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: Culture

Elephant in the lake, Gal Oya NP, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #04/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 22nd January 2018

A belated Happy New Year to one and all! The start of the peak holiday and booking season has seen us have our best year yet, so we would like to thank our current and past customers for their patronage. The New Year brings new ideas and, according to National Geographic Traveller, Sri Lanka is the No. 1 spot to offer “a better all-round travel experience” on the ‘Cool List 2018’. Why not try something different in Sri Lanka? Alternative, less visited areas are highlighted along with a news round-up, recent changes to credit card payments, and the Destinations holiday and travel show just around the corner.

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!

Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, Olympia London, 01-04 February 2018

TikaWeeks #48/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 2nd December 2017

This is our first call to get free tickets for the Destinations holiday and travel show at Olympia London next February, which is a chance to meet and chat to us face to face. Our Sri Lanka update this week includes ‘overtourism’ and how to avoid it, the use of camera drones on the island, and information on dengue fever as well as the launch of the 2017-18 pilgrimage to Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada).

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.

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.

Angsana Ihuru, North Malé Atoll, Maldives

TikaWeeks #38/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 23rd September 2017

Interesting and pictorial articles about wildlife, architecture and Kandy in the media are complemented by travellers’ tips, a first-hand account of Angsana Ihuru in Maldives, and recent additions to the Tikalanka accommodation portfolio in this week’s Sri Lanka update.

Ahaspokuna Bush Walks Camp, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #37/2017: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 16th September 2017

Our Sri Lanka update this week includes information about Minneriya, Wilpattu and Yala West National Parks, dates and background of two of the island’s cultural highlights, new accommodation to Tikalanka, and a general news round-up.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives