Sri Lanka

The Jewel of the Indian Ocean

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 BC), 86 species of mammals (including elephants and leopards), more than 400 bird species (including 26 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.

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Explore Sri Lanka

Each 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 Lanka

Featured Accommodation

Kithala Resort

Tissamaharama

Set in peaceful, leafy grounds, including a swimming pool, and surrounded by paddy fields and attractive countryside home to an array of birdlife, hence its name – Kithala or Purple Coot. It is conveniently located for arranging jeep safaris in Yala and Bundala National Parks.

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Tika Tasters

There 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!

Tika Tasters

Tika Traveller

TikaWeeks #13/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 27th March 2023

BREAKING NEWS. We are now collaborating with Tropic Breeze on our Sri Lanka and Maldives holidays. Tropic Breeze is a UK-based travel specialist to Maldives, the Caribbean, Seychelles and Mauritius, and we have been working with them in Maldives for the last nine years. We believe that this is the best way forward for Tikalanka and our valued customers after a few very difficult years. We are now in a strong position to look to the future with renewed confidence.

TikaWeeks #12/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 23rd March 2023

Rewilding is a relatively new endeavour in Sri Lanka, although some schemes have been active for years. Jetwing Vil Uyana began an ambitious project back in 2005, converting abandoned paddy fields into a wetland mosaic fed by irrigation channels from the surrounding farmland, and planting thousands of indigenous trees. Today it is enjoying the fruits of an enlightened and welcome rewilding initiative.

TikaWeeks #11/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th March 2023

Earlier this year The Independent’s travel desk published their dream destinations for 2023 and Sri Lanka topped the wish list. After years of pandemic-related restrictions, this is the first year that travel has the opportunity to return to “normal”, with most countries having opened back up to tourists, without the need for extra testing and paperwork. Previously on the up as a seemingly universally loved travel destination and with so much pent-up demand, Sri Lanka is the place to visit in 2023.

“Thanks again for putting together a great itinerary for us. While Sri Lanka was on our radar it was not on our hot list but once we saw your first draft itinerary we immediately knew we had to go. ”

Tony & Juliet, travelled to Sri Lanka March 2018

“Really special trip - great balance of relaxing, exploring, history, religion, animals and beach! Just what we wanted. Thank you.”

Matthew & Heidi, travelled to Sri Lanka April/May 2015

“We had a wonderful visit and really did enjoy Sri Lanka and will certainly visit again in the future. All of the logistics were handled brilliantly.”

David & Wendy, travelled to Sri Lanka November/December 2018

“We are just incredibly pleased that we chose Sri Lanka and Tikalanka for our wedding holiday. THANK YOU TIKALANKA - keep doing what you do - it is superb.”

Gemma & Stephen, travelled to Sri Lanka January/February 2010

“Smooth organisation, good guide, good value for money.”

Sue & Janet, travelled to Sri Lanka December 2014/January 2015

“Overall this holiday was a very special fantastic experience due to the organisation and recommendation of Tikalanka. We would have no hesitation in recommending the company to our friends and family.”

Mike & Lorna, travelled to Sri Lanka in March 2018

“Your itinerary was perfect for what we asked for and provided us with lovely memories. We would definitely recommend Tikalanka to our friends.”

Lynn, Thomas, Jo & Roger,travelled to Sri Lanka in January 2019

“I would absolutely recommend Tikalanka to anyone travelling to Sri Lanka in the future.”

Jerrine & Fraser, travelled to Sri Lanka August 2017

“We really appreciated the detail in your planning that meant each accommodation was a different experience.”

Kath & Chris, travelled to Sri Lanka & Maldives November 2018

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