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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: News

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.

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Beneath the undergrowth, Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #34/2024: Sri Lanka update

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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Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration

TikaWeeks #32/2024: Sri Lanka update

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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The Mudhouse, Anamaduwa, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #31/2024: Sri Lanka update

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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A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

TikaWeeks #29/2024: Sri Lanka update

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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Visiting family welcomed at a local school near AMBA Estate, Ella, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #22/2024: Sri Lanka update

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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Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration

TikaWeeks #19/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th May 2024

As of yesterday, the Sri Lanka Government updated the recently introduced eVisa scheme​ with the launch of a new category of visa specifically for tourists on a short stay holiday. The 30-day single entry Tourist Visa is US$40 per visitor plus a US$10 service fee. The application process remains the same. This will be the required visa for most visitors to Sri Lanka since it is valid for sightseeing and holidaying as well as Ayurveda and yoga.

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Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration

TikaWeeks #16/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th April 2024

Sri Lanka has just introduced a new eVisa scheme, effective from 17 April 2024, to supercede the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). All visitors must complete an eVisa application prior to their arrival in the country. The new eVisa scheme differs from the previous ETA system by requiring a scanned copy of your passport and a recent photo. Currently a Standard Visitor Visa is US$75 per visitor plus a US$18.50 service fee, which is valid for 6 months. Upon approval, you will need to download and print your eVisa to present to the Immigration Officer when you enter Sri Lanka.

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Puja (blessing ceremony) at the Temple of the Tooth, Kandy, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Damon Green)

TikaWeeks #15/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 9th April 2024

Sri Lanka is on track to return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism as visitor numbers this year soar in comparison to the same period in 2023, with UK visitors leading the way from Europe. The massive increase in tourist arrivals has seen related revenues swell to over US$687 million in the first two months of this year, which is very welcome and crucial income for Sri Lanka. The island has also been the spotlight of travel publications across the globe, including highlighting the unique Pekoe Trail through the spectacular tea country and holistic wellness retreats.

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Little Green Bee-eaters, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Matt Ward)

TikaWeeks #09/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 28th February 2024

Beautiful plumage! Sri Lanka is home to well over 500 species of exotic birds with names to match, like the White-throated Flowerpecker, Blue-faced Malkoha and Sri Lanka Paradise-flycatcher. The joy of bird watching on the island is to see them wherever you travel, although some areas are better than others. You don’t need to be a dedicated ‘twitcher’ to enjoy the bird life across the country as the little peckers seem to come to you! Our new Birdwatching Tika Taster is a guided introduction to the diverse bird life of Sri Lanka.

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