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: Travel tips

Kankesanthurai (KKS) railway station, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #45/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 7th November 2024

Once again, we are able to offer the through train service from Colombo to Jaffna. Following the modernisation of the Maho to Anuradhapura stretch of the northern railway line, train services between Colombo and Kankesanthurai resumed on 28 October 2024. In a first for the island, Amba Yaalu on the banks of Kandalama Lake in the Cultural Triangle will open shortly as Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully operated and managed by women, making it a truly special addition to the Thema Collection portfolio.

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.

TikaWeeks #40/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 30th September 2024

The new Sri Lankan Government has reinstated the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for tourist visas to Sri Lanka, which is effective from 27 September 2024. All foreign visitors must apply for a 30-day tourist visa through the ETA system and the visa fee is US$50 per person for most countries. Children below 12 years receive a free visa along with a select few of other countries' adult nationals.

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.

TikaWeeks #23/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 7th June 2024

Some travellers are having problems applying for their eVisas for Sri Lanka and I hope this week’s update will help iron-out any of these issues. There is only one official Sri Lanka eVisa portal which processes all applications and approves the only valid eVisas for Sri Lanka. Applying is reasonably straightforward so long as you follow the instructions to the letter. One-time passwords (OTPs) and all correspondence will be sent to your nominated email address so please check your spam/junk folder if you haven’t received anything from Sri Lanka eVisa.

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.

TikaWeeks #20/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 17th May 2024

With the weather still unpredictable in the UK and massive savings as well as valued additions on offer at quality hotels in Sri Lanka until October, isn’t it the time to make the Pearl of the Indian Ocean your must-visit destination for a tropical summer holiday? Boutique beauties in the picturesque Tea Country, heritage mansion houses surrounded by nature, and luxurious beachside retreats at the coast make for an extra-special summer escape to Paradise!

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.

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.

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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