Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Taru Villas Lake Lodge, Colombo
Facts in brief
Official star rating 3 star boutique
Location In the centre of Colombo, near Beira Lake, and only a few minutes' walk from the seafront.
Closest airport Bandaranaike International Airport
Distance from airport 22 miles
Hotel facilities and services
Restaurant, Restaurant terrace, Gardens.
Out and about nearby
Days could be spent taking in the atmosphere and sights of Colombo, as the bustling streets change daily. We would recommend, however, visiting such important places as the Galle Face Green, the World Trade Centre, the Museum of Colombo, the Dutch Hospital, and the Old Colombo Lighthouse. The Green is a beautiful coastal promenade, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the views across the sea and the gentle breeze. The World Trade Centre is the tallest building in the city, and stands as a tribute to Colombo's blossoming commercial success. The National Museum is the largest in the country, with great, in-depth insights into the history of Sri Lanka's trade and heritage. The Dutch Hospital is one of the oldest buildings in the city, originally built in the late 17th century. The Lighthouse still functions as a clock tower, and is a prime example of colonial architecture, something which has become intrinsic to any tour of the island. To witness one of the colourful Buddhist temples that populate Sri Lanka, visit the Gangaramaya Temple, which is one of the most popular places of worship in all of Sri Lanka. Many artworks can be found dotted around the halls and rooms, as well as elements of the architectural styles of other Asian countries. The Independence Memorial Hall commemorates the establishment of the Dominion of Ceylon in 1948 and Sri Lanka's freedom from British rule.
Sports nearby
Water sports on the seafront.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a Double room for 7 nights
From about
£1,400
Holiday Code EXH1921
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Taru Villas Lake Lodge, Colombo
Taru Villas Lake Lodge in Colombo, Sri Lanka, stands behind its own garden walls, just a street away from the banks of Beira Lake. As one of the first hotels in Colombo, it was recently renovated and redesigned by Nayantara Fonseka; a prestigious name in the Sri Lankan hotel business. During the renovation, the Lake Lodge was brought up to the high standard that now dominates in Sri Lanka, without losing its excellent value for money. The dramatic façade introduces you to the striking polished concrete that continues within, a material that is becoming increasingly popular among high-class hotels in Sri Lanka. Modern artwork and rugs soften the appearance of the mottled floor. More Sri Lankan style and character can be seen in the smooth, dark wood furnishings, the quirky potted plants and leaves that decorate the rooms, and in the overall tropical feel. Guestrooms follow a simplistic theme, with window seats for relaxing and crisp neutral sheets. Some rooms have terraces with quaint seating areas from where guests can enjoy views of the surrounding streets. The restaurant serves food throughout the day, in the dining room and on the atmospheric first floor terrace. With so much culinary choice on offer, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning, followed by a traditional salad or soup for lunch, and then a spicy Sri Lankan curry or seafood platter for dinner. As this boutique hotel is so small, the service is always personalised, and adjustments can be made to the menu and the way things are cooked to suit every preference. For those looking for an intimate alternative to the larger resorts of Colombo, the Lake Lodge provides exceptional comforts and a truly unique, stylish atmosphere. Spend your days exploring this lively, cultural city and spend your evenings relaxing in your peaceful room or on the restaurant terrace.
Room descriptions
Taru Villas Lake Lodge has 12 rooms and 1 suite with air-conditioning, rain showers, cable television, seating area.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a Double room for 7 nights
From about
£1,400
Holiday Code EXH1921
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Taru Villas Lake Lodge, Colombo
The journey and how you get there
For a holiday to Taru Villas Lake Lodge in Colombo, our clients fly to Colombo, usually with Sri Lankan Airways on a direct flight from London Heathrow (or with Emirates from other UK airports via Dubai). At Colombo you are met by car and driver and transferred to your hotel. A stay at this hotel is usually included as part of a tailor-made touring holiday accompanied by a driver-guide, in which case the services of the driver-guide will start when you leave Colombo to commence the touring itinerary.
