What you need to know about one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Posted on by Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

A trip to Galle from Colombo is a highly popular activity among both domestic and international tourists. Along with other popular trips like Kandy tour from Colombo, the Bentota tour from Colombo, the Udawalawe National Park tour from Colombo, Negombo Beach, Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Golden Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sinharaja Rain Forest, and Yala National Park, Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s top 10 destinations for a single-day trip. From Colombo, all of these one-day excursion locations may be easily reached in a short amount of time. Therefore, if you are searching for destinations for a day excursion while organizing a vacation to Sri Lanka, you should give the aforementioned location careful consideration.

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You just need to glance around to understand why Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts are so well-liked by tourists and acclaimed for their stunning natural scenery and intriguing historical sites. Beach restaurants, bars, and cafés are sprinkled along the coast as it welcomes you to enjoy the gorgeous sunset.

Exploring the west coast Beaches on a day trip to Galle from Colombo

The Indian Ocean is home to pristine beaches, lagoons, bays, and mangrove lagoons that are speckled in a variety of colours. You can visit Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, and southern Sri Lanka in 8 hours and enjoy some of the island’s greatest beaches and friendliest people. Learn about local people’s attempts to save endangered sea turtles and the art of Ayurveda, a medicinal method based on herbs and spices. The culmination of your one-day trip to Galle is a walking tour of the Galle Fort, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Asia and the finest preserved in the world. You may be enchanted by Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts with the help of personalized sightseeing excursions and transfers, local expertise, and breathtaking landscapes.

Demand for one day trip to Galle from Colombo

A trip to Galle from Colombo is a highly popular activity among both domestic and international tourists. Along with other popular trips like Kandy tour from Colombo, the Bentota tour from Colombo, the Udawalawe National Park tour from Colombo, Negombo Beach, Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Golden Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sinharaja Rain Forest, and Yala National Park, Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s top 10 destinations for a single-day trip. From Colombo, all of these one-day excursion locations may be easily reached in a short amount of time. Therefore, if you are searching for destinations for a day excursion while organizing a vacation to Sri Lanka, you should give the aforementioned location careful consideration.

Why does Galle make it into the tour itineraries all the time?

As a result of Galle’s popularity as a tourist destination, it is often included in itineraries for Sri Lanka’s south coast and is one of the country’s most popular day trip destinations. Most day trips to Galle (from Colombo or any other city) include the eight locations listed below. These are the top destinations in Galle for day trips. The Galle day tours are very well-liked by tourists and are regarded as being incredibly picturesque excursions with plenty of fascinating sites to explore. We will take you to southern Sri Lanka, one of the most stunning regions of the island, on the Galle city trip.

Sri Lanka’s one-day tours include Bentota, a one-day whale-watching excursion, and a one-day tour to Galle.
Seerendipity Excursions offers inexpensive one-day excursions around Sri Lanka. For a wealth of different one-day programs departing from Sri Lanka, visit www.seerendipitytours.com for more details.

one-day trips from Colombo
Affordable Sri Lanka one-day tours from Seerendipity Tours. Click www.seerendipitytours one-day trips for more information and many other one-day programmes from Sri Lanka.

Trip to Galle from Colombo

If you are on a Galle tour but have a limited amount of time available, say you can only spend 8 hours travelling. This traditional Sri Lankan trip to the south coast is ideal for you. The most significant tourist destinations, including Galle Fort, the Madu Estuary, Hikkaduwa, and the Kande Vihara Temple, are all included in the day trip to Galle from Colombo.

Cost of one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Based on two people, the one-day excursion to Galle from Colombo cost US$ 59 per person. There is a single extra if you book the Galle trip for a single person, but it is possible to do so. All admission fees, ground transportation, including arrival and departure transfers, and a licensed tour guide are all included in the price.

Two-day trip to Galle from Colombo

Another well-liked excursion among tourists in Sri Lanka is the two-day tour to Galle. It is one of the most intriguing activities in Sri Lanka and offers a highly interesting combination of tourist attractions and activities if you can commit two days to a trip. This two-day trip to the south coast includes stops at Galle, the Galle fort, the Spice Garden, the Moonstone Mines, the Mask Museum, the Buddhist Temple, and excursions to the mangrove lagoon, a whale watching tour, and a sea turtle conservation project. At the conclusion of Day 1, you will have the chance to unwind during the tour’s overnight stay in a beach resort on the south coast.

Three one-day trips to Galle from Colombo with the south coast

The 3-day southern Sri Lanka trip is well worth your time since it provides an excellent chance to discover the region’s most significant natural, tropical, and cultural landmarks. The trip includes two overnight accommodations as well as beach time. This 3-day trip includes stops at the Galle Fort, the Spice and Herbal Garden, the Mask Museum, the Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and events like the Yalla Safari and the Mirissa whale-watching cruise.

Can the one-day trip to Galle from Colombo booked at the hotel?

The 400+ beach resorts on the west coast, as well as the Galle one-day trip, Galle two-day tour, and southern Sri Lanka tour, may all be arranged from Colombo. Due to the added transportation costs, there may be a minor price increase if you book the Galle trip from a beach resort like Negombo.

Two-day trip to Galle from Colombo with Mirissa

Numerous significant tourist attractions are included in this 2-day trip to Southern Sri Lanka, including the Galle Fort, the Mask Museum, the Moonstone Mines, the Sea Turtle Conservation Center, Hikkaduwa Beach, and Mirissa Beach. An all-inclusive whale-watching cruise off Mirissa is also included in the package. Transfers for arrival and departure, lodging, and two meals each day are all included in the itinerary.

Travelling on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

The city of Galle is readily accessible by train and road. Every day, several trains run between Colombo and Galle, and many of them are fast trains. Bus travel is an option as well, with frequent departures from the fort’s main bus stop. Most major cities, including Kandy and Colombo, have air service to Galle as well; however, it is more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Demand for a trip to Galle from Colombo

One of the most popular activities in Sri Lanka for both local and international tourists is a one-day excursion to Galle. This one-day tour is particularly appealing to many foreign travellers who are in transit since it is an easy, short drive from Colombo to the international airport. Similarly to that, it draws plenty of cruise ship passengers that dock on the island. The tourists must travel around 100 kilometres from Colombo; therefore, although the Galle one-day trip is advertised as a day tour, it may also be done as a half-day excursion.

Best travel route for one day trip to Galle from Colombo?

There are two main routes available if you decide to take the road for your one-day journey, they are Galle-Colombo main road and the A1 highway. Travelling on the highway may cut your travel time by almost fifty per cent. However, you may find it difficult to visit attractions planned in the program by taking the highway. If you intend to visit Galle Fort and a few other beaches around Galle then it will be sensible to use the A1 highway both ways.

The A2 main route is the one we advise you to take since it provides easy access to popular tourist destinations listed in the program, like the Herbal Garden/Spice Garden, Mask Museum, Kande Vihara Temple, Sea Turtle Watching at the Conservation Center, etc. As per our experience, you need to use the Colombo-Galle A2 road at least from Colombo to Galle or on the return journey.

Galle may be reached more quickly by using the southern highway, which takes around an hour. However, there won’t be any stops along the way, so you’ll only be able to see the tourist sites in Galle City and not the areas that are between Galle and Colombo.

Take the Galle-Colombo main road, which runs parallel to the west coast beach, if you want to see the locations included in our Galle one-day travel plan. As you continue on the route, you will encounter a few large cities, and the road is in excellent shape. The Galle-Colombo main road is easily accessible from all of the significant locations covered in this itinerary. On the journey, our guide will often stop at sights worth seeing.

Sri Lanka one day tour Udawalawe national park, Sri Lanka day tour to Sinharaja rainforest, One day Sri Lanka trip to Sigiriya
Affordable Sri Lanka one-day tours from Seerendipity Tours. Click www.seerendipitytours one-day trips for more information and many other one-day programs from Sri Lanka.

The itinerary of one day trip to Galle from Colombo

The time shown here may change based on factors like traffic congestion, the amount of time needed for sightseeing, etc. This Colombo-to-Sri Lanka day trip departs at six in the morning.

7:00 AM Hotel Pickup in Colombo for a Sightseeing Tour of Galle
09:00 halt at Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Center
09:40 AM Madu River boat cruise and mangrove forest exploration
Visit the Mask Museum in Ambalangoda at 11.45 a.m.
Moonstone mines and workshop at 12:10
1:00 PM Lunch in Hikkaduwa and beach exploration
At 2:30 PM, enjoy a one-hour self-guided walking tour of the Galle Fort.
04:00 Hour: Depart the Fort
5.30 PM Back at the Colombo hotel

The private Galle one-day trip takes you to the most popular tourist destinations between Colombo and Galle and departs from Colombo or west coast beach hotels. The spice garden, mask museum, Madu River Estuary, Hikkaduwa Beach, Bentota Beach, and Galle Fort are among the locations you see on this trip.

Click here for more details on the Galle one-day tour: Galle City Tour, Fortress, Madu River Estuary, Sri Lanka

Two-day trip to Galle from Bentota

From more than 140 beach resorts on the west coast, the Galle Day excursion departs. Travellers that begin their Galle trip from Kalutara, Bentota, or another beach resort on the west coast should follow the timetable shown below.

For an 8:00 AM hotel pickup and touring in Galle, depart from Bentota.
09:00 halt at Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Center
09:40 AM Madu River boat cruise and mangrove forest exploration
Visit the Mask Museum in Ambalangoda at 11.45 a.m.
Moonstone mines and workshop at 12:10
1:00 PM Lunch in Hikkaduwa and beach exploration
At 2:30 PM, enjoy a one-hour self-guided walking tour of the Galle Fort.
04:00 Hour: Depart the Fort
5:00 PM Back at the Colombo hotel

What are the main places included in one day trip to Galle from Colombo?

  • Turtle conservation project
  • Beach at Kosgoda
  • herb garden
  • The estuary of the Madu River (boat excursion)
  • Island of cinnamon
  • Beach at Hikkaduwa
  • mining for moonstones and gem lapidary
  • Fort Galle
  • (City Tour of Galle)
  • Mask Gallery

Helpful links

The Galle Dutch Reformed Church.
Attractions in Galle.
The Galle Lighthouse was built, saving millions of ships.
Day Trip From Bentota To Galle
Old-world charm and palm-fringed beaches may be found in Galle, Sri Lanka.
Fort Galle, Sri Lanka
What to See in Galle on a Tour of Galle

What to see on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

The Galle one-day trip is a highly picturesque tour that travels to all of Sri Lanka’s west coast beaches. During the Galle city tour, we’ll take you to southern Sri Lanka, one of the island’s most stunning regions, where you’ll have plenty of chances to take in the region’s pristine palm-lined beaches, picturesque countryside, Dutch Fort, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife, and mangrove forests. Within a short period of time, the tour’s many significant tourist destinations on the west coast and several day-trip destinations in Galle will be made public.

Dayouting places in Galle

This is a complete list of Galle’s tourist attractions. Please contact Seerendipity Tours at seerendipitytours@gmail.com if you want to see all the locations listed below. Depending on the time available you can set aside time for leisure and sightseeing, the trip to Galle from Colombo might be a 1-day tour, a 2-day trip, or a 3-day Sri Lanka trip package.

Fort Dutch in Galle
Centre for Weaving lace
Sea turtle conservation initiative
Hikkaduwa marine preserve
Safari at the Madu River
Maritime Museum of Galle
The Galle Dutch Reformed Church
A folk museum run by Martin Wickramasinghe
Tea plant in Handungoda
Beach Jungle, Unawatuna
Galle’s underwater museum
Rainforest near the Hiyare reservoir
Beach Devata
Fishing for Anhangama stilts

Before embarking on the trip to Galle from Colombo, you may be wondering what the city’s top day trip destinations are. After all, that’s why you found this article. The finest way to see southern Sri Lanka is on a Galle sightseeing trip, which includes the colonial city that proudly sits along Sri Lanka’s southwest border. The Galle tour also takes you to a number of other fascinating day-trip destinations in Galle, including temples, museums, mangrove forests, beaches, handicraft studios, and many more.

The major city of Galle in southern Sri Lanka is readily accessible by bus or rail. Travelling to the city of Galle for visitors staying on the west coast of Sri Lanka just takes an hour. Although there are excellent public transportation options, hiring a cab can help you make the most of your Galle sightseeing trip. Finding the attraction is made simple, and time is saved by hiring a skilled driver or guide.

Click here to choose your best Sri Lanka 2-day trip
Click here to choose your best Sri Lanka 2-day trip

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Transport for one day trip to Galle from Colombo

On your Galle city tour, you will drive in a private vehicle that has been arranged only for your party, ensuring the utmost privacy. All of our transportation is provided by air-conditioned, contemporary cars operated by knowledgeable guides.

What includes in the one-day trip to Galle from Colombo

All ground transportation is included, along with all admission fees according to the tour schedule and all taxes. A pit stop in Hikkaduwa, the island’s seafood mecca, is planned for the lunch break. Guests are allowed to make purchases of their choosing here, but they are responsible for making the necessary payments.

Galle City tour

A quick program called the Galle city tour is designed for those who have little time to see the island. The Galle city tour is a private package that takes in all the major southern Sri Lankan tourist sites. The trip also includes visits to notable historical places like the Galle Fort and gorgeous beaches like Hikkaduwa and Bentota.

Madu river safari with one day trip to Galle from Colombo

The best choice for a day excursion to Galle from Colombo or other west coast resorts in Sri Lanka is if you want to take a Madu river boat tour. The Madu River safari and the Galle excursion may be combined, and local tour companies handle all aspects of the boat tour, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.

The Ramsar Wetland designation was given to this location in 2003 because of its ecological significance. It is the second-largest wetland in Sri Lanka and received this designation because of its significance as a wetland. Over 915 hectares of the marsh are divided into 23 islands of varied sizes, which are home to close to 300 residents. The Coast Conservation Department presently manages the River Sanctuary as a Special Area Managed (SAM) and Tourist Development Area. The ‘Madu Ganga’ is a river that flows through Balapitiya.

There are eight spots in Galle that are perfect for day trips, and the boat excursion on the Madu estuary is among them. Visitors may see the diverse flora and animals of the Sri Lankan riverine forest on a boat excursion at the island’s most significant Ramsar wetland (the Madu River estuary). For most tourists, seeing how the cinnamon peelers use traditional tools while visiting Cinnamon Island is a genuinely unforgettable experience. The likelihood of seeing numerous animals and birds while on the boat cruise is quite high. During the boat ride, you may witness crocodiles, water monitors, monkeys, and a wide variety of bird species.

Eat delicious seafood on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Each one-day tour to Galle begins in Colombo and includes a stop in Hikkaduwa, one of the eight destinations that may be reached within a single day. Hikkaduwa is a few kilometres before Galle as we go from Colombo to the capital of southern Sri Lanka.

On this 118-kilometre journey, there are many fascinating sites to see. In this blog article, we focus on eight one-day trip destinations in Galle; stops will be made at these locations often. You have a wonderful chance at Hikkaduwa to treat your taste buds to a feast of fresh seafood and other delights. If there is time, exploring corals may be added to the list of activities.

You can travel throughout southern Sri Lanka on a one-day trip from Galle in about eight hours. The journey begins every day at 7:30 a.m. in Colombo. The cost also includes transportation to the airport. The length of the journey, which is around eight hours, mostly depends on how much time you need at each stop. This is a hop-on, hop-off trip that includes plenty of things like beach hopping, seeing historical places, seeing animals, etc.

Visiting Bentota beach on Galle day tour from Colombo

One of the most significant day-trip destinations in Galle is Bentota Beach. The most popular beach vacation spot on the island is Bentota Beach. One significant factor in the appeal of Bentota Beach Resort as a beach vacation destination is its distinctive position. The island where the Bentota Resort is situated is connected to the mainland at its southernmost point. The majority of Bentota is made up of a slender strip of land that extends along the north-south axis.

Bentota Beach Resort is situated in a unique area that is bordered by both the sea and a river, unlike the majority of other beaches on the islands. Bentota is an island with the Bentota River on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. On this little stretch of land, several hotels have been constructed to provide visitors with a tranquil vacation setting. Through Seerendipity Tours, you may book a hotel in Bentota at a very reasonable price online.

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Both from Colombo and Bentota to Galle.
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Bentota Ayurveda Sri Lanka

Visit the Sea turtle conservation project on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Turtle conservation facilities are a popular day trip destination in Galle. These initiatives have been started to protect the turtle population that is on the verge of extinction, and it has been discovered that these initiatives are very helpful in reviving the turtle population. Wherever turtles come ashore to deposit their eggs, these conservation centres are situated around Sri Lanka’s western and southern coasts. The beaches of Sri Lanka, including Rekawa, Bentota, Weligama, and Negombo, are home to five different kinds of sea turtles. From Rekawa Beach on the south coast to Negombo in the northwest of Sri Lanka, turtles may be seen.

The turtle digs a hole in the beach, places her eggs inside, and then covers them with sand so that the heat of the sun can nourish them. However, many residents of the coastal region dig in the sand and find the sea turtle’s concealed eggs; some of them eat the eggs, while others sell them.

The kids are now released into the water at night, giving them a greater chance of survival, and the eggs are now purchased by conservation initiatives and produced naturally in confined spaces where the birds have no opportunity to pick them up.

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This 2-day Sri Lanka tour includes 2 most important tourist attractions in southern Sri Lanka Yala and Galle Fort, on this 2 days private tour you will be visiting many tourist attritions such as the Madu River estuary, Yala national park, Galle Fort, Moonstone Mines, sea turtle conservation project, Galle fort as well as Yala wildlife reserve. The tour includes a full-day safari at Yala national park with a picnic lunch. The tour includes entire ground transportation places to visit in Sri Lankan, a live guide, accommodation, and all taxes

Visiting the spice garden on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Bentota has a spice garden where spices and herbs are grown. The spices of Sri Lanka attracted the early maritime merchants who undertook lengthy journeys to buy this rich cargo, and Sri Lankan food and medicine are crucial to the country’s economy.

Visit the Buddhist temple on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Due to the Gangatilaka Buddhist temple, Kalutara, a well-known Buddhist city 45 kilometres south of Colombo, is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage place. Kalutara has a long history that dates back to the second century BC. The historical notes state that Kalutara is one of the 32 locations that Rev. Mahinda mentioned to King Devanampiyatissa and that had to be developed in order to plant one of the 32 saplings of the revered Sri Maha Bodhi tree (Bo tree, ficus religiosa) in Anuradhapura. The King gave the tree his patronage.

The historical Kalutara Bodhi survived intact until the Maritime Provinces were conquered by the Portuguese in 1505 A.D., according to the Sinhala Maha Bodhi Wansa (chronicle). This holy location was transformed into a Portuguese fort in the sixteenth century. The Bodhi (Bo tree) is not believed to have been harmed, although at that time, people did not revere it.

After Wickrama Pandya, a Pandyan King, planted the Bo tree there in 1042 A.D., the Kalutara temple gained widespread popularity. The Bo tree is still standing now on the bottom terrace. Every day, a sizable group of Buddhist devotees congregate around the Bo tree to honour the revered tree. Being a revered Buddhist temple, Kalutara Temple requires that visitors pay close heed to its regulations, including its dress code.

The current top terrace, also known as the UDA Maluwa region, was first used as a camp by the Portuguese, then by the Dutch, and then by the British. It served as office space and the Government Agent’s home throughout the British era beginning in the later part of the 19th century.

Visiting Hikkaduwa Beach on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

One of the most popular beach vacation spots on Sri Lanka’s west coast is Hikkaduwa. Diving, snorkelling, boating, and surfing are just a few of the intriguing activities available at Hikkaduwa, which is regarded as one of the greatest locations for water sports. During Sri Lanka’s busiest travel period, which runs from November to April, a sizable number of tourists come here for leisure travel. The tourists who reserve a one-day trip to Galle from Colombo may make a brief stop here to go on a glass-bottom boat tour and witness unusual fish species in the Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary.

Galle harbour

One of Sri Lanka’s historic seaports, Galle Harbour, served as an important stopping place on the Silk Road. Inadvertently landing at Galle Harbor was a party of Portuguese sailors who had been stranded in a storm. On board, the ship were Lorenzo De Almeida and many other seamen. With the Sri Lankan king’s approval, they later built a tiny defence. Later, the British and Dutch governments utilized the same harbour for imports and exports.

What is Galle Fort?

The fort, called Galle, is situated on the western edge of Galle City and looks out over the Indian Ocean. It is sandwiched between Galle City and the ocean. The Galle Fort dates back to the 15th century, at the same time when the Portuguese arrived. Portuguese built a fort close to the port of Galle and seized control of the marine area. The East India Company established one of its import and export offices at the Fort after assuming control of Galle Fort from the Portuguese authority in 1505, controlling the spice trade in southern Asia for the next 150 years.

Galle fort history

The Dutch East Indian Company oversaw the fort’s expansion and development after it was given to them by the Portuguese in 1505. The fort is now in excellent condition and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fort was one of southern Asia’s most well-known medieval urban centres.

The fort is Galle’s top tourist destination. One of the most enjoyable experiences for most tourists is taking a walk through the cobblestoned, congested streets and overhanging galleries. This also represents a trip back in history and a bygone period.

The Fort, which was constructed according to a Dutch design, is cut off from the outside world by a high granite wall. The Portuguese had created the groundwork for the Fort in the early 15th century. However, the fort had been enlarged and turned into a sizable city by the Dutch East India Company. It was thus selected to serve as the administrative centre of southern Sri Lanka.

Importance of Galle Fort

One of the most significant locations to see on this journey is the Galle Fort, which is maybe the trip’s most significant high point. For many decades, the Galle Fort has been a vital and significant component of Galle. A significant tourist destination for the whole southern coast is Galle Fort. The first Portuguese-built structures at Galle Fort are no longer visible. The majority of the Portuguese-built buildings were replaced with Dutch constructions.

Authenticities of Galle Fort

Galle Fort is today considered a piece of Sri Lankan history and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Fort is made up of 15th-century Dutch-style palaces, as well as several smaller buildings including galleries, stores, and museums.

The Fort is a highly active piece of Galle City’s cultural legacy. Around Galle Fort, there are a variety of tourist attractions, including a fish market, seafood restaurants, bazaars in the villages, museums, galleries, and stores. Numerous stores provide both conventional and unusual crafts.

Over the previous several centuries, The Fort has transformed into a closed metropolis with many different cultures and religions. The Sri Lankan government is looking at making this one of the contemporary wonders of the world, together with several Dutch citizens who still own part of the homes within the fort.

A UNESCO site for the Galle Fort

Due to the fort’s unique legacy as “an urban ensemble,” which demonstrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries, the site has been inscribed as cultural heritage (UNESCO World Heritage Site) under criteria iv.

The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort, managed to withstand the 2004 tsunami that swept away a large portion of the city and killed thousands of people. Although the coastline area has suffered significant damage from the tremendous waves, the effect on the Fort was minimal mostly because of its high-rise protection wall. Since then, it has been repaired.

The Travelers often get an hour or so of free time to explore the historic district. A leisurely stroll through the maze-like cobblestone, narrow alleys, where there are many stores, cafés, galleries, museums, churches, and hotels, is the finest way to see the city.

Old Dutch-style homes line the small alleyways that wind around the fort; the majority of these residences have been transformed into opulent boutique hotels and are now inhabited by tourists from abroad.

Venture on a Southern Sri Lanka tour to see the important tourist attraction on Sri Lanka’s south coast such as Wildlife parks, beaches, forts, museums, parks, and town

What are the 6 best places to visit in the Galle Fort?

  • Reformed Dutch Church
  • Seaport Museum
  • Fort Rampart in Galle
  • Dutch jail with a clock tower
  • Lighthouse
  • Gallery & Retail

Lace weaving tradition

The art of lace weaving is a colonial legacy of Galle women and lace is a locally produced cloth. A beautifully designed blouse might take up to six months to make. This is a regionally distinctive method of making garments that have been passed down through the generations. Here, a wide variety of wooden masks, wooden carvings, animal figurines, and other items are for sale. Visit one of the fort’s textile stores to locate something contemporary with Sri Lankan flair; they’re all offering current fashion trends.

Visit Unawatuna Beach on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

Just south of Galle, the largest city in the south, and 125 kilometres from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, is where you’ll find Unawatuna Beach. One of the top beaches in the world is Unawatuna Bay in southern Sri Lanka, which offers safe swimming all year round. The primary factor contributing to the bay’s reputation as a safe swimming area is a coral reef that prevents the undersea current from entering the bay.

For those who wish to savour the solitude of the sea and plunge deep into the ocean’s azure waves, this beach is heaven. Surfing, diving, swimming, and snorkelling are some of the other popular activities here on the shore. A snorkelling base may be found within its range on an accessible, generally well-preserved coral reef.

