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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: Culture

Elephants in Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #27/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 2nd July 2025

The Galle Literary Festival, in and around Galle from 21 to 25 January 2026, has become one of the most anticipated literary events in south Asia. The latest episode of “Guardians”, a docuseries narrated by Prince William, shines a light on Sri Lankan rangers working to reduce human-elephant conflict. With around half of all visitors going on safari in Sri Lanka, wildlife is central to the island’s attraction, and ‘glamping’ is a great way to experience the call of the wild. In other news, Sigiriya was recently anointed as Sri Lanka’s first sustainable destination, and another upsurge in tourist arrivals last month shows Sri Lanka is still the place to visit!

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A solo traveller meeting the locals in Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #26/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 25th June 2025

Travelling solo may feel daunting to some but other free spirits find it liberating and exhilarating. We have our fair share of solo explorers on our holidays, and in recent years the number has grown. A one-to-one trip with your very own dedicated chauffeur guide can enhance the overall travel experience and enables you to get firsthand and intimate knowledge of Sri Lanka unachievable within a group. So, if you are looking for an independent and unconventional holiday experience, read on…

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Kumana Under Canvas, Kumana NP, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #22/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 29th May 2025

If rafting over cascading rapids, ballooning around an iconic rock fortress at dawn, climbing a sacred mountain for the spectacular sunrise and experiencing a jeep safari to spot a variety of exotic wildlife are high on your wish list, then Sri Lanka is for you! Many visitors only travel to Sri Lanka for the island’s spectacular, sun-soaked and palm-fringed beaches but there is so much more to discover than its sandy shores and exquisite ancient temples. This week’s update highlights some of the less well-known adventures on offer in Sri Lanka.

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Puja (blessing ceremony) at Kataragama pilgrimage site, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #16/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 14th April 2025

Suba Aluth Avuruddak Wewa! (Wishing you a joyful and peaceful New Year!) Today is Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka, which is not just a celebration of the dawn of a new year, but also that of unity, cultural enrichment and a sense of family unity. This is a family festival, an occasion to exchange presents and eat traditional dishes. Many people return to their original towns and villages to play age-old games and catch up with relatives and friends.

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Hill Country tea terraces, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Peter Hale)

TikaWeeks #14/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 31st March 2025

The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka has rightly entered the Pantheon of the world’s greatest hiking trails since its launch in late 2023. Winding its way through the spectacular Hill Country, the 300 km-long, 22-stage hiking trail has won many accolades including TIME magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list for 2025. Sri Lanka has also been revealed to be the world’s most family-friendly country in a recent report, and Condé Nast Traveler included Sri Lanka on its latest list of the 40 most beautiful countries in the world. So why not visit?

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Hindu temple figurines, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #09/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th February 2025

Today is Maha Shivratri Day! This Hindu festival celebrates the power of Lord Shiva, who protects his devotees from negative and evil spirits. The new Sri Lankan government, whose approval rating jumped to 62% this month, has promised to bail out the debt-ridden national carrier SriLankan Airlines to the tune of Rs20bn, which comes with the caveat of ensuring profitability in the future. In other news, a camera system based on AI fitted to the front of trains will hopefully save the lives of many wild elephants.

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Santani Wellness Kandy, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #47/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 20th November 2024

Santani Wellness Kandy has been named Asia’s Best Wellness Retreat at the World Spa Awards 2024. This accolade reflects Santani's unwavering commitment to redefining wellness and its unique approach to "Human Sustainability”. Galle Literary Festival takes place in and around the southern town of Galle and its atmospheric fort from the 06 to 09 February 2025, inviting diverse voices in poetry and prose from around the world. In other news, Cape Weligama will reopen on 02 December 2024 following a deep refresh with upgraded facilities and services in celebration of its 10th anniversary.

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Lion Rock at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Shutterstock)

TikaWeeks #46/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 11th November 2024

Quite an accolade for Sri Lanka – voted the Most Desirable Island (World) by Wanderlust’s 168,000 passionate and globetrotting readers. After more than 3 million votes were cast, the results of the 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards​ are now in. Destinations, tour operators and travel brands have been recognised across 22 categories, including the Most Desirable Countries, Cities and Islands in Europe and around the world.

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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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Visiting family welcomed at a local school near AMBA Estate, Ella, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #22/2024: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 29th May 2024

Hopefully all of us strive to be sensitive and responsible travellers but there are still incidents of inappropriate behaviour and disregard for local cultures as well as a disconnect with the climate crisis. Yesterday’s Guardian had a much-needed article on how to be a better tourist, from thinking about the experience and impact of your holiday to slowing down and getting off the beaten track. May be consider taking a personal pledge to ‘travel better’, like our Tika Travel Troth, which is a promise to yourself as well as everyone and everything around you to try to improve the world we live in.

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