Hiran Samarasekara is a nature-loving wanderer and travel addict. Besides his passion for travel, he is also an animal lover, adrenaline junkie, and a major foodie. He’s a thrill seeker who’s always in search of the next best thing.
We caught up with Hiran for a chat on what post-pandemic travel will look like. Here’s what he shared.
What are you most excited to do after the pandemic?
Oh, I want to pack my bag and start travelling again as soon as possible!
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Hiran Samarasekera[/caption]
How has the pandemic affected your travel so far?
Actually, I was dependent on Sri Lanka’s travel industry since before Covid-19, as I was working as a national tour guide lecturer. So now with the pandemic, all us tour guides have lost all our income.
How did you discover your passion for travel?
Even when I was a child, I would enjoy reading many books related to travel and adventures. My father also took me to visit many amazing places around the country. All of these contributed to making me the travel lover I am today.
Why do you enjoy traveling?
I enjoy traveling because everyday you get to learn many new things, and you get to know new people and ultimately have amazing experiences. This feeling is incredibly refreshing, and that's why I travel so much.
What is your most memorable travel memory?
Once we were climbing Govinda Hela (Westminster Abbey) and it was too late to start the trail. Govinda Hela is a giant rock mountain standing nearly 570 m above the ground, overlooking the Gal Oya region. This is located by the Siyambalanduwa-Ampara main road, in the Uva Province.
When we arrived at our destination, even the villagers advised us that we should rest and start climbing the next morning. But of course, we couldn’t wait because we had no choice but to go back to Colombo the very next day. So, despite the warnings, we took the risk, and even before we reached half of the way it got really dark.
There were numerous venomous reptiles all over the place, making it all the more dangerous. The last part was really hard to climb and there were many times I really wanted to go back, but we kept climbing, and finally after three to four hours we managed to reach the top and set up our camps. That was one of the most unforgettable and memorable experiences of my life.
What do you think post Covid-19 travel will look like?
I don’t think it will be easier than before. But overtime, everyone is bound to get used to it for sure.
Would you think twice before travelling after the pandemic? If so, how would it differ from pre-Covid-19 travels?
I don’t think I will stay at home. I will definitely start travelling from the moment they release the travel restrictions. We will have to adjust to the new regulations, but that will not stop me from travelling – while of course, staying safe.
Would you prefer a hotel or a villa after Covid-19 because of safety issues?
Even before Covid-19, I had always preferred villas. When I get to travel next, I will opt for a villa, and not just because of the current situation.
What are your plans for 2021?
I’m planning to develop our lifestyle brand BERUNDA (www.berunda.lk). Berunda.lk was established in 2019 as a fashion brand. In fact, it is more of a lifestyle brand; it is all about living and breathing in a paradise. We hope to create and curate some unique events in Sri Lanka.
Instagram: @travelwithhiran
Hiran Samarasekera[/caption]
How has the pandemic affected your travel so far?
Actually, I was dependent on Sri Lanka’s travel industry since before Covid-19, as I was working as a national tour guide lecturer. So now with the pandemic, all us tour guides have lost all our income.
How did you discover your passion for travel?
Even when I was a child, I would enjoy reading many books related to travel and adventures. My father also took me to visit many amazing places around the country. All of these contributed to making me the travel lover I am today.
Why do you enjoy traveling?
I enjoy traveling because everyday you get to learn many new things, and you get to know new people and ultimately have amazing experiences. This feeling is incredibly refreshing, and that's why I travel so much.
What is your most memorable travel memory?
Once we were climbing Govinda Hela (Westminster Abbey) and it was too late to start the trail. Govinda Hela is a giant rock mountain standing nearly 570 m above the ground, overlooking the Gal Oya region. This is located by the Siyambalanduwa-Ampara main road, in the Uva Province.
When we arrived at our destination, even the villagers advised us that we should rest and start climbing the next morning. But of course, we couldn’t wait because we had no choice but to go back to Colombo the very next day. So, despite the warnings, we took the risk, and even before we reached half of the way it got really dark.
There were numerous venomous reptiles all over the place, making it all the more dangerous. The last part was really hard to climb and there were many times I really wanted to go back, but we kept climbing, and finally after three to four hours we managed to reach the top and set up our camps. That was one of the most unforgettable and memorable experiences of my life.
What do you think post Covid-19 travel will look like?
I don’t think it will be easier than before. But overtime, everyone is bound to get used to it for sure.
Would you think twice before travelling after the pandemic? If so, how would it differ from pre-Covid-19 travels?
I don’t think I will stay at home. I will definitely start travelling from the moment they release the travel restrictions. We will have to adjust to the new regulations, but that will not stop me from travelling – while of course, staying safe.
Would you prefer a hotel or a villa after Covid-19 because of safety issues?
Even before Covid-19, I had always preferred villas. When I get to travel next, I will opt for a villa, and not just because of the current situation.
What are your plans for 2021?
I’m planning to develop our lifestyle brand BERUNDA (www.berunda.lk). Berunda.lk was established in 2019 as a fashion brand. In fact, it is more of a lifestyle brand; it is all about living and breathing in a paradise. We hope to create and curate some unique events in Sri Lanka.
Instagram: @travelwithhiran