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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Posted by John on 21st August 2024
Congratulations to Heritance Kandalama as it celebrates 30 years of leading sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka. Designed by the world-renowned local architect Geoffrey Bawa, the resort is remarkable for being the first LEED-certified and Green Globe 21-certified hotel in Asia, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship. It also boasts Sri Lanka’s longest-certified ISO 14001 Environment Management System. Even today, the hotel doesn’t cease to amaze many a guest who is lucky enough to stay there.
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Posted by John on 5th August 2024
The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has issued an interim order suspending the Cabinet's decision related to online and expatriate visa operations. Consequently, the current visa application platform has been suspended effective from 02 August 2024 at 17.00 Sri Lanka Standard Time. Until further notice, all travellers should apply for their Visa on Arrival and pay the requisite fees.
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Posted by John on 1st August 2024
One of our all-time favourite places to stay on the island has reopened following its closure as a result of the pandemic. The Mudhouse near Anamaduwa is a real gem. Tom and Kumar created a one-of-a-kind property in the ancient rural heartlands of Sri Lanka many years ago and it is a truly unique experience. The clusters of traditional mud huts constructed from local, natural materials have recently been renovated – Tom tells me that three out of the five original units are fully restored along with the restaurant – and the restoration project will continue this year and into next. Past customers have loved the place so book now to avoid disappointment!
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Posted by John on 18th July 2024
Tikalanka celebrated 20 years of arranging holidays to Sri Lanka this week! We have come a long way since the early days when Pathi and I acted as guides ourselves. We have managed to ebb and flow with the fortunes of the island and its wonderful, ever-smiling people. Civil war, tsunami, economic and political crises, the Covid pandemic, and terrorism have all been in the mix over the years, but the resolute pragmatism of the Sri Lankans (and Tikalanka) has won through. We are one of a select few in the Sri Lanka travel industry that has the depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, wealth of local contacts, and choice of excellent guides to offer you the holiday of a lifetime.
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Posted by John on 7th June 2024
Some travellers are having problems applying for their eVisas for Sri Lanka and I hope this week’s update will help iron-out any of these issues. There is only one official Sri Lanka eVisa portal which processes all applications and approves the only valid eVisas for Sri Lanka. Applying is reasonably straightforward so long as you follow the instructions to the letter. One-time passwords (OTPs) and all correspondence will be sent to your nominated email address so please check your spam/junk folder if you haven’t received anything from Sri Lanka eVisa.
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Posted by John on 29th May 2024
Hopefully all of us strive to be sensitive and responsible travellers but there are still incidents of inappropriate behaviour and disregard for local cultures as well as a disconnect with the climate crisis. Yesterday’s Guardian had a much-needed article on how to be a better tourist, from thinking about the experience and impact of your holiday to slowing down and getting off the beaten track. May be consider taking a personal pledge to ‘travel better’, like our Tika Travel Troth, which is a promise to yourself as well as everyone and everything around you to try to improve the world we live in.
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Posted by John on 17th May 2024
With the weather still unpredictable in the UK and massive savings as well as valued additions on offer at quality hotels in Sri Lanka until October, isn’t it the time to make the Pearl of the Indian Ocean your must-visit destination for a tropical summer holiday? Boutique beauties in the picturesque Tea Country, heritage mansion houses surrounded by nature, and luxurious beachside retreats at the coast make for an extra-special summer escape to Paradise!
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