Winter Sun In Sri Lanka – All Inclusive – 15 Nights

Itinerary

Description

Sea turtles, river safaris, Buddhist temples and beautiful gardens await on this long-stay Winter Sun holiday. Staying by Kalutara Beach in the idyllic setting of the Tangerine Beach Hotel, we enjoy the laid-back lifestyle on offer to the backdrop of lightly swaying palm trees and blue sky overhead. Our bespoke itinerary allows us to explore all walks of Sri Lankan history and culture, from the hustle and bustle of a local fishing market to the calming atmosphere inside the walls of an ancient temple. We also explore the Madu River on a river cruise in search of hidden local gems around each river bend and venture into a colonial Dutch fortress, a time capsule of ancient architecture. Sri Lanka is the perfect long-haul destination, both welcoming and friendly and full of natural wonders to behold.

Itinerary

Included Excursions

Kalutara Fish Market (half day)

Today we travel to the fish market, accompanied by the hotel chef. Here we have the chance to witness local fishermen bring in their fresh catch at the bustling market which provides a unique and authentic experience of the primary trade in the region. The market comes alive with the sights and sounds of vendors auctioning off their products, creating a vibrant and frenetic atmosphere that truly captures the essence of coastal livelihoods in Sri Lanka. On return to the hotel, we enjoy a cooking demonstration by the hotel chef with the fresh fish ingredients.

Kalutara Temple (half day)

The majestic Kalutara Temple can be seen from the banks of the Kalu River. The Stupa, or Buddhist shrine as it is called, is unmissable. The historic Buddhist temple is one of the most iconic sights in Sri Lanka and a revered place of worship. Inside we find wonderful religious murals and statues which offer cultural insight into Buddha’s way of life.

Exploring the South (half day)

An exciting day in the South awaits as we set out to explore the very heart of Sri Lanka. We start our day with an unforgettable experience – an enchanting boat ride on the Madu River. A river safari that promises adventure, from seeing wildlife and fauna to witnessing local trades along the river, such as prawn farms to stilt shops. We discover hidden gems along our route such as Cinnamon Island where the ancient tradition of cinnamon cultivation takes place and the breathtaking Kothduwa Temple.

We continue our exploration of the south with a tour of Galle Dutch Fort. Prepare to be transported back in time with a visit to this well-preserved colonial fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Bay of Galle; the fortress was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 before changing to Dutch hands in the 17th century. Thanks to the Dutch’s extensive reconstruction work the temple has stood the test of time. Iconic landmarks dotted amidst striking palm trees, there are many architectural wonders to behold including the Galle Lighthouse, Galle Clocktower and the Groote Kerk. Afterwards, we return to our hotel via the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, a pioneering project dedicated to the safeguard and conservation of endangered turtle species.

Home & Garden of Bevis Bawa (full day)

The home and garden of Bevis Bawa, known as The Garden at Brief is a stunning location, one that has played host to some acting legends over the years, such as Sit Laurence Olivier, Vivian Leigh and Agatha Christie. Bevis Bawa was born in Columbo in 1909. A fascinating man with a passion for art and landscaping, he transferred this family estate into this beautiful garden. Expect to see a wide variety of tropical plants, lush vegetation, pretty ponds and a number of sculptures all laid out over five acres.

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Optional Excursions*

Columbo City Tour

Embark on a fascinating journey through Sri Lanka's capital with a Colombo city tour! Immerse yourself in the city's rich history by visiting colonial landmarks like the Old Parliament Building. Dive into the vibrant culture as you explore bustling markets such as Pettah and experience the serene ambiance of temples Ashokaramaya. Get a taste of local life at Galle Face Green, where you can witness the daily activities of the community. Additionally, discover the modern side of Colombo by exploring contemporary shopping areas. This tour is a snapshot of Colombo's cultural heritage and cosmopolitan energy, providing a dynamic experience that beautifully captures the city's past and present.

Explore Kandy

A full day excursion to Kandy visiting the temple of tooth relic and Royal Botanical Gardens, provides a balanced mix of cultural exploration and natural beauty, making your day a memorable one.

You may start the day early from your accommodation as the drive time is approximately 3.5 – 4 hours. Upon arriving in Kandy, head straight to the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. It houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. After exploring the temple, have lunch at a local restaurant. Kandy offers a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, so don't miss the opportunity to try some local cuisine.

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, just outside Kandy. Spend your afternoon strolling through the beautiful gardens, which are renowned for their diverse collection of orchids, palms, and medicinal plants. Don't miss highlights like the Giant Bamboo Grove, Orchid House, and the Avenue of Royal Palms.

After a fulfilling day, start your journey back to your accommodation. Arrive back in the late evening, concluding your day excursion.

Whale Watching in Mirissa

Embarking on a Mirissa Whale Watching tour promises an awe-inspiring encounter with some of the ocean's most majestic creatures. The primary highlight of these expeditions is the chance to witness the impressive blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, gracefully gliding through the water. Mirissa is renowned for being one of the few places in the world where visitors can reliably spot these gentle giants in their natural habitat.

The best time for Mirissa Whale Watching is during the high whale-watching season, which runs from November to April. During these months, the waters off the coast of Mirissa become a feeding ground for various species of whales, including the impressive blue whales and sperm whales. The weather is generally favourable, offering clear skies and calm seas for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant, prior to returning to the hotel.

School visit

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we set out to make a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged children in Sri Lanka. Join our visit to a local primary school nestled in a humble community, where access to resources is a daily struggle. Despite its challenges, it is a place of resilience, determination, and unbridled potential. Our mission is to extend a helping hand and contribute to their journey of growth.

The purpose of our visit is to gather donations that will make an immediate and lasting impact on the school. From basic educational supplies, books, and stationery to essential infrastructure improvements, every contribution will be a building block in constructing a better learning environment for these children.

Your support can make a significant difference in their lives. By participating in this visit, you are becoming a vital part of a collective effort to break the cycle of poverty through education. Your generosity will help create a nurturing space where children can thrive academically, fostering a sense of hope and possibility for a brighter tomorrow.

Let us come together, share in the joy of giving, and be the catalysts for positive change. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will sow the seeds of transformation and empowerment in the hearts and minds of these deserving children. (Note: Donations are not included)

*Optional excursions are available to book in the resort from your experienced Just Go! appointed representative. For more information on optional tour details, please visit our website.

Air Bullets

• 14 nights all-inclusive stay at the Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kaltura (JG3+ rating)
• 1 night aboard an aircraft
• In-direct return flights to Colombo
• Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
• Airport transfers to & from the hotel
• All meals
• Fruit & water in rooms on arrival
• Exclusive welcome drink & dinner
• Selection of local wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks & water (10:15am-11pm­)
• Exclusive Dine Around at the ala carte Café Lotus – Selected menu, once per stay for 11-day holidays & twice per stay for 15-day holidays or more
• Unlimited tea & coffee from 9am to 11pm
• Daily afternoon tea – including cakes & cookies
• Exclusive lounge area for JG Travel Group customers
• Exclusive Cocktail party
• Porterage
• Excursions to Kalutara Fish Market, Kalutara Temple, ‘Exploring the South’ & the Home & Garden of Bevis Bawa
• Services of a visiting resort representative (minimum once per week)
• Daily Entertainment

Search Bullets

• All-inclusive stay at the Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kaltura (JG3+ rating)
• Excursions to Kalutara Fish Market, Kalutara Temple, ‘Exploring the South’ & the Home & Garden of Bevis Bawa
• Daily Entertainment

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JG3+

JG3+ hotels typically enjoy higher levels of satisfaction on both online hotel rating sites and our own customer satisfaction surveys and may enjoy superior locations close to resort attractions or surrounded by spectacular scenery.

5 Day Pre-Tour Available from just £749

5 Day Pre-Tour Available from just £749pp

Upgrade your Sri Lanka Winter Sun stay by adding our exclusive mini tour before your beach stay.

Enhance your long-stay holiday to Sri Lanka with a range of included and optional excursions to maximise your time away. For the traveller who wants to discover more of Sri Lanka, this is your chance to see the history and culture of this beautiful country with immersive excursions to Cave Temples, ancient ruins, a towering rock fortress and more.

To book this additional pre-tour, please give our friendly Contact Centre a call on 03332 342 010.

Pre-Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Airport – Negombo

We journey to Negombo and check into our hotel for our overnight stay.

Day 2 Colombo – Dambulla

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and travel to Dambulla to explore the local surroundings.

Optional Excursion: Dambulla Cave Temple* (half day)

We explore the city of Dambulla and the Dambulla Rock Temple, containing the most unique and exquisite cave paintings, along with 150 statues of Lord Buddha.

*Please note: Dambulla Caves have a fairly steep incline with steps.

Day 3 Hiriwaduna Village Experience – Polonnaruwa (half day)

After breakfast, we travel to Hiriwadunna village, wander the banana plantation and break to enjoy a cooling coconut drink. Afterwards, we take a tuk-tuk through the jungle and paddy fields to enjoy a typical Sri Lankan lunch.

Next, we journey to Polonnaruwa to explore its 10^th-century ruins, home to macaques. Guides trained by the American Smithsonian Research Institute explain the social behaviours of these amazing creatures.

Day 4 Dambulla – Kandy

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Dambulla and travel to Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to enjoy a city tour.

We visit the Temple of the Tooth, the beautiful Peradeniya University campus which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the town.

Optional Excursion: The Sigiriya Rock Fortress* (half day)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and nearly 200 metres high, this stunning rock formation is one the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

*Please note to reach the Sigiriya Rock fortress, you must be in good health with good mobility.

Day 5 Kandy – Nuwara Eliya

We travel to Nuwara Eliya and visit a world-renowned tea plantation. Our local guide is on hand to translate any questions we might have!

Day 6 Nuwara Eliya – transfer to Tangerine Beach Hotel

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and transfer south to the Tangerine Beach Hotel for the rest of our Sri Lanka long-stay holiday.

Includes

All transport, guides, porterage, hotels & excursions as detailed.

*Please note all optional excursions are available to book in resort:

Arie Lagoon, Tropical Life Resort & Spa, Topaz Kandy & Ashford Hotel

To book this additional pre-tour, please give our friendly Contact Centre a call on 03332 342 010.

Sri Lanka E-Visa

Important information regarding visas

Visa requirements:

You will need an e-visa for Sri Lanka.

To help make this process as smooth as possible, we have partnered up with the Travel Visa Company who are a leading provider of travel visa services in the UK, with over 25 years of experience in helping travellers navigate the complexities of international travel. They offer a comprehensive range of visa services for destinations globally and will be including the new ETIAS process for UK travellers when it goes live in 2025.

You can call them on 01270 904901 or contact them via their website. They will be able to tell how much they will charge and how quickly they can obtain it for you.

Alternatively, you can find out more information about visa requirements directly on the Sri Lankan government website.

Travel forms:

Online embarkation form: An online embarkation form is available, which will replace the paper embarkation card. Foreign nationals can complete the online form three days prior to arrival in Sri Lanka. The service is free of charge. Back to top

Accommodation

Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kalutara (JG3+ rating)

Located on the stunning coast of Kalutara, this classic and comfortable beachfront hotel is locally-rated 4-star, the perfect place for our long-stay holiday.

The 179 comfortable en-suite rooms with private balconies or terraces offer sea-facing or garden views. All rooms are well-equipped with air-conditioning, satellite TV, phone, mini fridge, tea & coffee making facilities, ceiling fan, safe and a hairdryer.

Main facilities include a spacious outdoor swimming pool, separate children’s pool, pool bar, restaurant, mini shopping arcade, and a fully equipped gym and the Ayurveda Spa (treatments and salon at extra charge).

Other hotel facilities include a tennis, squash and badminton court, mini golf, Table Tennis and billiards. On the beach, guests can enjoy yoga and meditation well-being classes. In the evening the hotel offers regular entertainment such as live bands, cultural shows and a DJ.

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