Tharika and Dilan: How a Sri Lankan Couple Is Changing Budget Travel Through TikTok

Travel often feels like an experience reserved for those with deep pockets and plenty of time. But for Sri Lankan couple Tharika and Dilan, travel is something much simpler and more inclusive: an opportunity to discover the beauty around us, without breaking the bank.

With nothing more than a smartphone and a shared passion for exploration, this couple has carved a unique space on TikTok with their handle @notesfromsl, helping thousands of Sri Lankans see that the magic of travel is not in lavish expenses, but in curiosity, authenticity, and local adventure.

Their story is not about exotic destinations or luxury resorts, but about the hidden waterfalls, peaceful hikes, affordable guesthouses, and local street foods that make Sri Lanka special and accessible. And through TikTok, they’re turning this vision into reality for a growing community of budget travelers.

The Roots of a Shared Adventure

Before TikTok and the travel videos, Tharika and Dilan were just two people with a curiosity for the road less traveled. They didn’t come from the travel industry, nor did they set out with plans to become influencers. Their journey began quietly, born from a shared love for discovering the places others might overlook. “We just loved to find the spots that aren’t on the usual map — places where you can relax, enjoy nature, and experience real Sri Lanka.”, they say.

What started as weekend excursions soon turned into a mission. They began documenting their travels not for fame, but to keep memories and share tips with friends and family. Slowly, this evolved into content - sharing their discoveries with the world.

The appeal was clear: for many, expensive trips are out of reach, but the desire to explore is universal.

The Care Behind Every Recommendation

What separates Tharika and Dilan from many travel creators is their commitment to authenticity and responsibility. They don’t just share photos or second-hand tips; they personally visit each place they feature.

This means thorough research and on-the-ground exploration: checking room conditions at guesthouses, tasting the local food themselves, confirming prices, and talking to owners and locals to get the full picture.

“Our viewers trust us to give them honest advice,” says Tharika. “We take that seriously. If a place isn’t good, we don’t recommend it, no matter how picturesque it looks online.”

This dedication has helped them build a reputation as reliable voices in the budget travel space, turning casual viewers into loyal followers.

Why TikTok? A Platform Built for Authenticity

When it came the time to share their experiences with a wider audience, Tharika and Dilan chose TikTok for its unique advantages. Unlike other platforms that often favour polished, high-budget content, TikTok celebrates authentic  moments, raw creativity, and quick, relatable storytelling.

“TikTok felt like the perfect place to share quick, honest travel tips,” Dilan explains. “It’s where people come to learn and be inspired, not to be overwhelmed.” Their videos, often under a minute, capture the essence of each location: the sound of rushing water at a waterfall, the sizzle of street food on a grill, the laughter shared on a nature trail.

The platform's format allowed them to connect instantly with viewers who wanted practical budget options, not just pretty pictures. And it gave them the freedom to experiment, try new storytelling styles, and respond directly to their audience.

A key reason behind their success is how accessible and versatile TikTok is. With just their phones and the platform’s intuitive in-app editing tools, they can easily film, trim, and polish videos on the go, sharing fresh and engaging content whenever inspiration strikes. The extensive library of sounds, effects, and trending music helps them add atmosphere and personality, transforming simple clips into immersive stories that resonate deeply with their audience.

Beyond creation, TikTok’s community features encourage meaningful interaction — from comments and duets to direct engagement — fostering a close-knit following that feels less like an audience and more like a supportive community. Coupled with TikTok’s hashtag system and discoverability tools, their content reaches people genuinely interested in budget travel and Sri Lanka’s hidden gems, amplifying their impact far beyond what they might achieve elsewhere. In this way, TikTok isn’t just a stage for their adventures but a creative partner that enables them to connect, inspire, and grow every day.

In this way, TikTok isn’t just a stage for their adventures but a creative partner enabling them to connect, inspire, and grow every day.

Looking Forward: Creating a Budget Traveler’s Hub

Inspired by their growing following, Tharika and Dilan are now developing a hotel booking platform aimed specifically at budget travelers in Sri Lanka.

“Our goal is to make travel planning easier and more accessible,” says Dilan. “We want to help people find affordable, trustworthy accommodation without the guesswork.” This new venture reflects their broader mission: to make travel within Sri Lanka something everyone can enjoy, no matter their budget.

Tharika and Dilan’s story challenges the notion that meaningful travel requires lavish spending or distant destinations. Through their content, they show that adventure can be simple, affordable, and deeply rewarding. They remind us that the true value of travel lies in curiosity, connection, and the courage to explore, not in the size of your wallet.

As they continue to inspire thousands on TikTok and beyond, their message is clear: the beauty of Sri Lanka belongs to all of us, and with the right guidance, anyone can discover it.