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.

Category: Culture

TikaWeeks #10/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 11th March 2018

After an unsettling and difficult week in Sri Lanka, it is refreshing to bring some positive news of the island’s commitment to environmental challenges with the banning of plastics from all designated Protected Areas, including all national parks and World Heritage Sites. This directive is a much needed boost to the country’s conservation efforts and a signal that the government takes environmental issues seriously. We continue with our food series, provide an accommodation update and suggest a reading list to appreciate the island’s wealth of architecture.

A plate of Rice and Curry, Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #09/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 4th March 2018

Blizzards caused by the “Beast from the East” and the mayhem that ensues may encourage you to look further east to escape the chaos and bitter cold. Where better to go than Sri Lanka and Maldives, two “Jewels of the Indian Ocean”. In this week's update, a new culinary series introduces Sri Lanka’s delicious and colourful food, starting with the ubiquitous ‘Rice and Curry’, while I also talk about flight options, essential travel insurance, currency and money, and recommended novels about Sri Lanka.

TikaWeeks #08/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 24th February 2018

Summer holidays are just around the corner so I thought that in-depth details of what’s on offer in Sri Lanka would come in handy for your holiday planning – wildlife reserves, cultural highlights, trekking trails and sunny beaches. I also discuss responsible wildlife watching in Sri Lanka, introduce wildlife cruises in Maldives, and provide an update on the state of emergency in Maldives.

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

TikaWeeks #07/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th February 2018

The Destinations holiday and travel show at Olympia was a great success, as always, and we wish to thank everyone who came to see us – new and past customers alike! We really enjoy being able to chat to people face-to-face and tell them about our Sri Lanka and Maldives holidays as well as our travel ethos and aspirations, which we hope will encourage more and more people to experience the islands with us. This week’s update includes a summary of the show, novel alternatives to established favourites, and a news roundup.

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!

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.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives