Why We are Different
If you look beyond the brochures and the profusion of information thrown up by the internet, you will be delightfully surprised to know that there is a Sri Lanka that is more than its beaches and its UNESCO sites! Our approach is to seek the lesser known, explore the abundant interiors, engage with locals, meet with artists and architects in their backyard amongst their creations, get up close and personal about their work and its various trajectories.
For us, experiential travel isn't just a buzzword. Every individual experience that a traveller seeks with us, whatever be his background or passion, has the experiential element built into it.
At Authenticities, we strive to communicate through our itineraries; they are authentic, experiential, culturally relevant and emotionally engaging.
Our Culture
Ours is an open-minded culture where curiosity is a virtue, and learning from one another greatly encouraged. Our people are passionate about seeking and sharing knowledge and they believe in going that extra mile in their quest for exploration. We are strong-minded, yet receptive. Every new idea is deliberated, curated and tested for consistency, before it is presented to our clientele. The design component in our physical working space is an apt metaphor of our culture.
Our passion
A photo doesn't possess the magic of fully capturing what it feels like to stand on top of Pidurangala rock during a beautiful sunset or go Indiana Jonesing through the depths of lush, ancient forests. Neither can we fully express how you might feel the extent of unbridled wanderlust on your next adventure to Sri Lanka. Yet, we try to paint a picture for you. Through our unyielding curiosity that follows our instincts, we delight in the unusual and the authentic, the sincerity and the emotional. Our passion stems from exploring uncharted terrain or testing new waters and emerging with new ideation. We are consciously aware of the fragility of distant cultures and how each islander lives life as vivid and complex as your own - populated with their own beliefs, livelihoods, routines and ambitions. In it, we walk a mile and a half to uncover that epic story that continues invisibly around you like roots running deep underground, sustaining cultural values and traditions of an island nation, perhaps, only a morsel of what you might see on the surface.
Tailor-Made Travel
When it comes to personalised travel, we believe in pushing the envelope. We go to great lengths to get to know our travellers, their preferences, their tastes and their interests, before we design their travel. It is work-in-progress which begins with research, planning and goes on to the execution of every tiny detail.
Regional Presence
We pride ourselves on being the only travel company in Sri Lanka that has a dedicated and passionate team of our own regional experts, who not only represent our brand but are stationed at key geo-locations to facilitate travel. Our regional experts, although they shy away from being called experts, experts they are on expanding the individual features of Sri Lanka. What's more, they come from all walks of life and have travelled the length and breadth of this island, experienced, seen, heard and above all, understood the land, its people and lifestyles. They strive to be informative and fastidious and go beyond their assigned roles of executing our ideas and perfecting our deliveries. A crucial aspect of their job involves nurturing ties with local communities and helping to sustain livelihood.
SUPPORT
AUTHENTICITIES (PVT) LTD
"La Forteresse"
68, Wehera Kanda Road,
Beddegana, Kotte Sri Lanka 10100
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Office Hours
GMT+5:30
0930hrs - 1800hrs
Monday - Friday
La Forteresse, 68, Wehera Kanda Road,, Beddegana, Kotte Sri Lanka 10100
Travel Insights
Careers @ Authenticities
Authenticities Sri Lanka is a privately held DMC, focusing on inbound Travel to Sri Lanka. Founded in 2013, the firm creates and operates intellectually stimulating premium travel programs within the boundaries of Sri Lanka. Our clients are experience travelers; our goal is to offer the highest caliber of travel experiences and quality to our clients characterized by logistical elegance combined with private access and special visits.
Our Culture
The culture we have built empowers our people to look for something unique and special. This helps us to transform our business. Our people are at the heart of everything we do from design aspects to how we could improve efficiencies and improve service quality.
We are a true believer in investing in our people through meaningful activities and programmes which invoke new thinking. The health and wellbeing in the workplace is as important and we understand the importance of exposing our people to elements of art, architecture and attention to detail.
Our workplace
The “La Forteresse” provides a healthy workplace and an environment in which our people can enjoy elements art and architecture. Technology plays a pivotal role in the way we advance and we re-invest in technology to leapfrog into the future.
We offer a salary and full benefits package, including medical insurance programs and a bonus program. We are an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to promoting a diverse workforce. .Please send resumes via email to hr@authenticitiessrilanka.com. If your qualifications and competencies meet our current need we will contact you shortly.
Current positions
Sorry, there are no positions available at this time.
Apprenticeships
We believe that meaningful short-term placement programmes and apprenticeships are a future investment for our company. We are really excited to have the opportunity to teach and guide young people about the DNA of Authenticities and the manner in which we see luxury travel.
We look for energetic and ambitious young people who can relate to our culture. Our training programmes are designed in a manner in which you are exposed to practical learning and careful mentoring to ensure your potential is maximized.
However due to the current Covid19 situation, this programme is kept on hold.
Privacy Policy
We refer to the European Union regulations on data protection (GDPR/ General Data Protection Regulation), which has come into effect from the 25 th of May 2018. We understand the importance of securing data and privacy of clients traveling through AUTHENTICITIES.As such, we are pleased to respect the regulations and agree to comply.
Diversity & Inclusion Policy
Here at Authenticities, our approach to diversity is simple and based on the Golden Rule 'Treat others the way you want to be treated'. We want all of our employees to feel valued, appreciated, and free to be who they are whether at home or at work, in the office or on the road. We recognize that an inclusive and diverse work environment respects Gender Identity, Gender Expression, unique characteristics, skills and experiences of all employees. In the competitive world of travel and hospitality, it is more important than ever to foster an environment of inclusion and growth among all our staff which we know will translate to excellence at all levels of our organization. Creating a successful business and work-life balance requires that every employee deserves respect and support, regardless of their race, colour, gender identity, religion, ancestry, physical abilities, age, and sexual orientation.
Crisis Management and Incident Reporting Policy
Authenticities (Pvt) Ltd will immediately notify the relevant partner/ customer concerned of any crisis and emergency situation via the emergency lines/emails provided by our partners and customers.
In the event of serious accident, illness or death of any person, Authenticities or its representative will;
- Verify this with our guides and hotels we work with
- Make all necessary arrangements and provide all necessary assistance and support
- Liaise with all relevant third parties, emergency services and insurance companies
- Contact our partner/ customer immediately and provide all relevant details
- Seek clarification of the clients insurance policy/ and act as per instructions
We consider the safety and wellbeing of our guests as our top priority. Authenticities as a brand will stand for its values in being responsible for everything we do and be transparent in our actions.
We have a dedicated team consisting of a committed, dynamic and those who can take decisions in the best interest of our guests. Once the emergency situation is verified, our team will immediately notify the relevant partner/ customer concerned via the emergency lines/emails provided by our partners and customers.
In the event of serious accident, illness or death of any person, Authenticities and/or its representative will;
- Immediately verify the nature of emergency with our guides, venders or hotels who are closest to our guests
- Establish communication with our guests and immediately evacuate or make arrangements to take them to safety
- Depending on the nature of the emergency, shall liaise with all relevant parties, emergency services, insurance companies, law enforcements etc
- Will contact our “Regional Staff” who represent us in key geo-locations in the Island who will assist the “Emergency Task Force”
- Contact our partner/ families of our guests immediately and update with relevant details
- Provide assistance in terms of medical support, insurance, recommencing their holidays, providing temporary accommodation or even assist guests to return back to their country
EMERGENCY TASK FORCE
| Shanitha Fernando/ CEO | Dilshad Sadiq/ Vice President | Wilhelm Van Dort/ Director |
| Amila Amunupura/ Director | Dulith Divigalpitiya/ Manager | Gayan Gunasekera. Manager |
| P. Prabha/ Manager | Akitha Kulasena/ Asst. Manager | Anuruddha Pieris/ Manager |
Apart from the above, Authenticities will produce an interim report to the Company within 24 hours of the incident and a final report subsequently. We shall provide the Company regular updates with a maximum of 4-hour intervals between updates in the event of an ongoing crises situation and/or aftermath.
Responsible And Ethical Travel
Animal Encounters:
We have constantly believed in respecting nature, natural environs and wildlife in its purest form, a subject and an area we are passionate about and truly believe in protecting. Ever since our inception, Authenticities has challenged ourselves to be more cautious and responsible when curating experiences which involves the subject of wildlife and nature.
A greener, cleaner environment is something we believe is necessary to demonstrate the art of tourism. And to be consciously respectful to the living beings and animals is something we care to share with our employees, our vendors as well as our partners and guests. Our approach to this sensitive subject starts with baby steps as we select the experiences through careful deliberations, train and educate the vendors whom we believe who share our emotions and thinking before we offer this as an experience to our partners and guests.
We believe nature and wildlife could be part of a wonderful travel experience which can be managed through building awareness, enhancing the knowledge of the vendors, making them more responsible and committed to the actual cause. By promoting such responsible organizations could help us salvage the potential threats and harm to wildlife.
We are happy to mention that this is pretty much a part of our DNA “within our concept of “TravSafe” where we encourage responsible and ethical travel.
The following examples would define our commitment;
- We encourage travel with responsibility, to minimize the use of plastics and polythene
- Discourage our guests to ride on elephants which is an optional activity in certain areas of the country
- Encourage animal-friendly travel. This would mean maintaining a respectful distance between jeeps and animals in a National Park or the distance between boats and marine life/whales etc.
- Travel with responsibility would also mean, avoiding feeding animals on the roadside
- We do not encourage and work with suppliers who promote animal shows, zoos and promote places where animals are chained or caged
- We do not encourage experiences which involve swimming with marine life or feeding them
- We do not work with suppliers who use boats which damage corals, flora and pose dangers to marine life
- We do not work with suppliers who use animals to pose for pictures and photographs
- Not work with suppliers who encourage manhandling turtles at any conservation establishment
- We work with suppliers who keep the environment and surroundings clean and minimize the use of plastics and polythene
- We encourage suppliers to adapt proper garbage disposal system through regular inspections, educating them and assisting them to care for nature and cleanliness
- Discourage our guests from purchasing souvenirs made from wild animals such as ivory, shells, teeth, turtle shells etc.
- We encourage to only visit and support sanctuaries and shelters involving wild animals in captivity if the objectives of the organization are in the animals' best interests (e.g. re-homing, rehabilitation or release into the wild). We do not promote the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
- We encourage our guests to speak up and inform the tour guides/chauffeurs (they're travelling with) if they see an animal in distress. Request them to take a note of the date, time and location as well as the type and number of animals involved. Take photos/or videos as proof. Alternatively, if they see an animal that is well looked after, offer praise to the owner and tell him/her why the guests have chosen to visit them.
FAQ
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Is it necessary to get a Visa when traveling to Sri Lanka
All nationalities except those from Singapore and Maldives will need to apply for Visas. This is how it works. There are several types of Visa for which different costs apply - If you happen to visit Sri Lanka on transit (up to 48hrs) and this is offered free at the moment - 7 days Visa which is cheaper - 30 days visa
The Visa procedure is pretty much simple and straightforward. All you need to do is visit the website www.eta.gov.lk which is a secure website maintained by the Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka.
You will need to apply online and make payments using your Credit Card details. Costs depend on the type of visa you apply for. You will get a confirmation within 36 hrs with a reference and you need to print this out and bring it along when traveling to Sri Lanka. Visa is valid for a period of 30 days from the date of arrival. The other option is to obtain your visa on arrival but we dont recommend this, as there can be delays.
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What does Sri Lanka offer to a tourist
We at Authenticities believe Sri Lanka has 4 unique features. Our rich culture and history, Buddhism, Ceylon Tea and Elephants.
Within these verticals we bring you a range of experiences and emotions, depending on your profile and expectations. This is the essence of Authenticities.
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What do you recommend that I bring along with me when I travel to Sri Lanka
Bring along comfortable clothing preferably cotton, linen clothes. Scarves for ladies, which can be used when visiting religious sites. Comfortable shoes are required especially when climbing sites such as Sigiriya, Mihinthale, and Dambulla etc. Mosquito repellents, sunshades, sun blocks if you are staying at the beach.
Pack for humidity, as it can be quite hot during the day especially during the months of April, July and August. Dont forget to bring along your swimwear and cameras.
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How about changing currencies
The easiest is to change your currencies at the arrival lounge when you arrive at the Airport. There are many local banks offering this service. Most Hotels and restaurants too offer this service but the rates at the Airport and at banks would be slightly favourable.
ATMs are located at all major cities and many tourist destinations around the country.Guest also can use the ATM machines to withdraw cash.All major credit cards (Visa, Master, American Express) are accepted at all hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
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How can I get a mobile connection when I arrive in Sri Lanka
This too is possible at the arrival lounge at the Airport.There are many service providers offering attractive rates and packages which you can choose from depending on your preferences and usage.
SIM cards are also available for iPads and table PCs along with the data packages
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How do visitors usually manage transport and traveling within the country
We describe traveling within the country as adventurous and the best way to experience the destination. Public transport is very affordable but timing can be a challenge. Train rides in Sri Lanka through the hill country offers an amazing experience and the Tuk Tuk rides in any part of the Island is simply exciting and is sure to put a smile on your face.
Concerning train rides, few sectors such as Colombo - (Kandy,Nuwara Eliya,Ella,Galle), needs prior reservations on first class and observations coach.Tickets can be purchased only 14 days prior to travel dates.It is also possible to purchase tickets online.Second class travel needs no prior reservations or cannot book seats in advance.Please note that trains can be crowded on some sectors or experience slight delays.
Sri Lankas road infrastructure has seen a significant improvement since 2009, the government is spending on infrastructure to improve productivity and reduce travel times. The southern and the Airport expressway has surely helped tourist to reach their destination is shorter times.
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Should I be conscious when I visit Cultural and religious sites
Sri Lanka could be described as a conservative country when it comes to visiting religious and cultural sites. It is important that you respect the formalities when entering temples and other religious sites
Covering your elbows and knees is important and white/ light coloured clothing is preferred. You will also need to take off your shoes when entering temples. There are always shoe care services which is dependable
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I hear that Srilankan food is pretty spicy, any tips
Srilankan food is rich with spices and sometimes can be real dynamite. Dont panic, this only happens in local restaurants serving spicy food to locals. But restaurants serving food to tourists are pretty much accustomed to the palate of Westerners and not so spicy even though they serve rice and curry.
Most restaurants do serve a western menu and also offer a la carte menu from which you can choose from if you feel that the hot stuff outweighs the western choices
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What about tipping in Sri Lanka
When using restaurants, transport services, staff serving you will expect a decent tip, which is usually 10% of the billing value. A subject topic but this is appreciated especially when are satisfied with the level of service
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What if I decide on optional activities
The most reliable mode would be to contact your Chauffeur Guide or Tour guide who will accompany you. Avoid those who offer services on the beaches
GDPR
We refer to the "European Union" (EU) regulations on data protection (GDPR/ General Data Protection Regulation), which came into effect from the 25th of May 2018.
We understand the importance of securing data and privacy of guests traveling through Authenticities and will not share nor publish data relating to our guests without prior permission. Hence, we shall safeguard all data and information and respect the sensitivity and privacy of all our guests.
Terms of Use
This website www.authenticitiessrilanka.com is hosted through a hosting provider from the United States and is owned and operated by Autheticities Sri Lanka (Private) Limited of Sri Lanka.
Acceptance of terms and conditions
Your access and use of the Website is conditional upon your acceptance and compliance with these terms and conditions.
Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited may amend the Terms of Use from time to time and without notice. By continuing to use the Website you accept and are bound by the Terms of Use as they apply from time to time.
Material on the website
The material on the Website, including all text, graphics, images and other material is provided by Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited for general guidance and is intended to offer the user general information of interest only. The Material is not legal, financial or other professional advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for such advice. Neither the transmission of Material on the Website nor your receipt of any material is intended to create any professional or fiduciary relationship between you and Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited.
Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited makes no warranties or representations regarding the quality, accuracy, completeness, merchantability or fitness for purpose of any of the Material. We endeavour to take care in compiling the Material, however the Material may contain inaccuracies, errors or omissions. Any use and/or reliance on the Material is at your own risk.
It is your responsibility to carry out an appropriate virus check to ensure that the Website and the Material is free from viruses and other harmful code before using and/or accessing the Website and any Material.
Modification of these terms of use
Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and notices under which the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Website is offered, including but not limited to the charges associated with the use of the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Website.
Restrictions on use
You may only access, use and/or print the Material for non-commercial or personal uses provided that any copyright notice on such page is not removed. All other use, copying, reproduction, republication, uploading, transmission, distribution and/or modification of the Material is prohibited unless provided for in the Terms of Use or on the Website or expressly authorised in writing by Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited or as permitted by applicable copyright legislation.
No unlawful or prohibited use
As a condition of your use of the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Website, you warrant to Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited that you will not use the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Website for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these terms, conditions, and notices. You may not use the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Site in any manner which could damage, disable, overburden, or impair the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Web Site or interfere with any other party's use and enjoyment of the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Website. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain any materials or information through any means not intentionally made available or provided for through the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Websites.
