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: Sustainability

Hill Country tea fields, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Peter Hale)

TikaWeeks #14/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 31st March 2025

The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka has rightly entered the Pantheon of the world’s greatest hiking trails since its launch in late 2023. Winding its way through the spectacular Hill Country, the 300 km-long, 22-stage hiking trail has won many accolades including TIME magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list for 2025. Sri Lanka has also been revealed to be the world’s most family-friendly country in a recent report, and Condé Nast Traveler included Sri Lanka on its latest list of the 40 most beautiful countries in the world. So why not visit?

Thriving agriculture in the Buttala-Gonagan Ara area, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Eco Team)

TikaWeeks #13/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 28th March 2025

One of our partners in Sri Lanka has been doing wonders with an agrarian community in the island’s southeastern Dry Zone region regarding human-elephant conflict. What started out as a bold conservation initiative to protect both human livelihoods and elephant populations has now blossomed into an inspiring story of resilience, coexistence, and renewal. Recent customers travelling through Colombo airport have suggested that the arrivals card is no longer necessary, however, we still haven’t received any official communication that this is the case.

Baagu the leopard, Kumana National Park, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Eco Team)

TikaWeeks #08/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 19th February 2025

Who would like to spot a leopard in Sri Lanka without the hullabaloo associated with sightings in Yala? If so, then look no further than Kumana National Park. Previously called Yala East – the main one was Yala West – Kumana is a tranquil wildlife reserve accessed from the east coast. Soon to launch Kalkudah Beach House, also on the east coast, is another exquisite offering from Teardrop Hotels, while luxury boutique hotels specialist Uga Escapes opened its latest property Uga Halloowella near Hatton in the Hill Country late last year.

TikaWeeks #03/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th January 2025

By the end of December 2024, Sri Lanka had welcomed more than 2 million visitors to its shores, which is a 38% increase on 2023 and the highest level since pre-pandemic 2019. Travellers from the UK remain ardent lovers of the island in third place behind India and Russia. In more news, Vogue toured the inimitable Resplendent Ceylon properties, and BBC Travel has selected Sri Lanka as one of the 25 best places to travel in 2025.

TikaWeeks #47/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 20th November 2024

Santani Wellness Kandy has been named Asia’s Best Wellness Retreat at the World Spa Awards 2024. This accolade reflects Santani's unwavering commitment to redefining wellness and its unique approach to "Human Sustainability”. Galle Literary Festival takes place in and around the southern town of Galle and its atmospheric fort from the 06 to 09 February 2025, inviting diverse voices in poetry and prose from around the world. In other news, Cape Weligama will reopen on 02 December 2024 following a deep refresh with upgraded facilities and services in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

Typical beach on the south and west coasts of Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #44/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st November 2024

As the nights draw in, our minds turn to brighter, sunnier and warmer climes – holidays in Sri Lanka! This is the peak season for us, with December to March being the busiest period of the year as our customers escape the short days and cold weather typical of a winter in the UK. With lots of our customers travelling to Sri Lanka soon, I thought a few travel tips would come in handy before you set off on a holiday of a lifetime.

Spectacular location of Wild Glamping - Gal Oya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #43/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th October 2024

Where to stay when visiting Sri Lanka? The selection of quality accommodation with Tikalanka keeps on growing, from glamping sites in the lesser-known regions of Okkampitiya and Gal Oya to quirky boutique hotels in Colombo and Negombo. Makeovers of heritage properties in Kandy, Jaffna and Nuwara Eliya may be added to the list as well as guesthouse-style stays in Kataragama and Mirissa. The amazing choice is yours!

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.

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!

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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