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active 4 hours ago

Rozanne Kasthuri

Hello everyone! I am Rozanne.

My passion for travel began at a very young age, leading me to join the travel industry right after high school. With over a decade of experience, my love for travel has only grown, and I am eager to share my enthusiasm and knowledge with others. I continuously seek out exciting and new experiences, trying them myself to ensure I include the best of what this beautiful island has to offer in the holiday plans I design.

Born and raised in the bustling city of Colombo, my travel adventures have taken me to many parts of Sri Lanka. I've had the opportunity to explore endless beaches, timeless ruins, abundant wildlife, rolling surf, scenic train journeys, famous tea plantations, adventurous activities, and flavorful food. The most memorable aspect of my travels has been meeting people from all walks of life. I love learning about the local way of living, as there are unique differences from city to city. Additionally, I enjoy camping and traveling with my pet dog.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"With over a decade of experience in the travel industry, I believe I have the tools to identify and cater to various requirements and design tailormade holiday plans ensuring you get the best of everything. I have experience organizing beach, adventure, cultural, wildlife and nature, surfing, honeymoon, wellness and family tour plans.
I will also make sure that your dream holiday is planned well within your budget and you receive the best services on offer.
My vision when creating these tour plans is to ensure that the guest has an unforgettable holiday in the paradise isle of Sri Lanka. "

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

" have been fortunate enough to travel around the world, but my heart always returns to this beautiful island. My favorite travel experience was visiting the rural town of Anamaduwa and staying at The Mud House, which I consider the best property I've ever stayed at. Sri Lanka is a stunning country, but it's the warmth and generosity of its people that truly make it extraordinary.
From the moment I entered this property, I was welcomed by the friendly smiles and the sounds of laughter. This is a one-of-a-kind experience as we get to detach ourselves from technology and enjoy the beautiful and calm surroundings.
During the visit I canoed on a lake, hiked to the top of a rock temple, jumped 20 meters into a man-made water pond that was equally deep and most importantly enjoy the delicious food and enjoyed the company of the most hospitable villages. It has been 6 years since my first visit and I keep going back for more as this is the best travel experience, I have had.
"

Rozanne is part of the following groups: Maldives Travel Agents, Sri Lanka Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Rozanne

13 days in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka | Feb 12 - Feb 24, 2024

Michael
Michael L.
Honolulu, HI | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024
My wife and I had a great time on the 13-day trip Rozanne and team organized for us. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and every day had something new to see and experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of activities, visiting temples, historical sites, safaris, village tours, fantastic views, cultural and craft demonstrations, etc. Accommodations were all top notch and our guide Roshan was excellent, very knowledgeable about all the places we visited, came up with good ideas to... Read more

My wife and I had a great time on the 13-day trip Rozanne and team organized for us. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and every day had something new to see and experience. Thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of activities, visiting temples, historical sites, safaris, village tours, fantastic views, cultural and craft demonstrations, etc. Accommodations were all top notch and our guide Roshan was excellent, very knowledgeable about all the places we visited, came up with good ideas to enhance our itinerary, introduced us to local foods on drives, rearranged daily itineraries to optimize time usage, and was a wonderful travel companion. Highly recommended!

Local specialist: Rozanne Kasthuri

Sri Lanka Family Adventure
Sri Lanka | Mar 2 - Mar 11, 2024

Kate
Kate D.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

A trip to remember covering all the highlights of culture and natural beauty Sri Lanka has to offer . We managed to cram two weeks worth of sightseeing into 10 days with the help of Rozannes planning and our wonderful driver Aruna . There was plenty to do and see for an active group of four with plenty of time for relaxation in between . Our preferences and requests were taken into consideration and the trip ran smoothly so all were satisfied.

Local specialist: Rozanne Kasthuri

We LOVE Sri Lanka!!
Sri Lanka | Feb 6 - Feb 14, 2024

Kari
Kari I.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Mar 03, 2024
We have an absolutely incredible adventure!!! Suranga was an amazing driver and guide. I am a single mom and traveled from the US to Sri Lanka with my 4 year old daughter. I felt completely safe traveling with Suranga which was the most important to me, but besides that he was friendly, fun, knowledgeable and passionate about what he does!! Highly recommend!!
Kim Kim set is up with an incredible guide and I’m very thankful for that. As a mom with a young daughter I felt the itinerary was a...
Read more

We have an absolutely incredible adventure!!! Suranga was an amazing driver and guide. I am a single mom and traveled from the US to Sri Lanka with my 4 year old daughter. I felt completely safe traveling with Suranga which was the most important to me, but besides that he was friendly, fun, knowledgeable and passionate about what he does!! Highly recommend!!
Kim Kim set is up with an incredible guide and I’m very thankful for that. As a mom with a young daughter I felt the itinerary was a bit ambitious on some days, but other than that it was wonderful!

Hotel Reviews
Kumbukgaha Villa
Sigiriya

Very nice place. I much appreciated our guide telling us to expect lizards in the room, because there were a couple!:) Good was good and the staff was friendly.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taru Villas Kandy
Kandy

Beautiful and clean hotel, maybe not the most kid friendly, so just to be mindful if you are traveling with young children.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mountain Heavens
Ella

Incredible views and friendly staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lankavatara Ocean Retreat
Kalametiya

Loved this beach side hotel!! Right on the beach!! Fun, great food and restaurant and wonderful spa!! Even my young daughter got a 20 minute massage which was a fun experience for her!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Koragaha Lodge
Tissamaharama

Location was amazing. Elephants on property two nights in a row but not a disturbance to guests. Food was really great and staff incredibly friendly!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tour of tea plantation & factory
Tour of tea plantation & factory
Sri Lanka

The tea factory was great!! It was just a little long for a 4 year old when doing all other activities that day!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park (F)
Afternoon Safari at Minneriya National Park (F)
Sri Lanka

So many elephants!!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka

Beautiful history that came to life here!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Suranga has a ton of knowledge on the history and passionate about sharing it!
Transport
Village Tour at Hiriwadunna
Village Tour at Hiriwadunna
Sri Lanka

Wonderful village tour!! The people were incredible, friendly, hospitable, kind and overall just wonderful!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park
Afternoon Safari at Yala National Park
Sri Lanka

Wonderful Safari!! There is so much diversity in this National Park!! Fun and exciting!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Sea Turtle Hatchery
Visit Sea Turtle Hatchery
Sri Lanka

Phenomenal!!! Once in a lifetime activity, not incredibly thankful our guide Suranga was willing to carry my daughter!!! It was late at night and my daughter was too tired to walk the distances this activity required and Suranga carried her so we could witness a sea turtle laying eggs! Incredible!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Leisure Day!
Leisure Day!
Sri Lanka

Absolutely beautiful beaches!!!!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rozanne Kasthuri

Guide Aruna was outstanding went ...
Sri Lanka | Jan 22 - Jan 31, 2024

P
Paul M.
San Marcos, CA | Reviewed on Feb 07, 2024
Guide Aruna was outstanding went out of his way a couple of the hotels were a bit iffy while a couple were absolutely delightful so a bit hit and miss there Read more

Guide Aruna was outstanding went out of his way a couple of the hotels were a bit iffy while a couple were absolutely delightful so a bit hit and miss there

Hotel Reviews
Jetwing Lagoon
Negombo

one of the iffy hotels long list ...

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
no character whatsoever dirty terrible location extremely weird layout
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Ella

wonderful location and service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ru Boutique
Kandy

location the problem on major road so walking access a problem

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Rozanne Kasthuri

First and foremost, we are a returning kimkim...
Sri Lanka | Dec 17 - Jan 1, 2024

R
Ravi R.
Redwood City, CA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2024
First and foremost, we are a returning kimkim customers, done about 3-5 trips with them. The local specialist delivered a terrible experience after paying a large amount of 1000's of dollars for this trip. This agency cant seem to retain employees as they seem to leave quick. The local specialist who built our tour itinerary left the company leaving it a rookie, who consistently kept on debating that it is all our fault (customer). We also felt, none of this local tour specialists themselves... Read more

First and foremost, we are a returning kimkim customers, done about 3-5 trips with them. The local specialist delivered a terrible experience after paying a large amount of 1000's of dollars for this trip. This agency cant seem to retain employees as they seem to leave quick. The local specialist who built our tour itinerary left the company leaving it a rookie, who consistently kept on debating that it is all our fault (customer). We also felt, none of this local tour specialists themselves ever toured/traveled within Sri Lanka, thereby creating a paper itinerary with no actual experience of visiting the locations they are proposing nor seem to understand how long it takes to go from one location to another. This led us to change in itinerary in the last minute as the proposed paper itinerary led to situation where we would not have had the opportunity to see and experience the location they proposed we would spend 2 hours. Also they committed to delivering a 4 star hotels for the payment made, to a surprise we ended booking us at 3 star experience at a tented camp. This tented camp calls itself resort and spa, actually there is no spa. Kimkim operator suggested I schedule it with neighboring hotel for the spa experience. They absolutely have no clue what they are proposing, so beware what ever itinerary they propose to examine it multiple times, read the fine print. They also ended up booking a train journey on a 3rd class compartment after paying large sums of dollars. We strongly feel like bait and switch scheme here. All we received was a sympathy call from a kimkim customer service as our 2 voicemail left to our kimkim contact went not answered to return the call. We cannot believe kimkim has this kind of poor performing local tour operators. Another learning experience is just because we pay what they ask expecting them to deliver a stellar experience is not true. In summary both kimkim & the local operator delivered a 1 star experience. Only saving grace and shining star is the driver - Pathum, who went way beyond to make us happy. Rest of the staff, no care attitude and cannot be trusted.