Additional information
Children: Children are welcome; cots and high-chairs are available on request.
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Absolutely loved it. Bespoke sense of the trip is very good. Very pleasant and efficient service.Mrs H, Sep 2023
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a Double room for 7 nights
From about
£1,400
Holiday Code EXH1921
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury bespoke holidays and tours to Taru Villas Lake Lodge, Colombo
About Colombo
Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, has gradually grown from humble beginnings as a tiny 5th century trading post for gems to become Sri Lanka’s largest city and its most important port. The island’s commercial capital is a hectic mix of old and new, colonial architecture sitting next to modern glass and tree-lined residential suburbs bordered by shacks. Nifty 3-wheelers and the occasional bullock cart vie with noisy buses and 4-wheel drives for supremacy on the streets. There is a lot to see and explore during your stay in Colombo. To the north of the city is Fort, a business area with shops and offices and touches of residual colonial charm. The fort which gave the district its name has long since gone, though the Lighthouse Clock Tower in North Chatham Street and the 18th century ‘Queen’s House’, now the president’s official residence, still exist. To the south is Galle Face Green, a sea-front expanse of green lawn beside an esplanade which is used to host race meetings and sports events and is a popular gathering place, especially for kite-flying or a sunset stroll. At its south end stands the colonial Galle Face Hotel, the oldest hotel in Colombo which was built in 1864. Further south is Cinnamon Gardens, the city’s most fashionable neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and colonial mansions. A small national art gallery borders the pleasant Viharamahadevi Park. The National Museum, on Albert Crescent, has a collection ranging from religious bronzes to possessions of the last Kandyan kings. All around the city, Buddhist temples, Hindu Kovils, mosques and churches give a glimpse into the spiritual vibrancy of Sri Lankan life, especially during religious festivals. Gangaramaya Buddhist temple, in particular, is fascinating for any visitor, as well as the Hindu Temple at Sea Street which is lined with goldsmith's shops, the Dutch Church at Wolfendal, dating back to 1749 and the historic Davatagaha Mosque. Colombo also offers some excellent shopping opportunities: the lively Pettah Bazaar competes with shopping malls and fashion stores and you can buy anything from gems to cricket bats. Stores such as Barefoot, Paradise Road, Gandhara and Odel have a designer-chic range of home ware, fabrics, arts & crafts and clothes.
Highlights of Colombo
Fashion, jewellery, art, trendy homeware and Sri Lankan arts and crafts; Golf at Royal Colombo golf course; National Museum; Variety of restaurants; Afternoon tea or cocktails on the Ocean terrace of the Galle Face Hotel; Walking along the seafront at Galle Face Green; Pettah Bazaar; Buddhist temples (Gangaramaya, Bellanwilla); Colourful Hindu Kovils (Sri Subramaniam and Kailawasanthan Swamidevasthanam, the oldest); Dutch period museum. Near Colombo – Kelaniya Raja Maha Temple; Nightclubs and musical entertainment e.g. jazz, Asian pop bands, calypso, (mainly in the hotels).
Festivals in Colombo
Navam Perahera held in February is a 3-day pageant ending on Poya day (full moon), with dance troupes and decorated elephants, at Gangaramaya temple and along neighbouring streets.
Climate in Colombo
Colombo has an average temperature of 27° C, often reaching above 30° C during the day, slightly cooler in the evenings and during the monsoon season (May to August). It is hot and sticky, less so on the seafront with the sea breezes.
Travel around Colombo and Sri Lanka
We include private transfers with all our holidays to Sri Lanka, and a personal chauffer with all our touring holidays. Driving Distances: Colombo to Colombo International airport: 1 hour Colombo to Bentota: 2 hours, Colombo to Galle: 2 hours, Colombo to Kandy: 3.5 hours, Colombo to Dambulla: 4 hours.
