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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.

First ever sighting of Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni) in Sri Lanka (courtesy of Kasun Gonagala)

TikaWeeks #42/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th October 2024

For all you birding enthusiasts, a remarkable discovery was made in Sri Lanka’s northern province back in March with the first ever sighting of an Allen’s Gallinule on the island. A research team led by Kasun Gonagala​ observed a unique and unexpected visitor to the region: Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni), a species that had never before been recorded in Sri Lanka or Asia. The sighting took place in a swampy forest rich in mangroves, with the bird walking on lily pads in a well-vegetated wetland.

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Qatar Airways logo

TikaWeeks #41/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th October 2024

In this year’s SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, Qatar Airways won the World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Business Class Awards. You may enjoy its award-winning service on routes between the UK and Sri Lanka and/or Maldives. More of our recommended airlines also scored highly, with Emirates awarded third best airline as well as winning the Best Airline Inflight Entertainment Award, British Airways 13th and Etihad Airways 19th.

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Department of Immigration and Emigration of Sri Lanka

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.

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John, Pathi, Tracey and Suba at Seven Sisters, East Sussex, UK

TikaWeeks #39/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 27th September 2024

In Tikalanka’s 20th anniversary year, Pathi and Suba finally made it over to the UK and we had an incredible couple of weeks showing them around. A very special trip for us all and the weather was generally kind to us as well, although Pathi never took off the lightweight puffer jacket borrowed from me when in Cumbria! A tour of the Cotswolds and on to Brighton for a Responsible Travel event went without a hitch. Pathi and Suba seemed to enjoy the meals we served up at home and we had out even without the classic Sri Lankan flavours, in fact Suba even turned down extra green chillies at dinner which Tracey and I ate with alacrity! Let’s not wait another 25 years until they return.

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Ayubowan, may you have the gift of a long life, is the traditional welcome salutation in Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #35/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 28th August 2024

From 01 October 2024, tourists to Sri Lanka from 35 countries will be given free 30-day visas​ under a six-month pilot programme. In an effort to boost tourism, the local government cabinet approved issuing free tourist visas to visitors from countries including the UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the USA. However, travellers should still apply for their visa on arrival.

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Beneath the undergrowth, Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #34/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 21st August 2024

Congratulations to Heritance Kandalama​ as it celebrates 30 years of leading sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka. Designed by the world-renowned local architect Geoffrey Bawa, the resort is remarkable for being the first LEED-certified and Green Globe 21-certified hotel in Asia, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship. It also boasts Sri Lanka’s longest-certified ISO 14001 Environment Management System. Even today, the hotel doesn’t cease to amaze many a guest who is lucky enough to stay there.

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Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration

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.

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The Mudhouse, Anamaduwa, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #31/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st August 2024

One of our all-time favourite places to stay on the island has reopened following its closure as a result of the pandemic. The Mudhouse​ near Anamaduwa is a real gem. Tom and Kumar created a one-of-a-kind property in the ancient rural heartlands of Sri Lanka many years ago and it is a truly unique experience. The clusters of traditional mud huts constructed from local, natural materials have recently been renovated – Tom tells me that three out of the five original units are fully restored along with the restaurant – and the restoration project will continue this year and into next. Past customers have loved the place so book now to avoid disappointment!

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A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

TikaWeeks #29/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th July 2024

Tikalanka celebrated 20 years of arranging holidays to Sri Lanka this week! We have come a long way since the early days when Pathi and I acted as guides ourselves. We have managed to ebb and flow with the fortunes of the island and its wonderful, ever-smiling people. Civil war, tsunami, economic and political crises, the Covid pandemic, and terrorism have all been in the mix over the years, but the resolute pragmatism of the Sri Lankans (and Tikalanka) has won through. We are one of a select few in the Sri Lanka travel industry that has the depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, wealth of local contacts, and choice of excellent guides to offer you the holiday of a lifetime.

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Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration

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.

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