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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.
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.
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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.
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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…
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Posted by John on 19th December 2025
Sri Lanka continues to recover well from the effects of Cyclone Ditwah. The Kandy to Nuwara Eliya road has reopened, although it is restricted to a single lane at Ramboda as the major landslide is cleared. There is now road access between Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and the Hill Country railway line from Ambewela near Nuwara Eliya to the southern terminus at Badulla is open again. The main Colombo to Kandy road (A1) is open but there is some traffic near Kadugannawa as only one lane is open. We are keeping a close eye on developments with daily updates from our ground control fleet and accommodation network across the island.
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Posted by John on 13th December 2025
According to local reports, Sri Lanka seems to be recovering well from the effects of Cyclone Ditwah. Ninety-five percent of the national power supply has been successfully restored, fuel supplies are being maintained, main roads are open (with a couple of exceptions), and all sites in the Cultural Triangle are open as are the principal national parks. The majority of the coastline was not affected too severely by the cyclone. Most stages of the Pekoe Trail have been reopened. However, the Hill Country railway line from Ambepussa to Badulla is suspended until further notice.
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Posted by John on 6th December 2025
Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive flooding and landslides on its passage through Sri Lanka last week. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tropical cyclone. Thankfully, our team in Sri Lanka is safe and our holidays are continuing on the island. Recent updates from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) and other local organisations indicate that the island is recovering and most of the country is safe for travel. We are receiving regular updates from our office in Kandy, local colleagues around the island, the SLTDA, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance to keep us informed of the actual situation on the ground.
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Posted by John on 7th November 2025
We delve into our travel partners’ treasure trove of articles and features about Sri Lanka this week, with a few of Teardrop Hotels recent blogs on various subjects from preserving Geoffrey Bawa’s unique architectural heritage and top elephant hotspots to Sri Lanka’s culinary delights and a guide to the island’s national parks, rainforests and sanctuaries. There are plenty of other insights on offer including recommendations on the best beaches and train journeys, the art of slow travel, whale watching, and climbing Adam’s Peak.
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Posted by John on 14th October 2025
Sri Lanka no longer issues visas on arrival. You now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online, which is valid for 30 days, before you fly. The ETA is issued through an online system, and no passport copies, documents or photographs are required, and there is no requirement to endorse the ETA in your passport. Upon arrival, simply produce your passport to the immigration officer at the port of entry along with a copy of your ETA approval notice.
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Posted by John on 12th October 2025
Tikalanka is now an official Pekoe Trail DMC Partner, which means we have been trained and certified by The Pekoe Trail Organization to design itineraries that incorporate the trail responsibly, respectfully, and sustainably. Whether you’re looking for a day hike through the tea country, a weeklong walking journey, or a tailored experience that blends wellness, nature, and culture – we are the professionals who can make it happen and who bring the trail to life for travellers from around the world.
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Posted by John on 17th September 2025
Travel not only reduces stress and burn out, but it improves your mood, life satisfaction and sleep as well as increases energy levels and creativity, with this 'boost' typically lasting 2 weeks after your return from holiday. However, travelling responsibly and engaging in meaningful or novel activities increases this boost to up to 6 weeks. Last week's Open House event organised by Responsible Travel in Brighton is an annual get-together of travel companies with responsible and sustainable travel at their heart and Tikalanka was there as usual.
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