Hotel Reviews
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Ella

Very commercial and business attitude to customers.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
Kandy

Best place to stay, excellent experience, staff went beyond to make customer happy.

Authenticity & Character
experience,
Location
Serene, quiet, zen
Staff
Went beyond
Cleanliness & Comfort
Flameback Eco Lodge
Weerawila
Authenticity & Character
Flexibility, accomodative
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Scenic train ride from Nanu-oya to Ella
Scenic train ride from Nanu-oya to Ella
Sri Lanka

Terrible experience, beware of the tour operator, they will book you into a 3rd class compartment after taking large sum of money.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Rozanne Kasthuri
Rozanne
Rozanne Kasthuri
Local specialist in Colombo | Replied on Jan 11, 2024
Hi Ravi, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent holiday in Sri Lanka. We genuinely appreciate your honest input, and I want to extend my sincerest apologies for any aspects of your trip that did not meet your expectations. I understand that certain aspects of your experience were felt as lacking or insufficient to you, and I assure you that your comments have been thoroughly reviewed with our team. Your insights are invaluable as we continuously strive to... Read more

Hi Ravi,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent holiday in Sri Lanka. We genuinely appreciate your honest input, and I want to extend my sincerest apologies for any aspects of your trip that did not meet your expectations.

I understand that certain aspects of your experience were felt as lacking or insufficient to you, and I assure you that your comments have been thoroughly reviewed with our team. Your insights are invaluable as we continuously strive to enhance our services and ensure every traveler has a seamless and enjoyable journey with us.

Following an in -depth conversation with my team, I would like to communicate the following information.

• We acknowledge the challenge of involving two consultants in the holiday planning process. However, based on my understanding, both Hazan and Shehara have been instrumental in facilitating the planning and finalization of your holiday.

• Rozanne, your third and last consultant, contacted you only towards the conclusion when you expressed a desire to include the Pekoe trail in your holiday. According to the exchanged messages, she also assisted you and furnished the requisite information.

• Prior to the commencement of your tour, Rozanne provided you with the mobile numbers of both herself and our Operations Manager, ensuring you have access to them in case of any emergencies. They are consistently available at all times.

• Messages via the platform could experience delays and this was the reason to share their mobile numbers with you.

• Unfortunately, the initial delays in communication occurred as you contacted our team on the platform. Which later changed as our team contacted you directly on your mobile and to my understanding, communication thereafter was quick and efficient.

• When Shehara initially finalized the trip plan, the road and weather conditions were notably different. Other guests with similar schedules managed to experience all the planned activities. However, upon your feedback that it might be overwhelming for you in a single day, our team promptly arranged for a later train, ensuring you had sufficient time to enjoy all the included experiences.

• Following the confirmation of the later train, our team communicated with your guide to ensure a relaxed pace and avoid any sense of haste. The day's itinerary was henceforth carefully organized to ensure your timely arrival for the afternoon train to Ella.

• As far as I comprehend, the sole issue encountered was the booking of tickets in a 3rd class carriage instead of the promised 2nd class. This is entirely attributed to a miscommunication between the service provider and our team. We sincerely apologize for this oversight.

• To address the aforementioned mistake on our part and as a goodwill gesture, we extend an offer for a complimentary dinner and a complimentary massage during your stay at the 98 Acres Resort & Spa

• I'd like to highlight that, by Sri Lankan regulations, we are only permitted to secure reserved seats for a particular train journey 30 days before the ticket date. Cost is not a concern for us, and we are open to purchasing tickets in any class. However, as mentioned earlier, we cannot assure the specific carriage type and train time until the tickets are procured. Owing to the huge demand for tickets for the hill country journey vs the number of very limited seats in carriage and class plays an integral part of us trying to secure it well in advance for our guests.

• Another issue that surfaced was the temporary closure of the spa at Flameback Eco Lodge. Regrettably, this circumstance is beyond our control. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the two spa attendants had fallen ill, and prioritizing the safety of the guests, the decision was made to close it for a few days. This situation was unforeseen and was not the case when Shehara recommended the property to you.

• Throughout your stay, our Operations Manager maintained regular contact with you, ensuring that everything was in order. According to the screenshots we received from him, you had affirmed on multiple occasions that everything was satisfactory.

• In retrospect, I acknowledge that the holiday could have been better organized, and I extend my sincere apologies to you and your wife for any inconvenience caused. This falls short of the service standard we typically aim to provide, and your feedback will guide us in making improvements for the future.

We genuinely value your feedback and want to assure you that your concerns will be shared with our team for continuous improvement. We are committed to providing the exceptional service that our clients deserve.
If there are any further details or concerns, you'd like to discuss, please feel free to reach out. We appreciate your understanding and the opportunity to make amends.

Wishing you and your wife all the best, and we hope to have the chance to welcome you back for a more seamless and enjoyable experience in the future.

- Team Exemplary Voyages -