“We loved it all! Particularly the beautiful scenery, fascinating culture, friendly people, delicious food (lots of rice and curry!), and the amazing wildlife.”
Natasha & Ross, travelled to Sri Lanka, March 2023
Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, known to Arab traders as Serendib - hence "serendipity", meaning discovery by happy accident - and famously described by Marco Polo as "undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world".
Culturally rich and environmentally diverse, Sri Lanka boasts eight World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BCE), 86 species of mammals (including elephants and leopards), more than 500 bird species (including 33 endemics), a colourful array of flowering plants and trees, a Hill Country famous for tea and trekking, 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government, and 1600 km of Indian Ocean coastline offering palm-fringed and sun-drenched tropical beaches.
Trip PlannerEach region of Sri Lanka has something unique to offer. Get a better understanding of this beautiful island paradise by exploring each region, and the major sites and cities within them.
Find out which activities each region has on offer, whether it's exploring ancient temples, spotting exotic wildlife or simply relaxing on a palm-fringed tropical beach.
Explore Sri LankaTangalle
Spiritual sanctuary in a secluded spot just steps from the vast Indian Ocean. The Kayaam House journey focuses on restoration and recovery with wellness a key part of every guest experience. The spaces are designed to provide seclusion and serenity for all.
More AccommodationThere is so much to do during your visit to Sri Lanka that it may be hard to know where to start. We have put together some taster itineraries for you to see the range of accommodation and activities available on the island. You may like to use them as a starting point to plan your very own trip, or we can do it all for you if you prefer - the choice is yours!
Posted by John on 25th June 2025
Travelling solo may feel daunting to some but other free spirits find it liberating and exhilarating. We have our fair share of solo explorers on our holidays, and in recent years the number has grown. A one-to-one trip with your very own dedicated chauffeur guide can enhance the overall travel experience and enables you to get firsthand and intimate knowledge of Sri Lanka unachievable within a group. So, if you are looking for an independent and unconventional holiday experience, read on…
Read more »Posted by John on 2nd June 2025
Swimming with whales isn’t just unethical – it’s illegal in Sri Lanka. A recent study found 32 tour operators offering illegal swim-with-whales experiences in key whale-watching areas. Protecting these gentle giants requires collective action – from government and tour agencies, accommodation providers, boat operators, and tourists. For years, Sri Lanka’s tourism model has been framed around distinct “high” and “low” seasons, dictated largely by the island’s monsoonal patterns. This binary view, however, fails to reflect the island’s true potential. The reality? Sri Lanka offers rich, varied experiences throughout the year.
Read more »Posted by John on 29th May 2025
If rafting over cascading rapids, ballooning around an iconic rock fortress at dawn, climbing a sacred mountain for the spectacular sunrise and experiencing a jeep safari to spot a variety of exotic wildlife are high on your wish list, then Sri Lanka is for you! Many visitors only travel to Sri Lanka for the island’s spectacular, sun-soaked and palm-fringed beaches but there is so much more to discover than its sandy shores and exquisite ancient temples. This week’s update highlights some of the less well-known adventures on offer in Sri Lanka.
Read more »“We loved it all! Particularly the beautiful scenery, fascinating culture, friendly people, delicious food (lots of rice and curry!), and the amazing wildlife.”
Natasha & Ross, travelled to Sri Lanka, March 2023
“We are back and a million thanks for organising such a fabulous time for us. We had a wonderful holiday. Everything was well planned with plenty of time allowed to do all the things we had chosen to do.”
Harriet & Michael, travelled to Sri Lanka, February 2023
“This was a truly memorable holiday. We loved Sri Lanka. The Itinerary was fantastic and allowed us to get a real feel for the history and culture of Sri Lanka.”
Chris & Karen, travelled to Sri Lanka, January/February 2023
“This really was the holiday of a lifetime and we couldn't have asked for more from our honeymoon. John and the team at Tikalanka were amazing throughout.”
James & Mirella, travelled to Sri Lanka & Maldives, February 2023
“Thank you so much John, we had such a wonderful time and have you, Pathi and Nihal to thank for that. We will definitely return in the future and we keep recommending you to everyone.”
Kate & Zak, travelled to Sri Lanka, May 2023
“We had a wonderful holiday together as a family. Something for everyone and lots of things we enjoy doing together. Such a lovely country full of smiles and greenery.”
Strachan family, travelled to Sri Lanka, February 2023
“We chose Tikalanka as John really took on board our choices and ideas when we first discussed our visit - and had put together a perfect mix of culture, wildlife and beaches. We would happily recommend Tikalanka to friends!”
Hilary & Sean, travelled to Sri Lanka, May 2024
“Our itinerary was perfect for us. We enjoyed all of our stays. The service was outstanding in all the places we stayed. Ravi was exceptional. He went above and beyond to make our journeys interesting.”
Jane & Jerry, travelled to Sri Lanka, January/February 2025
“This holiday was up there with the best ever had by us and we heartily thank you, John and Pathi, for such a superb time.”
Sue & Graeme, travelled to Sri Lanka, February 2025
“We were delighted with our trip to Sri Lanka, especially with the amount of birds and wildlife we were able to see. An unforgettable trip which has produced some amazing photos.”
Laurence & Elaine, travelled to Sri Lanka & Maldives, February/March 2020
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