Tika Traveller

Discover Sri Lanka & Maldives From Those Who Know It Best

Blogs from Tikalanka are designed to enhance your knowledge of Sri Lanka and Maldives and keep you up to date with recent developments. We intend to post regular features on travel, news, lifestyle and accommodation as well as guest articles from current and past customers, which will give you first-hand experience of Tikalanka, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

TikaWeeks #47/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 20th November 2024

Santani Wellness Kandy has been named Asia’s Best Wellness Retreat at the World Spa Awards 2024. This accolade reflects Santani's unwavering commitment to redefining wellness and its unique approach to "Human Sustainability”. Galle Literary Festival takes place in and around the southern town of Galle and its atmospheric fort from the 06 to 09 February 2025, inviting diverse voices in poetry and prose from around the world. In other news, Cape Weligama will reopen on 02 December 2024 following a deep refresh with upgraded facilities and services in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Lion Rock at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Shutterstock)

TikaWeeks #46/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 11th November 2024

Quite an accolade for Sri Lanka – voted the Most Desirable Island (World) by Wanderlust’s 168,000 passionate and globetrotting readers. After more than 3 million votes were cast, the results of the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards are now in. Destinations, tour operators and travel brands have been recognised across 22 categories, including the Most Desirable Countries, Cities and Islands in Europe and around the world.

Kankesanthurai (KKS) railway station, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #45/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 7th November 2024

Once again, we are able to offer the through train service from Colombo to Jaffna. Following the modernisation of the Maho to Anuradhapura stretch of the northern railway line, train services between Colombo and Kankesanthurai resumed on 28 October 2024. In a first for the island, Amba Yaalu on the banks of Kandalama Lake in the Cultural Triangle will open shortly as Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully operated and managed by women, making it a truly special addition to the Thema Collection portfolio.

Typical beach on the south and west coasts of Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #44/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st November 2024

As the nights draw in, our minds turn to brighter, sunnier and warmer climes – holidays in Sri Lanka! This is the peak season for us, with December to March being the busiest period of the year as our customers escape the short days and cold weather typical of a winter in the UK. With lots of our customers travelling to Sri Lanka soon, I thought a few travel tips would come in handy before you set off on a holiday of a lifetime.

Spectacular location of Wild Glamping - Gal Oya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #43/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th October 2024

Where to stay when visiting Sri Lanka? The selection of quality accommodation with Tikalanka keeps on growing, from glamping sites in the lesser-known regions of Okkampitiya and Gal Oya to quirky boutique hotels in Colombo and Negombo. Makeovers of heritage properties in Kandy, Jaffna and Nuwara Eliya may be added to the list as well as guesthouse-style stays in Kataragama and Mirissa. The amazing choice is yours!

First ever sighting of Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni) in Sri Lanka (courtesy of Kasun Gonagala)

TikaWeeks #42/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th October 2024

For all you birding enthusiasts, a remarkable discovery was made in Sri Lanka’s northern province back in March with the first ever sighting of an Allen’s Gallinule on the island. A research team led by Kasun Gonagala observed a unique and unexpected visitor to the region: Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni), a species that had never before been recorded in Sri Lanka or Asia. The sighting took place in a swampy forest rich in mangroves, with the bird walking on lily pads in a well-vegetated wetland.

TikaWeeks #41/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th October 2024

In this year’s SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways won the World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Business Class Awards. You may enjoy its award-winning service on routes between the UK and Sri Lanka and/or Maldives. More of our recommended airlines also scored highly, with Emirates awarded third best airline as well as winning the Best Airline Inflight Entertainment Award, British Airways 13th and Etihad Airways 19th.

TikaWeeks #40/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 30th September 2024

The new Sri Lankan Government has reinstated the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for tourist visas to Sri Lanka, which is effective from 27 September 2024. All foreign visitors must apply for a 30-day tourist visa through the ETA system and the visa fee is US$50 per person for most countries. Children below 12 years receive a free visa along with a select few of other countries' adult nationals.

John, Pathi, Tracey and Suba at Seven Sisters, East Sussex, UK

TikaWeeks #39/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 27th September 2024

In Tikalanka’s 20th anniversary year, Pathi and Suba finally made it over to the UK and we had an incredible couple of weeks showing them around. A very special trip for us all and the weather was generally kind to us as well, although Pathi never took off the lightweight puffer jacket borrowed from me when in Cumbria! A tour of the Cotswolds and on to Brighton for a Responsible Travel event went without a hitch. Pathi and Suba seemed to enjoy the meals we served up at home and we had out even without the classic Sri Lankan flavours, in fact Suba even turned down extra green chillies at dinner which Tracey and I ate with alacrity! Let’s not wait another 25 years until they return.

Ayubowan, may you have the gift of a long life, is the traditional welcome salutation in Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #35/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 28th August 2024

From 01 October 2024, tourists to Sri Lanka from 35 countries will be given free 30-day visas under a six-month pilot programme. In an effort to boost tourism, the local government cabinet approved issuing free tourist visas to visitors from countries including the UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA. However, travellers should still apply for their visa on arrival.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives