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: Sri Lanka

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.

Leopard seen in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka (photo courtesy of Martin Blow)

TikaWeeks #13/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st April 2018

Tailor-made holidays to Sri Lanka and Maldives come in many hues and all of ours include quality tourist board-licensed chauffeur guides who are renowned for their knowledge, professionalism and friendliness. This week’s update describes a typical Tikalanka holiday with your own dedicated chauffeur guide, progress of our new online Trip Planner, continuation of our Sri Lanka food series and more on our accommodation offering.

The Last House at dusk, Tangalle, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #12/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 25th March 2018

Since the controversy of ‘Big Data’ is all over the news, I thought it appropriate to discuss the role of online travel reviews and accommodation portals in creating the perfect tailor-made holiday to Sri Lanka and Maldives. Everyone seems to use them but are they the panacea for choosing the best possible accommodation for your idyllic trip? This week’s update also continues our Sri Lanka food series and includes hotel special offers as well as current official travel advice to Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Cricket net practice within the fort ramparts, Galle, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #11/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th March 2018

Barmy army, barmy army, barmy army… Yes, England’s cricket team is off to play Sri Lanka in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean later this year and the tour dates are finally confirmed. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in seeing the cricket as hotels and tickets will sell out quickly. Tour dates and venues are listed in this week’s update along with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, more additions to our accommodation portfolio and what’s happening in Maldives.

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!

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives