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.

Elephant in the lake, Gal Oya NP, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #04/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 22nd January 2018

A belated Happy New Year to one and all! The start of the peak holiday and booking season has seen us have our best year yet, so we would like to thank our current and past customers for their patronage. The New Year brings new ideas and, according to National Geographic Traveller, Sri Lanka is the No. 1 spot to offer “a better all-round travel experience” on the ‘Cool List 2018’. Why not try something different in Sri Lanka? Alternative, less visited areas are highlighted along with a news round-up, recent changes to credit card payments, and the Destinations holiday and travel show just around the corner.

A monk lighting votive candles, Kataragama, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #50/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 17th December 2017

‘Tis the season to be jolly – ho, ho, holidays are upon us! Even Sri Lanka celebrates Christmas, amongst 23 other public holidays, and the island’s predilection for festive favourites covers a panoply of religions and significant occasions during the year. Ever heard of Sri Lanka’s second airport, Saffron Villa or The Planter’s Bungalow? More will be revealed. ‘Destinations’ is on the cards once more and then there is the usual news update to round things off for 2017. May we wish all of our customers past, present and future a resplendent 2018!

Arwen may be happy jumping in the snow of The Lakes but many prefer the hot and sunny climes of Sri Lanka and Maldives!

TikaWeeks #49/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 9th December 2017

With long nights, snow and freezing temperatures in the Lake District, my mind wanders to the warm and sunny climes of Sri Lanka and Maldives at the start of winter here and the main holiday season there. This week’s update considers the seasonal weather patterns in the tropics, visa requirements and electrical plugs in Sri Lanka, the island’s nascent motorway system, and another invitation to the Destinations holiday and travel show.

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, Olympia London, 01-04 February 2018

TikaWeeks #48/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 2nd December 2017

This is our first call to get free tickets for the Destinations holiday and travel show at Olympia London next February, which is a chance to meet and chat to us face to face. Our Sri Lanka update this week includes ‘overtourism’ and how to avoid it, the use of camera drones on the island, and information on dengue fever as well as the launch of the 2017-18 pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada).

Pathi walking with guests, Hanthana House, Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #47/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 25th November 2017

Opportunities to travel out of season in Sri Lanka are now a serious offering since the north and east of the island have opened up and weather patterns have changed. Travelling in the “off” season, walking trails from Pathi’s homestay, train travel and a previous visit to The Knuckles are included in this week’s Sri Lanka update, along with a h(e)arty welcome to Sam, who joins the Tikalanka team!

Ajith Safari Jeep Tours, Yala West National Park, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #46/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 19th November 2017

Now back into the thick of it following my recent successful research trip to Sri Lanka, I visit WTM to catch up with colleagues from the travel industry, promote last-minute hotel deals around the island, offer a background to Ayurveda in Sri Lanka, report on the new restriction of jeeps allowed into Yala West National Park, delve into the archives and find a previous visit to Jaffna, and the usual news round-up.

John & Pathi in the early days, World's End, Horton Plains, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #45/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 12th November 2017

Our northern tour takes us to Mannar Island, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla and rural Matale then the Negombo area before my flight home. Many thanks to Dulashinee of Jetwing Hotels once more, and words cannot express my gratitude enough to Pathi, Suba, Dihini, Kusuma, Latha and Sateesh for their loving kindness and boundless generosity during my stay.

Channa, John and Pathi at Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #42/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 24th October 2017

Pathi and I travel south past thundering waterfalls and the velveteen slopes of the Hill Country before dropping down to the hot and dry coastal plain. A brief visit to the east coast is followed by Yala and then an intensive few days along the southern and western coastlines dodging the monsoon. Many thanks to Dulashinee of Jetwing Hotels and Nick Buckingham for their very generous hospitality!

TikaWeeks #41/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 14th October 2017

This week, and the following two weeks, will be travelogues of my annual research trip to Sri Lanka. I always travel in October as it is the off season on the island, which means that hoteliers and travel colleagues are available to show me around and chat at length. However, it is also the change in the monsoons (end of the southwest and beginning of the northeast), so not a good time to visit on holiday…

TikaWeeks #40/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th October 2017

Don’t worry; we look after your precious holiday money! Unlike other recently failed tour operators… High on the agenda this week is financial protection in travel followed by recent feedback on our invaluable and excellent chauffeur guides, an account of our visit to two safari camps near Yala, a hotels review, and a news round-up.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives