Drive to Mirissa and Coastal Views
The next morning, they left for Mirissa. Their first stop was the Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex, a location known for its distinctive tower and layered viewpoints. Climbing and looking out over the landscape gave them a sense of Sri Lanka’s natural variety, from greenery to mountains to distant towns.
Once they reached Mirissa, their day slowed down. The coastline stretched along golden sand and calm waves. Parrot Rock stood out in the middle of the water, and Coconut Hill added a dramatic curved lineup of palm trees overlooking the sea. The couple spent time walking, taking pictures and enjoying the rhythm of the beach before returning to Sachinro Hotel.
From Mirissa to Bentota: Turtles and River Evenings
On the third day, they travelled from Mirissa to Bentota. The drive was comfortable, and the landscapes shifted from coastal to quieter inland roads until they reached the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Here, they saw various stages of turtle conservation, eggs, hatchlings and adult turtles recovering under care.
Later, they visited the Madhu River, where a calm boat ride took them through narrow waterways lined with mangroves. The atmosphere was peaceful, and the slow movement of the boat made the experience pleasant. They ended the day at Amarya Resort in Bentota, where the soft coastal breeze completed the evening.
Exploring Colombo and Watching the City Come Alive
The fourth day brought them to Colombo. After check-in, they began exploring the city’s mix of history, culture and modern development. They saw Fort and Pettah, walked through commercial streets, observed iconic structures like Lotus Tower and visited open public spaces where the city’s energy feels most active.
The day felt different from the earlier island experiences, more urban, faster-paced and full of activity. It added variety to their journey before they headed back to their hotel for the night.
A Chauffeur Who Became Family
Throughout this itinerary, one person brought consistency, comfort and warmth to Puneet and Neha’s journey: Chanaka.
In Puneet’s words, describing him was difficult because “people like him are rare.” Chanaka wasn’t just driving them from one spot to another. He made them feel welcome in a new country, spoke to them with kindness and treated them like family. His approachability, his gentle attitude and the way he offered help without making it formal created a level of comfort the couple didn’t expect.
What stood out most was that he always carried a genuine smile, even on longer days, and made sure both travellers felt safe and looked after. Puneet said he felt like he was travelling with an elder brother, not a hired driver.
Their gratitude for him was sincere and strong, “extra love from India,” as Puneet shared.
Ending the Trip on a Warm Note
On 25 June, they prepared to leave Sri Lanka. Their airport transfer happened on time, and they reached Bandaranaike International Airport with plenty of time to spare before their flight.
As they boarded the aircraft, they carried back not just photos and souvenirs but a sense of warmth that came from people who handled their trip with care — from Nakul and Pooja to each staff member they met, and especially Chanaka.
Final Thoughts
Puneet described the journey with straightforward honesty — a wonderful experience, made successful by people who genuinely cared. Nakul and Pooja shaped the trip with attention and detail. Chanaka added heart to the journey with his personality and kindness.
For Puneet and Neha, this wasn’t just a Sri Lanka trip. It was an experience where strangers in another country treated them with sincerity, respect and affection.
Puneet ended his message with a promise to return, plan more trips with Thrillophilia and recommend it to friends. And that promise reflected exactly how he felt — grateful, satisfied and already thinking about the next adventure.
Read More: Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews