Born and raised in the mountains of Ella, I've spent my life exploring every trail, waterfall, and viewpoint in this beautiful region. After studying Tourism Management at the University of Colombo, I returned home to share my passion for Ella's natural beauty and cultural heritage with travelers from around the world.With over 8 years of professional guiding experience, I offer more than just tours—I provide authentic connections to my homeland. My goal is to create meaningful experiences that benefit both visitors and our local community while preserving our environment for future generations.Professional Qualifications:
Licensed Tour Guide (Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority)
Certified Tuk Tuk Driver with safety training
Wilderness First Aid Certification
Sustainable Tourism Practices Training
Fluent English and Sinhala; basic German and French
Photography expertise
When not guiding, you'll find me volunteering with local conservation efforts, photographing wildlife, or tending to my family's small tea garden on the outskirts of Ella."My greatest joy comes from seeing guests connect with my homeland in meaningful ways. Whether it's the moment of awe at a perfect sunrise, the excitement of zooming through tea plantations in a tuk tuk, or the warmth of connection with a local family, these authentic experiences create memories that last a lifetime."
THE SHANU TOURS ELLA STORY
Shanu Tours Ella began in 2018 with just me, my trusty tuk tuk, and an unwavering passion for my homeland. What started as simple tuk tuk tours around Ella has grown into a comprehensive service offering everything from hiking adventures to photography expeditions and car hire services for longer journeys.Despite this growth, our core values remain unchanged. Every experience we offer maintains a commitment to:
Authentic local connections
Environmental sustainability
Community support
Personalized service
Safety and professionalism
Today, Shanu Tours Ella remains intentionally small-scale to ensure quality and personal attention. I personally lead most tours, though during peak season I occasionally collaborate with 2-3 other carefully selected local guides and drivers who share my values and deep knowledge of the region.My promise to you is an Ella experience that goes beyond sightseeing—one that creates lasting connections to our land, culture, and people.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
At Shanu Tours Ella, environmental and social responsibility guides everything we do:
ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES:
Regular maintenance of our vehicles to minimize emissions
Zero single-use plastic policy on all tours
Waste collection during activities (we leave places better than we find them)
Support for local conservation initiatives
Small group sizes to minimize environmental impact
CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS:
Certified by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority
Member of the Ella Region Tourism Association
Travelife Sustainability Partner
We believe tourism can be a powerful force for positive change when done responsibly. Your choice to travel with us directly contributes to protecting Ella's natural beauty and supporting its communities.