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.

A train negotiating the tortuous railway line through the Hill Country in Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #14/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 3rd April 2023

Trains are now part of everyday life in Sri Lanka but the railway has had a tumultuous time ever since British colonists first explored its possibilities for transporting coffee, coconut, rubber and tea from the plantations around Kandy to Colombo on the coast for export back in 1842. Today the railways are fundamental to the public transport network around the island as well as a popular tourist attraction. Here are five of the best rail journeys in Sri Lanka.

TikaWeeks #13/2023: Sri Lanka & Maldives update

Posted by John on 27th March 2023

BREAKING NEWS. We are now collaborating with Tropic Breeze on our Sri Lanka and Maldives holidays. Tropic Breeze is a UK-based travel specialist to Maldives, the Caribbean, Seychelles and Mauritius, and we have been working with them in Maldives for the last nine years. We believe that this is the best way forward for Tikalanka and our valued customers after a few very difficult years. We are now in a strong position to look to the future with renewed confidence.

Family group of Asian Elephants, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #12/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 23rd March 2023

Rewilding is a relatively new endeavour in Sri Lanka, although some schemes have been active for years. Jetwing Vil Uyana began an ambitious project back in 2005, converting abandoned paddy fields into a wetland mosaic fed by irrigation channels from the surrounding farmland, and planting thousands of indigenous trees. Today it is enjoying the fruits of an enlightened and welcome rewilding initiative.

A deserted east coast beach of Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #11/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th March 2023

Earlier this year The Independent’s travel desk published their dream destinations for 2023 and Sri Lanka topped the wish list. After years of pandemic-related restrictions, this is the first year that travel has the opportunity to return to “normal”, with most countries having opened back up to tourists, without the need for extra testing and paperwork. Previously on the up as a seemingly universally loved travel destination and with so much pent-up demand, Sri Lanka is the place to visit in 2023.

Sri Lanka's beautiful and enigmatic Tea Country

TikaWeeks #10/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 10th March 2023

I am sure you will have heard of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, Peru's Inca Trail or the well-trammelled route to Everest Base Camp, but do you know about the world's newest walking trail? No, well it's Sri Lanka's very own Pekoe Trail, a 300-km, 22-stage network of hiking trails, which winds its way through the island's dramatic Hill Country, an area synonymous with growing tea. Intended to be walked in stages or in full, it was conceived to encourage more visitors into the island's most remote regions.

Leopard seen in Yala NP by Harriet and Michael on holiday with Tikalanka in February 2023

TikaWeeks #09/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 4th March 2023

We can share with you the good news that tourism is bouncing back in Sri Lanka with over 24% more visitors than last year, which definitely indicates confidence in travelling to the island now. Recent customers totally agree, with glowing reports of the island’s delights as well as our expert guides and quality accommodation on offer. So why not give us a call or email us your wish list to create your ideal holiday to Sri Lanka with Tikalanka. Remember there is always Maldives to add on if you want an extra-special trip of a lifetime!

TikaWeeks #05/2023: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 31st January 2023

After the economic meltdown in Sri Lanka last year, there seems to be a lack of reportage in the British press regarding the current situation on the island. Despite the shortage of up-to-date information we are receiving a lot of interest in our holidays for this and next year, which just shows how attractive the country is perceived by global travellers. Here is the latest from the ever-smiling island nation of Sri Lanka.

TikaWeeks #43/2022: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th October 2022

Various chats with Pathi over the past few weeks have given me hope of revitalising travel to Sri Lanka in the coming months. Although the country is still recovering from political and economic instability earlier on this year, there are positive signs of progress and recent travellers talk of the island’s natural beauty, amazing people, unique experiences, outstanding food and excellent value for money.

Ayubowan - may you have the gift of a long life - is Sri Lanka's salutation to visitors

TikaWeeks #40/2022: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 9th October 2022

Apologies for taking the summer off, but with travel to Sri Lanka off limits until last month, a regular update seemed superfluous. However, enquiries and bookings are now picking up, the island is stable and showing signs of normality, and a feeling of positivity has returned to Sri Lanka. There are still shortages but the queues have disappeared and the local sentiment is upbeat. Tourism is a key driver in the country’s recovery being a major foreign currency earner and contributor to GDP so travel has a big part to play.

TikaWeeks #23/2022: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 11th June 2022

Good news. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office no longer advises against all but essential travel to Sri Lanka so we are able to offer holidays to Sri Lanka again for immediate departure. Please get back to us asap if you are still looking for that special holiday or honeymoon to Sri Lanka and/or Maldives this summer.

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