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 the vast majority of the holidays affected. The ongoing conflict is having a global impact, with our usual flights through Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways) and Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways) suspended. However, travellers remain interested in Sri Lanka and Maldives and continue to book with us.
Our holidays in January and February this year were back to pre-Covid levels, and March was on track to be our best March ever until the conflict started… Summer bookings were also looking good, and interest remains high despite fewer flights, rising fuel prices, and political uncertainty. Next year is already looking busy during the first two months and availability of some of the most sought-after accommodation is in short supply, so “book early to avoid disappointment”!
Following Cyclone Ditwah in November last year, all the Hill Country train line was suspended due to landslides. In February, the section between Ambewela, south of Nuwara Eliya, and Badulla, the southern terminus, reopened and we have been successful in sourcing tickets for our travellers wishing to enjoy possibly the most scenic section of the entire railway network. There is a limited schedule each way and we are only able to confirm tickets at the last minute but, so far, our travellers have been pleasantly surprised! Unfortunately, the train line north from Colombo to Jaffna, via Anuradhapura, was also badly damaged by the cyclone and it remains suspended until further notice.
With the island becoming busier and busier, especially during the winter peak season, we are looking at alternative locations and accommodation. During my research visit last November, we found a few more exceptional properties which we would like to share with interested and discerning travellers. In the past, I would have detailed the new accommodation in a blog post, but we have realised that this information is precious and should only be shared with our own travellers. Consequently, please contact us directly to discuss novel options on the island, which we won’t be including on our online Trip Planner for obvious reasons.
We no longer visit Yala National Park (Block 1) following repeated poor feedback from past customers and the ever-increasing number of visitors and jeeps swamping this section of the reserve. We now visit the much quieter and more appealing regions of Yala away from the main resorts and campsites. Again, please contact us directly for further information.
All our local transfers around the airport, Colombo and Negombo are now provided by fully EV vehicles in our conscious effort to become more sustainable. In fact, EV vehicles have been used for these journeys for a couple of years apparently, unbeknownst to me! Pathi updated me whilst I was on the island last November when we met up with one of Gayan’s team.
Talking of vehicles, we have just purchased another ‘van’ (minibus) for our holidays in Sri Lanka. It is a smart Toyota Hiace, which will comfortably take six people and their luggage. Fully air-conditioned with comfy seats and tinted windows. A minifridge is on the way for chilled water and soft drinks.
New guides and transfer drivers have also joined the Tikalanka team recently. Welcome to Buddhika, Hasitha, Nalaka and Ruwan. Sunny from Tangalle and Jayamadu in Galle have been doing sterling work for us for some time now, too, so a big ‘thank you’ to them from us all.
Categories: Accommodation, Flights, News, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Travel tips, Wildlife
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