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: Sightseeing

Banana seller, Batticaloa market, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #19/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 13th May 2018

Tipping seems to be fraught with anxiety and doubt amongst our mostly British clientele. Sri Lanka has an inherent tipping culture and commissions are widespread and, as a foreign visitor, you will be ‘expected’ to offer generous gratuities to all and sundry, regardless of whether it is deserved or not. This week’s update discusses tipping, touts and conmen, continues with our daily life series, and recommends beachside resorts in Passikudah on the east coast.

Wesak celebrations, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka (courtesy of Ashin Sobhana)

TikaWeeks #17/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 29th April 2018

The full moon of Wesak is the most important Buddhist festival of the year, which commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Parinirvana of the Buddha. In Sri Lanka, colourful lanterns are hung along streets and in front of homes, electrically-lit platforms decorated with scenes of Buddha’s lives are erected around the country, food stalls provide free food and drinks to passers-by, and locals chant Buddhist devotional songs. This week’s update includes Wesak, the start of our everyday life series and recommended accommodation around Kandy.

Lion's Paws Platform and staircase to the summit, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #14/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th April 2018

Although I have touched on travelling to Sri Lanka in the off season before, please consider it again, not just because it will save you money but it will also get you away from the crowds and you will visit particular areas at the best possible time. What could be better? You don’t need to visit too many temples if you follow our guide in this week’s update, and our food series continues along with recommended places to stay in the Knuckles Mountains region.

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.

TikaWeeks #08/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 24th February 2018

Summer holidays are just around the corner so I thought that in-depth details of what’s on offer in Sri Lanka would come in handy for your holiday planning – wildlife reserves, cultural highlights, trekking trails and sunny beaches. I also discuss responsible wildlife watching in Sri Lanka, introduce wildlife cruises in Maldives, and provide an update on the state of emergency in Maldives.

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

TikaWeeks #07/2018: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 18th February 2018

The Destinations holiday and travel show at Olympia was a great success, as always, and we wish to thank everyone who came to see us – new and past customers alike! We really enjoy being able to chat to people face-to-face and tell them about our Sri Lanka and Maldives holidays as well as our travel ethos and aspirations, which we hope will encourage more and more people to experience the islands with us. This week’s update includes a summary of the show, novel alternatives to established favourites, and a news roundup.

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!

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!

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives