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.

Category: Accommodation

Cricket net practice within the fort ramparts, Galle, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #11/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th March 2018

Barmy army, barmy army, barmy army… Yes, England’s cricket team is off to play Sri Lanka in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean later this year and the tour dates are finally confirmed. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are interested in seeing the cricket as hotels and tickets will sell out quickly. Tour dates and venues are listed in this week’s update along with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, more additions to our accommodation portfolio and what’s happening in Maldives.

TikaWeeks #10/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 11th March 2018

After an unsettling and difficult week in Sri Lanka, it is refreshing to bring some positive news of the island’s commitment to environmental challenges with the banning of plastics from all designated Protected Areas, including all national parks and World Heritage Sites. This directive is a much needed boost to the country’s conservation efforts and a signal that the government takes environmental issues seriously. We continue with our food series, provide an accommodation update and suggest a reading list to appreciate the island’s wealth of architecture.

A monk lighting votive candles, Kataragama, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #50/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 17th December 2017

‘Tis the season to be jolly – ho, ho, holidays are upon us! Even Sri Lanka celebrates Christmas, amongst 23 other public holidays, and the island’s predilection for festive favourites covers a panoply of religions and significant occasions during the year. Ever heard of Sri Lanka’s second airport, Saffron Villa or The Planter’s Bungalow? More will be revealed. ‘Destinations’ is on the cards once more and then there is the usual news update to round things off for 2017. May we wish all of our customers past, present and future a resplendent 2018!

Pathi walking with guests, Hanthana House, Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #47/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 25th November 2017

Opportunities to travel out of season in Sri Lanka are now a serious offering since the north and east of the island have opened up and weather patterns have changed. Travelling in the “off” season, walking trails from Pathi’s homestay, train travel and a previous visit to The Knuckles are included in this week’s Sri Lanka update, along with a h(e)arty welcome to Sam, who joins the Tikalanka team!

Ajith Safari Jeep Tours, Yala West National Park, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #46/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 19th November 2017

Now back into the thick of it following my recent successful research trip to Sri Lanka, I visit WTM to catch up with colleagues from the travel industry, promote last-minute hotel deals around the island, offer a background to Ayurveda in Sri Lanka, report on the new restriction of jeeps allowed into Yala West National Park, delve into the archives and find a previous visit to Jaffna, and the usual news round-up.

John & Pathi in the early days, World's End, Horton Plains, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #45/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 12th November 2017

Our northern tour takes us to Mannar Island, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Dambulla and rural Matale then the Negombo area before my flight home. Many thanks to Dulashinee of Jetwing Hotels once more, and words cannot express my gratitude enough to Pathi, Suba, Dihini, Kusuma, Latha and Sateesh for their loving kindness and boundless generosity during my stay.

Channa, John and Pathi at Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #42/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 24th October 2017

Pathi and I travel south past thundering waterfalls and the velveteen slopes of the Hill Country before dropping down to the hot and dry coastal plain. A brief visit to the east coast is followed by Yala and then an intensive few days along the southern and western coastlines dodging the monsoon. Many thanks to Dulashinee of Jetwing Hotels and Nick Buckingham for their very generous hospitality!

TikaWeeks #41/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 14th October 2017

This week, and the following two weeks, will be travelogues of my annual research trip to Sri Lanka. I always travel in October as it is the off season on the island, which means that hoteliers and travel colleagues are available to show me around and chat at length. However, it is also the change in the monsoons (end of the southwest and beginning of the northeast), so not a good time to visit on holiday…

TikaWeeks #40/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th October 2017

Don’t worry; we look after your precious holiday money! Unlike other recently failed tour operators… High on the agenda this week is financial protection in travel followed by recent feedback on our invaluable and excellent chauffeur guides, an account of our visit to two safari camps near Yala, a hotels review, and a news round-up.

AIRBUS EC 130 B4 helicopter of IWS Aviation, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #39/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st October 2017

From Galle to Jaffna, we have news articles, background information and customer opinion from around Sri Lanka, including next year’s Galle Literary Festival, our Maldives archive, recent feedback on our accommodation, helicopter transfers, new hotel additions, and the usual media round-up.

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