Ravindu Silva
Founder & Head Guide
Born in Tissamaharama, the gateway to Yala. Has spent 14 years finding leopards and has never lost the thrill.
Est. 2011 · Mirissa
Born on the wild coast.
One jeep, one park and a promise: wildlife on their terms, guests in small groups, and the coast shown by the people who grew up on it.
Our story
From one jeep to the whole wild coast.
In 2011, Ravindu Silva bought a single safari jeep outside Yala and started taking travellers into the park the way locals always went — early, quiet and respectful. Word spread, the whales joined the fleet in 2014, and the surf coast followed in 2018.
Today a small team of trackers, marine biologists, surf coaches and drivers runs the full coast from Yala to Arugam Bay. Groups are still capped at ten, boats at twelve. And we still leave before the convoys.
What we stand for
The wild, respected.
Small groups
Six guests per jeep, ten per trip. Wildlife is seen better — and disturbed less — in small numbers.
Responsible boats
Small vessels, licensed captains, no chasing. If a whale day comes up empty, we take you again free.
Local by design
Coaches, guides, lodges and kitchens are all local. The coast's money stays on the coast.
Beach clean, always
Every trip ends with a beach or park clean-up — a small ritual our guests have come to love.
Fourteen years
The road so far.
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2011
One jeep, one park
Ravindu starts Lanka Escapes with a single safari jeep and a promise: wildlife, without the crowds.
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2014
Whales join the fleet
The Mirissa whale-watching programme launches with a marine biologist on every boat.
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2018
The surf coast opens
Coaching and stays launch at Arugam Bay, and the east coast joins the circuit.
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2026
The full wild coast
Today one team runs safaris, whales and surf from Yala to the Bay — still capped at ten guests.
The team
The people behind the escapes.
Isuri De Mel
Marine Biologist & Boat Lead
Studied blue whales off Mirissa and now leads every whale morning with a running commentary of facts and wonder.
Sam Fernando
Surf Coach, Arugam Bay
Competed on the Asian tour, now coaches first-timers and barrel-chasers at the Bay with equal patience.
Dilini Karunaratne
Guest Care & Bookings
The WhatsApp voice at 2am who has saved more sunburnt travellers than anyone on the coast.
Beyond the trips
Gear, rides & services.
Safari Jeeps & Trackers
Soft-top 4x4s with licensed tracker-guides who know every watering hole and every leopard's favourite rock.
- Up to 6 guests per jeep
- Binoculars & water provided
- Dawn & dusk departures
Whale-Watching Boats
Small, responsible boats with marine biologists aboard — blue whales, sperm whales and dolphin pods.
- Max 12 guests per boat
- Marine biologist on board
- November – April season
Surf Coaching
From first pop-up to barrel-chasing — certified coaches at Arugam Bay's best breaks.
- Boards & rash vests included
- Video analysis sessions
- All levels welcome
Car with Driver
Comfortable sedans and SUVs with English-speaking drivers for exploring the coast at your own pace.
- Up to 8 passengers
- AC & comfortable seats
- Multilingual drivers
Beach & Water Sports
Snorkelling, kayaking, jet-skiing and river safaris — all gear, all guides, all organised.
- Snorkel & dive trips
- River & lagoon safaris
- Family-friendly options
24/7 Concierge
One number from booking to landing home — re-routed plans, lost passports, late flights.
- Round-the-clock WhatsApp line
- In-trip itinerary changes
- On-the-ground problem solving
Come find us