Manoj's Blog Posts
Self-Driving Around Sri Lanka
South Africa - the Perfect Honeymoon Destination
About Manoj
I cut my teeth as a tour guide in Thailand in the early 1990s. Back in my homeland of Sri Lanka, I worked for one of the country’s biggest tour companies, spending many years combing the island I love for secrets. I still return regularly.
After almost 30 years tailor-making holidays with client-focused luxury specialists in the UK and around the world, I have a wealth of close contacts and a treasure trove of specialist knowledge. Africa is my latest love. My most recent trips have been to South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya and each visit fuels my passion. Losing yourself in the vast plains of the Masai Mara or the Serengeti is humbling and unforgettable. I'm already planning my next trip.
Where are you originally from and have you lived abroad?
Sri Lanka. I spent most of my childhood there and went to boarding school in Kandy, where I gained two things: a love of rugby, and a clutch of lifelong friends. Between us we now live in almost every major city around the world. I then followed my dad and my stepsister to Thailand, where I spent almost five years. I learned to cook, play the guitar and speak the local language, including the southern dialect. Time well spent, I think.
When you're not working or travelling, you're...
Watching live sport and helping with my boys' sports.
How many languages do you speak?
Three: English, Sinhalese and Thai.
Which place exceeded your expectations on your travels and why?
South Africa – the food, the food, the food! And the wine. Incredible.
What are your top 5 must-pack items?
A camera with a good lens for wildlife photography, insect repellent, laptop, Calpol for all for my boys and an adaptor.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?
LA, for the amazing houses, the vibe of Santa Monica, the pretentiousness of Malibu, and all the road trips you heart could desire, in a car as long as a yacht.
What is your first great travel experience?
Thailand. I hadn’t flown until I was 17 years old and that first trip to visit my dad was special. The street food was stunning, and it cost almost nothing.
What is your favourite hotel, why and where is it?
Oh, there are so many. Mutara Camp, just outside Ol Pejeta, Kenya, home of the last two Northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, is a very special place. Our tent was above a watering hole. A large herd of elephants came in the night and we had a magical, up-close view. Everything about this place, including the service, made a huge impression.
Which is your favourite beach, why and where is it?
Again, quite a few, but the beaches on Silhouette island in the Seychelles were so white and beautiful.
Which passport stamp are you the most proud of?
Maybe Jordan - but I'm proud of them all!
What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Have you ever worked abroad?
Yes, my very first job was helping on a house refurbishment in Thailand. I was the only one brave enough to climb on to the roof to clean the tiles – I was paid double for it! I was also a tour guide in Thailand and a travel consultant in Sri Lanka.
Have you experienced culture-shock, if so, where?
Yes, in the townships in Cape Town.
Where is the most depressing place you’ve found yourself?
In the Sri Lankan plantations, seeing women break their backs plucking tea for £2.50 a day. They work day in, day out and get paid by weight. It’s heart wrenching.
If you had just 24 hours in a big city, which one would it be?
Dubai. I’d spend it relaxing whilst the kids played in one of the waterparks...
What do you miss most from home while you're away?
Not being able to put the correct bin out on the right date and of course, not being able to wheel it back in without leaving it out there as an eyesore for my neighbours.
What's the funniest thing that's happened to you abroad?
It was in Kenya – my wife smiling at the camera instead of focusing on the blind rhino she was feeding. It almost ate her hand!
What’s the best party you have been to while travelling?
The Folie Douce Meribel-Courchevel has to take the prize.
Last Trip: Oman
Next Trip: Sri Lanka
Pictures of Manoj on his travels
Masai Mara, Kenya
Antigua
Samburu. Kenya
The Serengeti, Tanzania
Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Countries Manoj has visited:
