Sri Lanka - Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka - Pearl of the Indian Ocean

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Sri Lanka - Pearl of the Indian Ocean

13 Days Starting and ending in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Visiting: Colombo, Habarana, Minneriya, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Beruwala, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Just You

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 30

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Beer Tasting, Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

With its incredible natural beauty, ancient sights and cultural treasures, Sri Lanka has much to offer. Admire the majestic elephants of Habarana, visit Sigiriya's 'Fortress in the Sky' and view the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, then round off your tour with days of relaxation on the beach.

Highlights

  • Tour of Colombo

  • Minneriya National Park

  • Sigiriya including Lion Rock

  • Walk at Hiriwaduna

  • Matale Spice Gardens

  • Polonnaruwa

  • Kandy Botanical Gardens

  • Kandy tour including Temple of the Tooth

  • Tea plantation visit

  • Tour of Galle & Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Colombo

Location: Colombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel Colombo

Meals Included: Dinner, D

Make your own way to Colombo. Your Holiday Director will meet you at your hotel for your welcome meeting that evening.

Day 2 : Colombo - Habarana

Location: Colombo, Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Habarana Village - Habarana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

After breakfast, a short sightseeing tour will introduce you to the city's highlights. Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo is a bustling metropolis boasting an attractive blend of old and new. Grand colonial-era buildings and Buddhist temples rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers, fine restaurants and high-end boutiques.

We will then head to Habarana. This afternoon, we will visit Minneriya National Park, which is home to deer, leopards and elephants.

Day 3 : Sigiriya & Minneriya

Location: Minneriya, Sigiriya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Habarana Village - Habarana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka's seven World Heritage sites and is situated in the heart of the island's Cultural Triangle. A spectacular rock fortress, the Kerala complex is home to water gardens, moats and the impressive Lion Rock - the entrance to the original fortress was through the mouth of a carved lion. All you'll see today are two huge paws but they are still an incredible sight.

Later today we'll visit the ancient Hiriwaduna Buddhist Temple before crossing a jungle rivulet by catamaran to reach a farmer's 'wattle and daub' house.

Day 4 : Habarana - At Leisure

Location: Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Habarana Village - Habarana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Today is free for you day to explore at your own pace. Alternatively, why not join our optional excursions This morning, you could choose to visit UNESCO-listed Anuradhapura, the first capital and the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. This ancient buried city is full of stone carvings and sculptures, and a superb irrigation system of reservoirs and canals. Anuradhapura is also home to the oldest historically documented tree on earth - The Sri Maha Bodhi - which is over 2,200 years old and is respected by Buddhists all over the world

This afternoon you could take the optional excursion to Dambulla cave temples that contain more than 150 images of Buddha.







Day 5 : Polonnaruwa

Location: Polonnaruwa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Habarana Village - Habarana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s cities and you can discover more on this mornings included excursion here.

Day 6 : Habarana - Kandy

Location: Kandy, Habarana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

This morning we head to Kandy. The aromatic Matale Spice Gardens are our port of call en route to the city. Nutmeg, pepper, cloves and cinnamon, all of which are regularly used in Sri Lankan cuisine, grow here.

Day 7 : Kandy

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, BLD

Kandy was the last royal capital of Sri Lanka and the Royal Botanical Gardens at nearby Peradeniya are a delight to explore. First planted for King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747-1780), and covering some 150 hectares, you'll see towering trees, elegant lawns, flowering shrubs and exotic crops such as coffee, tea and nutmeg during our visit here. Highlights include a palm avenue planted by the British in 1905 and an enormous Java fig grown from a sapling brought over from the East Indies.



Today, you will visit Sthree Café for lunch. The Sthree Café, supported by Planeterra, works with women in the local community to increase their income, strengthen their financial independence, and help them become economically empowered. The Sthree Café employs local women from WDC's Kandy forum as well as differently-abled persons, providing them with a fair wage and the skills and training needed to work in the service sector. The café serves fresh, locally sourced, seasonal vegetarian cuisine and provides a traditional Sri Lankan dining experience.



You'll then tour Kandy, where highlights include the temple housing the famous Tooth Relic of Buddha and the Market Square. The Temple of the sacred Tooth Relic, commonly known as 'Sri Dalada Maligawa', is the most venerated place of worship for Buddhists throughout the world. Built in the 16th century, this temple houses the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha brought to Sri Lanka from the Kalinga province in ancient India in the 4th century AD. Several buildings have been added to the temple complex by successive rulers, the latest being the Golden Canopy over the inner shrine where the Tooth Relic is placed. The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka, where thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty.

Day 8 : Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

Location: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: The Blackpool

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Nuwara Eliya, which we reach by a combination of train and road, is an area carpeted in lush green tea plantations and the home of the famous Ceylon tea. During a plantation visit we'll get to see how the leaves for England's favourite brew are picked by hand and taste a cup in its purest form.

Day 9 : Beruwala

Location: Beruwala

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

We arrive in Beruwala today, where you can spend the next three days at leisure. Our hotel is located right on the beach and boasts an inviting pool and a rooftop spa. It's also just 1km from the town, where there are plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. 

Day 10 : Beruwala

Location: Beruwala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

A city tour of Galle today will introduce you to the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in 1505, while a visit to the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery allows you a privileged view of these endangered creatures.

Day 11 : Beruwala - At Leisure

Location: Beruwala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Today is yours to spend as you like, you may choose to relax at your hotel or you could join an optional yoga session with an expert teacher.

Day 12 : Beruwala

Location: Beruwala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Cinnamon Bey Beruwala

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, BD

Today has been left free for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps spend some time relaxing on the beach or beside the hotel's pool, alternatively you may wish to book a treatment at the hotel spa.



This evening we'll gather as a group to enjoy a special farewell barbecue dinner on the beach with unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.

Day 13 : Colombo - Uk

Location: Colombo, United Kingdom

Accommodation: Flight to the UK

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today we'll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK.

Day 14 : Departure

Location: United Kingdom

Meals Included: Breakfast, B

Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers as your tour comes to an end.

What's Included

  • 25 included meals: 12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 11 dinners including welcome drink & diiner & farewell get-together

  • 12 nights half board in 4 & 5-star hotels

  • Just You Holiday Director as your host

  • Scenic rail: Train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya

  • Transportation excluding overseas transfers to and from the airport * & porterage

What's Not Included

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • International Travel

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    As detailed in the itinerary.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    No and your own room is guaranteed!

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

Lynda Martin (Google Reviewer)  

Don't go to the Mercure...

10-Feb-2024

Don't go to the Mercure Hotel in Brighton for a Christmas holiday. Dingy rooms, small tables so you are encouraged to sit on your own when you have expected to be able to chat. But this is nothing compared to the Christmas lunch. Reconstituted white meat that could have been anything, no roasties, no stuffing, no cranberry sauce, you couldn't cut the sprouts because the knife wasn't sharp enough. I had pre ordered prawn cocktail as my starter but on the day when we all turned up together, there was no prawn cocktail for me they had run out, so all I had was soup. No dancing, no music. The carpets were stained and it was a very sorry affair. I paid £1348 for 4 nights of this very shabby standard. Sorry Just You, butbit is the last holiday I will have with you. This year, whether I go to Aldi or Waitrose, I will buy the whole shebang and cook it myself, and then I will be sure to enjoy it.

eamonn young (Google Reviewer)  

Great holiday but then no...

21-Sep-2023

Great holiday but then no response to email concerning an important point concerning incorrect information in documentation. Turkish Airlines do have online check in..saves being put on standby. Documentation says you can't check in online..you can. Just wanted to save other travellers having the same problem about being put on stand by. Just You don't seem to care.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Book with Confidence

    When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.

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