1. Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
Dear Jagath,
It's good to hear from you. I hope
that now, with the war over, more tourists are coming to Sri Lanka and
giving you more business.
Here is my testimonial:
I have
known Jagath since he was a teenager, when he was the personal attendant
to my dear friend, the late Swiss Buddhist monk, Ven. Bhikkhu Sumedha,
who lived in a cave near Jagath's village.
I can
testify that Jagath is an upright and honest young man who has been
trained well in Buddhist ethical principles. I have recommended several
of my American friends and students who traveled to Sri Lanka to employ
Jagath as a tour guide. They were highly pleased with his services.
I joined
one such group for part of their tour in 2006. In addition to being
knowledgeable about the history of Sri Lanka, its monuments and art,
Jagath is also a careful driver. This is important in Sri Lanka where
many drivers tend to drive recklessly and too fast.
I attach a photo of the two of us together when we were on tour in Sri Lanka.
Did you write to Marcie, Jane, George, Ester, and Deena for recommendations? They could happily provide them to you.
With metta,
Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi
Chuang Yen Monastery
2020 Route 301
Carmel NY 10512
U.S.A.
E-mail : venbodhi@gmail.com
2. Ester Barias-Wolf
Dear Jagath,
I traveled with a group of friends on a pilgrimage to Buddhist historical sites a few years back.
Jagath was recommended to be our guide throughout our stay.
I cannot say enough good things about Jagath. He was professional, knowledgeable, personable and made every
effort to accommodate and answer our questions whether it was about our travel itinerary or personal needs.
We started our journey from Colombo and weaved all the way up to Anuradhapura where we attended Vesak ceremonies.
Besides visiting Buddhist historical sites, Jagath also took us to shows, markets, restaurants and the
countryside showcasing and sharing his Sri Lankan heritage and country’s history which were both educational
and enchanting. My travel mates and I were very happy with Jagath’s personalized travel service.
Speaking for myself, my trip is one of my most memorable trips to date and if given a chance to return,
I would definitely hire Jagath as tour guide and driver again.
Ester Barias-Wolf
Pennsylvania, USA
E-mail : esterbwolf@gmail.com
3. Hogen Bays
Dear Jagath,
I hope all is well
with you and your family.
Thank you again for the wonderful time we had traveling with you in Sri
Lanka a few months ago. Thank you as well for the Buddhist Flag you
donated to the monastery. Attached are a couple of photographs from
when we raised it.
I will send out a notice to my Buddhist teacher friends about your guide services.
Here is a short testimonial that you are welcome to use. If you would like me to change it in any way please let me know.
with respect, in the Dharma,
Hogen
"Twice we have had the good fortune to visit Sri Lanka and travel with Jagath. I would unequivocally recommend his services. He is a wonderful person responsible and responsive. He is full of insights about Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist history. Jagath was recommended to me by a good friend. With great confidence I have passed his name on to my friends!"
I will send out a notice to my Buddhist teacher friends about your guide services.
Here is a short testimonial that you are welcome to use. If you would like me to change it in any way please let me know.
with respect, in the Dharma,
Hogen
"Twice we have had the good fortune to visit Sri Lanka and travel with Jagath. I would unequivocally recommend his services. He is a wonderful person responsible and responsive. He is full of insights about Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist history. Jagath was recommended to me by a good friend. With great confidence I have passed his name on to my friends!"
Hogen Bays
hogen@greatvow.org
E-mail : hogen@zendust.org
4. Chozen and Hogen Bays
Dear Jagath,
Here is a testimonial.
You can use any part of it that you like.
Jagath has been a wonderful guide for our two trips to Sri Lanka.He is very knowledgeable and considerate, going out of his way to make sure we had a good experience.We toured the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Pollonaruwa, were astounded by the art in the Dambulla caves, climbed to the top of Sigiria and Mihintali, and saw the amazing elephant parade at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Last year we enjoyed a new experience, an exciting tour of the wild animal park.
If you are interested in Buddhist sites, Jagath is an expert. You can see the living Bodhi Tree, brought from India by King Asoka's daughter just 200 years after the Buddha's death, the Aluvihara rock caves where the Pali canon was first written down on palm leaves, the huge stone trough used to feed the monks at Anuradhapura, many huge stupas and ancient Buddha statues, the original Abayaghiri Monastery, and many other heart-warming Buddhist historical sites.
Jagath is a great guide and trust worthy companion for anyone's trip to the beautiful (but relatively undiscovered) country of Sri Lanka.
You can use any part of it that you like.
Jagath has been a wonderful guide for our two trips to Sri Lanka.He is very knowledgeable and considerate, going out of his way to make sure we had a good experience.We toured the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Pollonaruwa, were astounded by the art in the Dambulla caves, climbed to the top of Sigiria and Mihintali, and saw the amazing elephant parade at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Last year we enjoyed a new experience, an exciting tour of the wild animal park.
If you are interested in Buddhist sites, Jagath is an expert. You can see the living Bodhi Tree, brought from India by King Asoka's daughter just 200 years after the Buddha's death, the Aluvihara rock caves where the Pali canon was first written down on palm leaves, the huge stone trough used to feed the monks at Anuradhapura, many huge stupas and ancient Buddha statues, the original Abayaghiri Monastery, and many other heart-warming Buddhist historical sites.
Jagath is a great guide and trust worthy companion for anyone's trip to the beautiful (but relatively undiscovered) country of Sri Lanka.
Chozen and Hogen Bays
Oregon, USA
E-mail : chozen@zendust.org
5. Nancy Kodo Conover
Hi Jagath:,
It is very nice to hear from you. Below is a testimonial. Attached are pictures:
In June of 2012 four of us from Zen Community of Oregon took a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka. Jagath Tours made the trip easy, interesting and worry free. Jagath is a great driver and a wonderful guide. He has in depth knowledge of his country and was able to recommended and take us to some of the the most amazing ancient Buddhist sites along with cultural and wildlife interests. Jagath was very sensitive to our interests and made our stay one that we will not forget. We hope to return to explore more of this delightful and varied country.
I highly recommend Jagath's Tours and would definitely use his services again whenever I return to Sri Lanka.
In June of 2012 four of us from Zen Community of Oregon took a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka. Jagath Tours made the trip easy, interesting and worry free. Jagath is a great driver and a wonderful guide. He has in depth knowledge of his country and was able to recommended and take us to some of the the most amazing ancient Buddhist sites along with cultural and wildlife interests. Jagath was very sensitive to our interests and made our stay one that we will not forget. We hope to return to explore more of this delightful and varied country.
I highly recommend Jagath's Tours and would definitely use his services again whenever I return to Sri Lanka.
Nancy Kodo Conover
Portland, Oregon USA
E-mail : kodo.conover@gmail.com
6. Nina Meledandri
Hi Jagath:,
We will travel to
Sri Lanka only when Jagath is available for a tour. He kept our group
informed, safe, and comfortable during our entire 7 day trip. His
services were the most important part of our incredible visit to Sri
Lanka. We are looking forward to our next vacation with Jagath! *.
Nina Meledandri,N.D., L.Ac
Naturopathic Physician
Licensed Acupuncturist
7. Bibi Tucker
Dear Jagath:,
My boy friend and I
took at tour of Sri Lanka with Jagath as
our guide in 2009. It was one of the most fantastic adventures of my
life! Jagath could not be a friendlier, more knowledgeable guide. He
also translates and drives very well. We always felt safe and
comfortable. I highly recommend him and trust that he does his best to
please his clients. Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful, lovely
places in the world I have visited!
Bibi Tucker
California, USA
E-mail : bibisue@hotmail.com
8. Deena
Dear Jagath:,
I am writing to you
to thank you for the marvelous tour of Sri Lanka you gave us. Thanks
to you we have come to love the country.
Your knowledge of the history and culture of the island nation was extraordinary; your car was as comfortable as our living room couch. You took us to the country, to the city, to the farms, to the magnificent beaches, and you knew all the best places to eat, sleep, and shop. It was a perfect trip thanks to you. Who knew you could get great pizza at the top of a mountain in Sri Lanka. I would return for the pizza alone.
I also want to thank you for finding us a reasonably priced hotel in the center of Kandy. The staff there became our friends, their food was excellent, and as I mentioned, you could not beat the price.
While we were in Sri Lanka we spoke to you often (even when you were not guiding us) to get your advice on a variety of issues, you were always so kind and understanding, never impatient).
The trip to the tea plantations was especially interesting and it was fun touring around them. I will never forget that place.
I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone seeking to understand and travel around Sri Lanka. Your price was reasonable and your extensive knowledge of the country was a bonus. Your English was great and we really appreciated that. Much Love,
Your knowledge of the history and culture of the island nation was extraordinary; your car was as comfortable as our living room couch. You took us to the country, to the city, to the farms, to the magnificent beaches, and you knew all the best places to eat, sleep, and shop. It was a perfect trip thanks to you. Who knew you could get great pizza at the top of a mountain in Sri Lanka. I would return for the pizza alone.
I also want to thank you for finding us a reasonably priced hotel in the center of Kandy. The staff there became our friends, their food was excellent, and as I mentioned, you could not beat the price.
While we were in Sri Lanka we spoke to you often (even when you were not guiding us) to get your advice on a variety of issues, you were always so kind and understanding, never impatient).
The trip to the tea plantations was especially interesting and it was fun touring around them. I will never forget that place.
I would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone seeking to understand and travel around Sri Lanka. Your price was reasonable and your extensive knowledge of the country was a bonus. Your English was great and we really appreciated that. Much Love,
Deena (Scherer) (otherwise known as madam)
PO BOX 354,BEDFORD, NY 10506,USA
914-234-9464,deenascherer@verizon.net
9. Yen & Gary
Dear Jagath:,
If you're thinking
of touring magical Sri Lanka and need a
professional and licensed guide, look no further than Jagath Tours.From
the moment we reached out to him we felt at ease with his demeanor and
flexible touring approach.
He's quick to reply
on preliminary tour email questions and always has solid suggestions on
how to get the most out of your trip. When we set up our tour he was
willing to work with our itinerary, but also added to it so we were able
to see so much more than we originally planned on. As a guide he's
very approachable, patient, and knowledgable on the varying areas that
Sri Lanka has to offer. He's a small business owner running his tours
personally and passionately.
From the
plethora of temples, to the thick of the safaris, he knew the
ins-and-outs of the land and we always felt safe with the areas he took
us to. Also important to note, he's an excellent driver who doesn't
take unnecessary risks on the road.
From a
characteristic viewpoint on Jagath I'd describe him as honest, caring,
and gentle. A family man who loves his country and genuinely wants to
share what it has to offer.
We felt fortunate to have Jagath as our personal Sri Lankan guide. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at gkata1@gmail.com
We felt fortunate to have Jagath as our personal Sri Lankan guide. If you have any questions please feel free to email us at gkata1@gmail.com
Yen & Gary
New York, New York
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