Tika Traveller

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.

TikaWeeks #51-2/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th December 2019

A day trip into the Hill Country to view a long list of potential hotels is never easy with the inevitable and ubiquitous switchback bends, slow pollution-emitting trucks, pedestrians, bicycles, motorbikes, dogs and the other ephemera associated with Sri Lanka’s extensive road network. However, with a 5am start and Sateesh at the wheel, we make it to Haputale in less than four hours, which is very impressive progress indeed.

Aerial view of Karpaha Sands, Kalkudah, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #51-1/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 16th December 2019

Our journey around the island takes us up north initially, through the Cultural Triangle and on to Jaffna. After a couple of nights there, we head east to Nilaveli before staying in Passikudah further south along the east coast. The following day we made our way back to Kandy via Gal Oya Lodge. We managed to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time by doing long days and thanks to Sateesh’s expert driving – he was also very useful to have with us in the north and east being a Tamil speaker.

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, Olympia London, 30 January to 02 February 2020

TikaWeeks #50/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 11th December 2019

Discover your next adventure at Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, in association with The Times and The Sunday Times, the UK’s biggest event for travel inspiration taking place at Olympia London from 30 January to 02 February 2020. Come to visit us on stand AP38 and also get your complimentary e-tickets to the Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show courtesy of Tikalanka by quoting EXTIKA.

Pool and view, Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa, Aluwatugoda, Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #49/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 2nd December 2019

As always, my annual research trip to Sri Lanka was very productive and particularly necessary this year following the awful events back in April, since when the island has been recovering from the aftermath. On a positive note, the resilient Sri Lankans are looking forward to the future and optimism is high. This update summarises our visits around Kandy. Future updates will follow our travels spanning the entire country, from Jaffna in the north to Galle in the south.

Pathi holding aloft the katina cheevaraya (robe) during the early morning perahera for the Katina Pinkama ceremony, Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #48/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 27th November 2019

I have just returned from my annual research trip to Sri Lanka, although it may be biannually from now on considering the climate crisis… On arrival on the island, it was a privilege to be invited to the Katina Pinkama ceremonies at Pathi and Suba’s house and local temple, where they had the honour of offering the special robe for the event to Nanda sadhu, their head monk and great friend of mine.

Supporters of Gotabaya Rajapaksa celebrate his election victory in Colombo (courtesy of Eranga Jayawardena/AP)

TikaWeeks #47/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 19th November 2019

Sri Lanka has a new President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, another of the brothers from the infamous political dynasty. Running his campaign on strengthening security and the economy, his objectives seem to have struck a chord with the majority Sinhalese Buddhist community, which makes up over 70% of the island’s population, particularly following the atrocities perpetrated on Easter Sunday. However, is Gotabaya Rajapaksa the president Sri Lankans need?

Sun-drenched and palm-fringed golden sandy beach in Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #43/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 22nd October 2019

In October 1979, The Police released their seminal album Regatta de Blanc to critical acclaim. Included on the album was the lead single and soon-to-be global hit Message in a Bottle with a chorus beginning “I’ll send an SOS to the world”. Forty years on, we send an SOS to the world – Support Our Sri Lanka. With deals galore on offer at many of our favourite hotels until next April, it is definitely the time to visit Sri Lanka. So, come on in, the water’s lovely! Just give us a call to chat over your ideas for a holiday of a lifetime.

Earth and Moon taken from space, with Sri Lanka clearly visible (courtesy of NASA ESA)

TikaWeeks #42/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th October 2019

Travel pledges that encourage foreign visitors to be more sustainable and respectful to the host nation are becoming popular around the world, although some experts are sceptical because there is no current evidence to support their effectiveness. I believe that such incentives can work if all involved are committed to responsible tourism. Today, we launch our “Tika Travel Troth” – RESPECT – which aims to promote awareness of a visitor’s duty to be a responsible, respectful and sustainable guest.

A portrait of Thomas Cook, circa 1850, and early tickets (courtesy of The Guardian/Getty Images/Alamy)

TikaWeeks #39/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th September 2019

The failure of another behemoth of the travel industry in as many years this week suggests that small is indeed beautiful. When the world’s oldest tour operator and top travel brand goes to the wall it signals a change in the way people source and book holidays. This week’s update discusses global travel trends, Sri Lanka’s current monsoon rains and upcoming presidential election, and next year’s cricket tour of the island by England.

Greta Thunberg and youth climate activists protest outside White House (courtesy of The Guardian/Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images)

TikaWeeks #38/2019: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 17th September 2019

“If not you, then who? If not now, then when?” Greta Thunberg single-handedly raised awareness of the risks posed by climate change by staging a school strike last year. Since then she has become a household name. On 20 September, millions of people will walk out of their workplaces and homes to join the Global Climate Strike and demand an end to the age of fossil fuels and climate justice for all. Tikalanka will join them.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives