TikaWeeks #03-2/2021: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 21st January 2021
To date, the list of ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels in Sri Lanka runs to 55, of which 25 are offered by Tikalanka, and there are currently 17 approved tourist sites and attractions, mostly national parks and cultural sites. Let’s hope that the ongoing health audit continues apace in order to approve many more of our favourite accommodation and places to visit as ‘safe and secure’ in the near future. For up to date information on the things you need to know for safely travelling to Sri Lanka, please visit Sri Lanka Tourism.
‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels
Hotels or accommodation providers which comply with the COVID-19 Health Protocols and the Tourism Operational Guidelines are accredited as ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified hotels These hotels have been subjected to an audit by an independent audit firm and will be continually assessed. The ‘Safe & Secure’ certificate is issued with a QR code unique to each certified hotel. By scanning the QR code using a smartphone, visitors can not only check the key information of the certified hotel but also immediately report to Sri Lanka Tourism of any violations related to the guideline procedures with photo evidence. Sri Lanka Tourism believes this certification will serve as a mark of trust, safety and assurance to all international guests. Hotels with the certification are encouraged to display the certificate with the QR code that can be easily accessed by all guests.
From all of the ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified hotels, ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels are the accommodation service providers which will provide accommodation services exclusively for international tourists during the first 14 days of their stay. ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels cannot accept bookings from locals and also are not allowed to host any events or banqueting functions for locals. International travellers must have a pre-booking at a ‘Safe & Secure' Certified Level 1 hotel for the initial 14 days of their stay but they are allowed to stay in any number of ‘Safe & Secure' Certified Level 1 hotels during this mandatory period.
Of the thousands of hotels and guesthouses available in Sri Lanka, currently only 55 are accredited ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels, the category of hotel mandatory for your first two weeks’ stay on the island. As at 15 January 2021, these are the ‘Safe & Secure’ Certified Level 1 hotels offered by Tikalanka:
- Amaya Beach, Passikudah
- Amaya Lake, Dambulla
- Amaya Langdale, Nuwara Eliya
- Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, Tangalle
- Cape Weligama, Weligama
- Ceylon Tea Trails, Hatton (5 bungalows)
- Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Bentota
- Cinnamon Bey, Beruwela
- Heritance Ahungalla, Ahungalla
- Heritance Negombo, Negombo
- Jetwing Lagoon, Negombo
- Jetwing Lake, Dambulla
- Kahanda Kanda, Galle
- KK Beach, Habaraduwa
- Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy
- Oliphant Bungalow, Nuwara Eliya
- Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa, Mirissa
- Talalla Retreat, Tangalle
- The Fortress Resort & Spa, Koggala
- Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, Uppuveli
- Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala
Approved tourist sites and attractions
Sri Lanka Tourism, with the tourism industry, has created a ‘bio-bubble’ for international visitors to explore multiple sites and attractions on the island safely. However, despite Sri Lanka boasting a multitude of things to do and see while on holiday, the current approved list of tourist sites and attractions is a desultory 17 and bizarrely includes two outlets of the state-run Laksala gift shops! Of this list, here are the worthwhile places to visit offered by Tikalanka:
- Anuradhapura ancient city (excluding Sri Maha Bodhi)
- Kaudulla National Park
- Mirissa whale watching
- Peradeniya Botanic Gardens, Kandy
- Polonnaruwa ancient city
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Sinharaja National Park
- Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
- Udawalawe National Park
- Wilpattu National Park
- Yala National Park
We will keep you posted on any updates as soon as we hear.
Categories: Accommodation, Culture, Health, News, Sightseeing, Sri Lanka, Travel tips, Wildlife
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