Links to or from other sites
The Website may contain links to other websites. Unless expressly stated, Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited is not responsible for, nor does it sponsor, endorse or approve any Linked Sites or any content on them, nor does Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited provide any warranty or take any responsibility for any aspect of those Linked Sites or their content. You must not create or maintain any link from another website to this Website without the written consent of Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited
Privacy
This Website does not use cookies nor does it collect personal information from people who use the Website unless expressly stated. Our Internet server may record details about any computer used to access the Website (e.g., the domain from which you access the Internet, the date, time and duration of visits and the Internet address of the website from which you linked to this Website) and details of the information downloaded. The information we collect is used for internal statistical purposes and to improve this Website.
Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited excludes completely all liability to any person for loss or damage of any kind (however caused, including by negligence) arising from or relating in any way to the Material and/or use of the Website (Services). Where any law implies a warranty into these Terms of Use which may not be lawfully excluded, then to the maximum extent permitted by law, our liability for breach of the warranty will at our option be limited to the supply of the Services again, or the payment of the cost of having them supplied again.
Jurisdiction
These conditions and all other terms of the contract shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Sri Lanka. Acceptance of the terms herein and all other terms of the contract is a necessary condition of any work entered into with Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited and is not subject to approval or examination.
Copyright and trademark notices
All contents of the Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited Web Site are its. All rights reserved
Trademarks
All names, logos and trademarks are owned by Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited or the third parties who have contributed to the Website. Nothing on the Website should be interpreted as granting any rights or any license to use or distribute any names, logos or trademarks, without express written authorization of Authenticities Sri Lanka Private Limited or the relevant third parties
As if the colourful tapestry of culture, dramatic landscapes and awe-inspiring history weren't enough, with its own version of the Big 5 and over 20 national parks, Sri Lanka is also an exciting year-round choice for an unforgettable wildlife experience for any traveller.
We consider curating bespoke holiday plans with a fascinating amalgamation of culture, scenery, nature, pristine beaches and gobsmacking wildlife a speciality of our own, just as well as we take pride in showcasing Sri Lanka's abundant biodiversity through ethical and responsible wildlife tours across the island. With plenty of experiences that centre around wildlife and primitive nature can easily be experienced in many biomes around the little island, no wonder Sri Lanka was the subject of interest for many jungle-type movies in the past; Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo, and who can forget Elizabeth Taylor facing the stampede of tuskers in the unnerving finale of the 1954's film Elephant Walk? However, the best film made on the island is still The Bridge on the River Kwai. If we piqued your interest in a vicarious trip to old Ceylon, dear reader, revisit David Lean's masterpiece next time it comes around.
At Authenticities, we work with a network of seasoned local suppliers with a similar flair of passion, knowledge and commitment to sustainable wildlife tourism so that our guests can enjoy their encounters with a clear conscience. We work with recognized wildlife enthusiasts and naturalists around the island to curate a unique wildlife experience based on your interests be it photography, videography, birding, mammals or marine life. Whether you're in the mountains or the wetlands, the amazing flora and fauna and the plentiful wildlife of the pearl of the Indian Ocean will take your breath away. Just remember to pack your camera and binoculars for all the bird watching!
There aren't many places on earth where a traveller can delve deeper into a concoction of charms combining culture, lifestyle, nature, tropical beaches and wildlife within just a few hours' drive. Sri Lanka is truly a small universe on its own, fascinating you with everything it has to offer and leaves you wanting for more.
- Nuwan Amarasuriya 'Wildlife Conservationist & Photographer at Authenticities'
From dream to reality: 10 years of emotion, novelty, design, finesse & goodness
Celebrating a remarkable milestone in the history of Authenticities Sri Lanka, here's the story of our 10-year triumph of authenticity, ingenuity and indomitable spirit.
Authenticities Sri Lanka was a dream that started with just a handful of devoted individuals, and over the years, that dream has grown into a thriving reality. Today, we stand tall as a symbol of emotion, novelty, design, finesse, goodness and excellence in our industry.
Together we have overcome numerous challenges, weathered storms, and embraced change. Our journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of greatness, commitment to quality, and a passion for delivering the best to our partners and travellers. Our success story wouldn't have been possible without the collective efforts of our talented team and their families, suppliers, and, of course, our partners and friends.
So, here's to looking back on a spirited journey and setting our sights on a brighter, more promising future. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we renew our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and corporate responsibility. As fellow travellers and green advocates, we are determined to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
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