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: Sightseeing

Sample page of the new Tikalanka Trip Planner

TikaWeeks #34/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th August 2018

The launch of the long anticipated new version of our Trip Planner has refreshed and updated the original for the mobile age. Based on Google Maps, the new Trip Planner may be accessed via mobile phones, tablets or laptops and enables you to create your own dream holiday to Sri Lanka and Maldives, wherever you are! This week’s update launches the beta release of our new Trip Planner, continues the Peoples of Sri Lanka series and offers accommodation options around Mirissa.

Sacred Ibises and Painted Storks around a water hole, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #29/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 22nd July 2018

As if you need encouragement, this week’s update highlights 10 good reasons to visit Sri Lanka. Surrounded by the clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean and skirted by palm-fringed tropical beaches, Sri Lanka has much to offer the discerning traveller, known to Arab traders as Serendib, hence "serendipity" meaning discovery by happy accident. I also continue our Peoples of Sri Lanka series and suggest accommodation alternatives around Yala National Park.

TikaWeeks #27/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th July 2018

With fairly traded goods and services you have the power to change the world every day since simple shopping or holiday choices can get local producers and providers a better deal. This means that they can make their own decisions, control their future and lead the dignified life everyone deserves. Our new Fair Trade Sri Lanka holiday combines an introductory tour of the island with visits to fair trade producers while staying in local accommodation. This week’s update also continues our “Peoples of Sri Lanka” series and suggests places to stay off the beaten track.

TikaWeeks #26/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st July 2018

The north and east of Sri Lanka have opened up and developed since the peace, but not too much – yet. So now is the time to visit on your very own tailor-made holiday. Our Northern Explorer itinerary will introduce you to Mannar Island, Jaffna, the east coast around Trincomalee and the Cultural Triangle. This week’s update details our new northern Sri Lanka holiday, begins our Peoples of Sri Lanka series, and suggests hotel stays in and around Jaffna.

Girls at Sunday school, Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #25/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 23rd June 2018

Poson poya (full moon) day on 27 June 2018 celebrates the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC, a festival of great historical and religious significance to Buddhists throughout the country. For Buddhists, the hallowed day of Poson is second only to Wesak in terms of importance. Although Poson is celebrated throughout the island, the principal ceremonies are to be found in Anuradhapura and Mihintale. This week’s update describes the island’s Poson festivities, concludes our daily life series and suggests accommodation options around Anuradhapura.

Banana seller, Batticaloa market, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #19/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 13th May 2018

Tipping seems to be fraught with anxiety and doubt amongst our mostly British clientele. Sri Lanka has an inherent tipping culture and commissions are widespread and, as a foreign visitor, you will be ‘expected’ to offer generous gratuities to all and sundry, regardless of whether it is deserved or not. This week’s update discusses tipping, touts and conmen, continues with our daily life series, and recommends beachside resorts in Passikudah on the east coast.

Wesak celebrations, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Ashin Sobhana)

TikaWeeks #17/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 29th April 2018

The full moon of Wesak is the most important Buddhist festival of the year, which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Buddha. In Sri Lanka, colourful lanterns are hung along streets and in front of homes, electrically-lit platforms decorated with scenes of Buddha’s lives are erected around the country, food stalls provide free food and drinks to passers-by, and locals chant Buddhist devotional songs. This week’s update includes Wesak, the start of our everyday life series and recommended accommodation around Kandy.

Lion's Paws Platform and staircase to the summit, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #14/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th April 2018

Although I have touched on travelling to Sri Lanka in the off season before, please consider it again, not just because it will save you money but it will also get you away from the crowds and you will visit particular areas at the best possible time. What could be better? You don’t need to visit too many temples if you follow our guide in this week’s update, and our food series continues along with recommended places to stay in the Knuckles Mountains region.

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.

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.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives