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.

Trip Planner

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

Apa Villa Illuketia

Galle

The villa is a former plantation house renovated into Zen-inspired accommodation inland from Galle. Thoroughly modernised but retaining the flavour of the island's colonial past, the expansive 200-year-old house sits on a 4-hectare estate of tropical gardens and paddy fields.

More Accommodation

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 #19/2021: Maldives update

Posted by John on 10th May 2021

Last Friday, a bomb attack in Malé, the capital of Maldives, left the former president Mohamed Nasheed in a critical condition following an assassination attempt. Nasheed was the country’s first democratically elected president and is the current parliamentary speaker. We wish him a full and speedy recovery. There is no reason for a foreign tourist to visit Malé since the international airport is located on its own independent island and all transfers to resorts are arranged directly from the airport.

TikaWeeks #18/2021: Sri Lanka & Maldives update

Posted by John on 8th May 2021

Yesterday, the UK government confirmed international leisure travel can gradually resume from 17 May 2021 and released the initial ‘traffic light’ travel list, which will be reviewed every three weeks. Both Sri Lanka and Maldives are on the Amber list, which means you should not travel to either country for leisure purposes, with Maldives on the more restrictive Red list from 12 May 2021. We hope that both countries’ COVID-19 situations will improve in the near future to allow leisure travel at the earliest opportunity.

TikaWeeks #15-2/2021: Sri Lanka & Maldives update

Posted by John on 16th April 2021

In November 2020, the Global Travel Taskforce produced 14 recommendations for the safe return of international travel in the UK. Last week, the taskforce reported a second time with further recommendations, including implementation of a ‘traffic light’ country system to which different restrictions are applied depending on risk. There is also a recommendation to remove measures limiting outbound travel by 17 May 2021 “at the earliest”. However, as always, nothing is confirmed as yet.

“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

More Feedback

Trip Planner

Create your dream holiday »