About Us

Rajiv is a passionate conservationist, professional wildlife photographer and safari guide. He heads the wildlife operations at Classic Wild and has a fierce passion for exploring and continuously developing new experiences to the world.

Rajiv had completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Wales and a Masters in Business Administration from Cardiff Metropolitan University. He is deeply passionate about the conservation and protection of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and natural habitats. Rajiv finds continued inspiration in the wonders of Mother Nature. This has further driven him to become an active conservationist involved in many wildlife conservation initiatives in Sri Lanka and a safari guide leading photographic groups on safaris in Sri Lanka and worldwide. Rajiv is also focused on developing different communities in Sri Lanka and showcasing their ways of life, culture and arts to the world.

Rajiv’s ambition is to make Classic Wild the premier wildlife travel brand and to offer world-class service to clients from around the world. As an acclaimed wildlife photographer he has held two solo exhibitions in 2013 and 2015 along with the successful launch of a coffee table publication titled; “Children of Eden”. He is also a member of the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society and the Photographic Society of Sri Lanka and a frequent columnist to Mongabey, LifeTimes Sri Lanka, Loris, Daily Mirror and Daily FT on wildlife and conservation-related articles.

Having started in 1996, Athif has over 20 plus years of priceless experience in the industry. Athif’s knowledge in the upmarket of travel had led him to work with globally-renowned guests such as Mr Dilip Shanghvi (India's richest man, 2015) and Mr Anand Mahindra (Chairman, Mahendra Group India). Athif's talents in coordination, planning and operations have also played a pivotal role in crafting Classic Travels' multi-faceted planning division- MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). His experience in the industry further includes: heading the operations at Abercrombie and Kent (formerly known as United Holidays) for 13 years as well as working as the Vice President of Operations at Akquasun Holidays India (PVT) Ltd, heading operations for 17 countries with their own offices.

As a people’s person, Athif is deeply passionate about interacting and understanding people that come from diverse backgrounds. This allows him to lead his team into adapting and revolutionizing the business to align with the trends of today’s ever-changing world. He also gains a deep fulfilment and satisfaction by being able to create a positive impact on people (including family and friends) through meaningful messages.

What keeps Athif continuously inspired, is coming up with creative ideas, analyzing complex data to draw out a proper plan and a vision that would, of course, lead the team to a big success. As for his hobbies, Athif loves to do some good reading while listening to music.

Hetti is one of Sri Lanka’s foremost naturalist guides with over 20 years of field experience. He has worked with many renowned international travel brands and operators as well as documentary productions throughout his career. His knowledge on Birdlife, Mammals, Butterflies, Dragonflies are astounding and so is his knowledge on general ecology and natural history. He is the president of the Naturalist Guides Association (NAGA) of Sri Lanka and a dedicated conservationist and educator. He is also a licensed guide from the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority and experienced in not only wildlife but on history, culture and general sightseeing as well. His in-depth field craft, knowledge, humor and personality makes him an amazing travel companion.

Wicky is a seasoned naturalist guide with over 20 years field experience and one of Sri Lanka’s most senior wildlife guides. He’s also worked with many well-known international operators as well as worked with key documentary productions for the likes of BBC and National Geographic. He has undergone training with Natural Habitat Adventures expedition leaders in Colorado, USA and field training in Ranthambore National Park with &Beyond India.

He is also a licensed guide from the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority and has good knowledge and experience in other aspects as well besides wildlife like history and culture. He’s a great conversationalist, and his energetic personality makes him a great guide and travel companion.

Hailing from the hill country of Kandy, Koush as hes fondly known is an excellent all round naturalist with a deep knowledge and understanding of birding and the science of ornithology. His years of experience as a naturalist guide and field biologists has given him a deep understanding of the natural world. A walking encyclopedia of knowledge, his warm personality and bubbly persona makes him a favorite among our clients.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Bio Science and with extensive field experience, Ashan is an excellent addition to the Classic Wild Team, with his energy, knowledge and enthusiasm. His field knowledge on overall natural history, plant life, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians and reptiles is unparalleled, and has some amazing know how on bird behavior as well. An excellent story teller, with the ability to share very interesting and lesser known facts about the wonders of mother nature, he is the perfect travel companion for your wildlife adventure in Sri Lanka.