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: Sri Lanka

Train journey through Sri Lanka's emerald tea country

TikaWeeks #41/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 6th October 2026

Last Friday, tears of joy accompanied the reopening of the train line from Colombo to Kandy as the train service resumed following the devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah, and trains have also restarted between Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya) and Badulla in the Hill Country. Sri Lanka was hailed as the No. 1 island destination in 2026 as well as named among the world’s top 50 food destinations. In other news, a documentary on the island triumphed in top global TV awards, Qatar Airways and Emirates are increasing their number of flights, and Aitken Spence achieves GSTC certification.

The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka's 300-km-long, 22-stage hiking trail through the dramatic Hill Country

TikaWeeks #40/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 3rd October 2026

It has been a while since I last posted and apologies for that, but now I am back! Lots to report across a wide range of subjects including AI-inspired or -planned itineraries, the Middle East conflict’s continuing effect on travel, a Sri Lanka hotels’ update, feedback from recent travel events, future holidays and the climate crisis, and the new EU directive on ‘greenwashing’. We are looking forward to our winter peak season with added vigour now that we have Mahesh in our local office, new licensed guides recruited, and Dihini waiting in the wings having just passed her travel management degree in Canada.

TikaWeeks #22/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 27th May 2026

From 25 May 2026, UK citizens will be issued with a free 30-day visa as we suggested a couple of weeks ago. Travellers from 40 countries are eligible for the free visa including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and USA. However, you will still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to Sri Lanka as before. Congratulations to Kulu Safaris for being included in The Travel Green List™ 2026, Wanderlust Magazine's annual showcase of impactful and responsible travel initiatives.

TikaWeeks #20/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 13th May 2026

Sri Lanka comes alive in May to celebrate Wesak (Vesak), one of the country’s most cherished cultural and religious festivals commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. Streets across the nation glow with vibrant lanterns, illuminated pandols, and decorative lights, creating a truly magical atmosphere that reflects the spirit of peace, compassion, and togetherness.

Galkadawala Forest Lodge, Habarana, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #19/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 8th May 2026

Congratulations to Galkadawala Forest Lodge on its 20th anniversary! This epic milestone is a tribute to Maulie de Saram’s hard work, unflinching commitment, and true belief in her core values, an exemplar of sustainability in tourism and the authentic Sri Lankan way. She has produced an excellent short film that should be shared widely which captures the essence of Galkadawala. It is an inspiring achievement, and we are privileged to be involved.

Anointing of Oil ceremony at Sri Pada (Adam's Peak), Sri Lanka (courtesy of dailymirror.lk)

TikaWeeks #16/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 15th April 2026

“Suba Aluth Avuruddak Wewa” – Happy Sinhalese and Tamil New Year! Yesterday’s celebrations in Sri Lanka heralded a new beginning, and today the Anointing of Oil ceremony is an important ritual of the Sinhala New Year, symbolising health, protection, and renewal. At the present time, I believe the world in general would benefit from such a tonic…

Mahoora Safari Camp, Wilpattu, Sri Lanka

TikaWeeks #15/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 10th April 2026

With the Middle East conflict continuing despite ceasefire proposals, more of our holidays are being postponed due to a lack of reasonably priced flight options. With our main carriers to Sri Lanka based in the conflict zone, all flights are suspended and other airlines are taking advantage of the situation by increasing flight prices significantly. Postponing a holiday is always an option with us when world events dictate. Your money is secure and backed up by ATOL or ABTOT protection.

TikaWeeks #14/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 1st April 2026

The first two months of 2026 were signalling a bumper year for tourism in Sri Lanka, on the back of record visitor numbers in 2025. However, the Middle East conflict has resulted in a significant drop in arrivals to the island since the beginning of last month, mostly due to Sri Lanka’s reliance on Middle Eastern airlines to bring in the majority of Western visitors. While recent developments in the Middle East have understandably raised questions, Sri Lanka remains largely unaffected, offering a sense of calm, continuity and quiet reassurance.

TikaWeeks #13/2026: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 26th March 2026

To say this year has been busy is an understatement, which is the reason for the lack of updates so far – sorry! We are receiving an ever-increasing number of enquiries via ChatGPT and deep dives into Google AI, which shows that our online presence is strong and authentic. Obviously, the conflict between the USA/Israel and Iran has caused issues but we have managed to either reschedule or postpone most of the holidays affected. This is an update for the year to date…

TikaWeeks #52/2025: Sri Lanka update

Posted by John on 24th December 2025

At the end of a busy year for Tikalanka, we welcome Mahesh, Pathi and Suba’s son, back into the fold after 10 years in Australia as an intrinsic part of our Sri Lanka operation. Further afield, Dihini, their daughter, is completing a tourism management degree in Canada as she continues to develop her invaluable skills to the benefit of Tikalanka. The future is bright, and we are looking forward to another successful year ahead. Wishing you an enjoyable festive season and a positive 2026.

Independent Tailor-made Holidays to Sri Lanka & Maldives