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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.

Category: Accommodation

Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #19/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th May 2026

Congratulations to Galkadawala Forest Lodge on its 20th anniversary! This epic milestone is a tribute to Maulie de Saram’s hard work, unflinching commitment, and true belief in her core values, an exemplar of sustainability in tourism and the authentic Sri Lankan way. She has produced an excellent short film that should be shared widely which captures the essence of Galkadawala. It is an inspiring achievement, and we are privileged to be involved.

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Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #15/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 10th April 2026

With the Middle East conflict continuing despite ceasefire proposals, more of our holidays are being postponed due to a lack of reasonably priced flight options. With our main carriers to Sri Lanka based in the conflict zone, all flights are suspended and other airlines are taking advantage of the situation by increasing flight prices significantly. Postponing a holiday is always an option with us when world events dictate. Your money is secure and backed up by ATOL or ABTOT protection.

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Padmaraga Galle Fort, Galle, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #14/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st April 2026

The first two months of 2026 were signalling a bumper year for tourism in Sri Lanka, on the back of record visitor numbers in 2025. However, the Middle East conflict has resulted in a significant drop in arrivals to the island since the beginning of last month, mostly due to Sri Lanka’s reliance on Middle Eastern airlines to bring in the majority of Western visitors. While recent developments in the Middle East have understandably raised questions, Sri Lanka remains largely unaffected, offering a sense of calm, continuity and quiet reassurance.

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Toyota Hiace, Tikalanka, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #13/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th March 2026

To say this year has been busy is an understatement, which is the reason for the lack of updates so far – sorry! We are receiving an ever-increasing number of enquiries via ChatGPT and deep dives into Google AI, which shows that our online presence is strong and authentic. Obviously, the conflict between the USA/Israel and Iran has caused issues but we have managed to either reschedule or postpone most of the holidays affected. This is an update for the year to date…

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Tikalanka - Independent tailor-made holidays to Sri Lanka and Maldives

TikaWeeks #49/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 6th December 2025

​Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive flooding and landslides on its passage through Sri Lanka last week. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tropical cyclone. Thankfully, our team in Sri Lanka is safe and our holidays are continuing on the island. Recent updates from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and other local organisations indicate that the island is recovering and most of the country is safe for travel. We are receiving regular updates from our office in Kandy, local colleagues around the island, the SLTDA, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance to keep us informed of the actual situation on the ground.

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The Pekoe Trail Organization

TikaWeeks #41/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 12th October 2025

Tikalanka is now an official Pekoe Trail DMC Partner, which means we have been trained and certified by The Pekoe Trail Organization to design itineraries that incorporate the trail responsibly, respectfully, and sustainably. Whether you’re looking for a day hike through the tea country, a weeklong walking journey, or a tailored experience that blends wellness, nature, and culture – we are the professionals who can make it happen and who bring the trail to life for travellers from around the world.

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Responsible Travel, our holidays are more enjoyable because they do good

TikaWeeks #38/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 17th September 2025

Travel not only reduces stress and burn out, but it improves your mood, life satisfaction and sleep as well as increases energy levels and creativity, with this 'boost' typically lasting 2 weeks after your return from holiday. However, travelling responsibly and engaging in meaningful or novel activities increases this boost to up to 6 weeks. Last week's Open House event organised by Responsible Travel in Brighton is an annual get-together of travel companies with responsible and sustainable travel at their heart and Tikalanka was there as usual.

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View from The Pekoe Trail (Stage 1) near Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #35/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 28th August 2025

The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s alternative to the Camino de Santiago, and it is becoming evermore popular since it launched in 2023. The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometre, 22-stage meticulously curated long-distance walking trail that winds its way through the enchanting Central Highlands of Sri Lanka – often regarded as one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. Along the way, you’ll encounter vibrant local communities, each offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich traditions, warm hospitality, and unique cultural heritage, making the experience as meaningful as it is adventurous. Here is a local and personal perspective of the first two stages recently hiked by Mahesh, Pathi and Suba’s son.

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Sky at night from Wild Glamping Knuckles, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #34/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 20th August 2025

‘Off grid’ can have many meanings. Being cut off from technology, using power generated from renewables onsite, or disengaging from everyday life are all what people understand by ‘off grid’. We seem to have become addicted to the internet, WhatsApp, Instagram and the rest without ever considering what travelling was like before the World Wide Web and mobile phones, 24-hour electricity, and a slower pace of life more in tune with nature. Well, now you have your chance with various ‘off grid’ experiences in Sri Lanka.

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The Arnolds and Nihal trekking in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #31/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 31st July 2025

If you want to learn about the Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of Sri Lanka, then loyal customers Dave and Chris Arnold will guide you through likely sightings from their hands-on experience of two trips with us in the past couple of years. In an engaging and enlightening account of their travels recently published in an international journal, Dave highlights the numerous and varied species to spot on the island, even donning a pair of ‘sexy’ leech socks in order to navigate Sinharaja Forest Reserve with impunity!

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