Chitral Jayatilake is the Head of Eco Tourism at John Keells Hotel Group. A dedicated wildlife photographer he extends his boundaries as a keen naturalist and environment conservationist. Chitral won his first award in photography from Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He also has the distinction of being one of the main personalities to introduce commercial whale watching in Sri Lanka. A love of the great outdoors Chitral shares his travel experiences.

Why do you love travel?

I enjoy time spent away from the city in places where nature has less intervention of people.

Your favourite travel destination and why?

Somewhere wild and free – it’s amazing to see how most animals keep their lives simple, if only we could do the same!

What do you need for a perfect holiday?

A destination that inspires me, great company and a good camera, I guess that goes without saying!

In which country have you felt most at home?

India.

Most unusual souvenir you have brought home?

Piece of rock from a place I call my second home.

Favourite holiday discovery?

Seeing the tigers in India. I think that is the next best thing to seeing a leopard in the wild.

Worst holiday or travel experience?

Being told that I had exceeded my luggage allowance in  London while carrying back the Beetle Cam.

Best piece of travel advice?

Do research on your destination – work with people who care –
Enjoy every moment out there, as being outdoors is a privilege.

Your top five travel destinations?

Yala National Park – Sri Lanka, Masai-Mara N.P. in Kenya, Chambal River Safari in Madhya Pradesh - India, Ranthambhore National Park in India, Brighton Beach on a sunny evening - UK.

What has travel taught you?

To appreciate what mother nature offers you as ‘Moments of Truth’
and make friends with different people.

What is the country you will never go back to and why?

I haven’t felt like that yet about any destination.

Which country did you taste the best ever cuisine?

I love North Indian Food, hence India.

Next travel destination?

Botswana - Africa.

By Tina Edward Gunawardhana