Hikkaduwa day trip with Galle

One of the most well-liked tourist locations in the south of Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa. It is located 98 kilometres south of Colombo, and the town’s stunning beaches add a lot of glitz. It is the location where you may get a peek at the intriguing underwater world and the species that live in incomprehensible ocean depths.

Hikkaduwa is a popular beach vacation destination as well as an excellent location for diving and surfing on the island. A glass-bottom boat rental will enable you to observe the stunning corals without getting wet at the Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary, which is just a few meters from the beach and is home to many fascinating aquatic species.

Visiting Maritime Museum on one a trip to Galle from Colombo

The greatest marine museum in Asia is located in Galle, a city in southern Sri Lanka. The museum is located in the colonial city’s Dutch storage facilities, which were erected in 1676. The current museum opened in 2008 and is housed in the 40,000-square-foot Dutch storehouse’s four vast rooms.

The museum has a sizable collection of important archaeological artefacts. High-importance items were found on the seafloor off the coast of Galle. Sri Lanka was a well-liked point of call in the area, and the island’s water is littered with several shipwrecks.

A diorama depicting past residents of the Hambantota region is one of the museum’s most significant displays. They are thought to have existed around 7000 years ago. A multilingual stone inscription that is inscribed in Chinese, Tamil, and Persian is another priceless artefact. It is said to have been written in China 600 years ago and transported to the island subsequently.

Additionally, it displays the nation’s fishing techniques, equipment, and boats. Ropes used in ships, antique canons, porcelain objects, smoking pipes, maps, and shipwrecks are just a few of the objects on display. The replica of the ship Avondster (evening star), which sunk in the harbour of Galle, is a priceless piece of museum property. In the museum, visitors may see the ship’s replica and the artefacts that were retrieved from it. The ship sank in the year 1659 AD.

The Central Cultural Fund of Sri Lanka created the Galle Maritime Museum as part of the preservation effort for the Galle World Heritage Site. The museum presents the religious and cultural characteristics of the inhabitants of southern Sri Lanka. It provides a picture of how Sri Lankan culture, commerce, language, and custom have converged with those of other countries.

The functions of the maritime museum

The museum’s mission includes educating the public about the sea’s delicate marine ecology. It displays a sample of a variety of marine life, including fish, corals, seagrass, and algae. The reasons for coastal erosion and marine pollution are clear, as are the safety steps that must be taken to halt the damage.

The laboratory of the archaeological museum is open to visitors who want to see how historical objects are preserved. It offers a unique chance to have practical experience preserving objects in a lab. The artefacts’ historical significance dates back to 8000 B.C. up till the current millennium.

Visiting Dutch reformed Church on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

One of the top tourist destinations in Galle, Sri Lanka, is the Dutch Reformed Church, a more than two-century-old archaeological marvel located within the Galle Fort. The Dutch Reformed Church is a must-visit location among all of the city’s historical attractions because of its distinctive architecture and long history.

This old church is proudly owned by the fort of Galle, Sri Lanka, which is situated on a strip of ground that has been dipped into the Indian Ocean on one side. The fort, which has a commanding view of the whole city, is situated at its highest point.

The church is situated next to the Galle Maritime Museum at the southernmost point of the fort. It provides a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean and Galle’s ancient harbour. On Sundays, some families who continue to practice this faith attend church to hear the weekly sermon. In front of the priceless, more than 200-year-old spiritual artefacts hanging on the wall, they offer adoration. The Dutch East Indian Company constructed the chapel. One of the nation’s oldest active Protestant churches is this one.

The church’s history dates back to the time of Dutch colonization. The Wolvendaal church is another place of worship in Colombo that follows the same faith. Two of the oldest churches on the island are these two.

The Dutch Reformed Church is situated in a structure designed in the style of traditional Dutch construction. During the Dutch era in Sri Lanka, the church had been attracting a sizable number of believers for many years. However, the number of followers of the faith has significantly decreased since Dutch colonial authority over the island came to an end. Only a small number of families still practice this faith today.

In the Galle Fort, the Dutch Reformed Church is a popular tourist destination. UNESCO designated the Galle Fort, one of the city’s most historic areas, as a world heritage site. While the Church receives relatively few local visitors nowadays, it receives hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. There are undoubtedly larger churches in the city than the Dutch Reformed church, which is not very large inside. The gravestones of former Dutch East India Company employees are one of the church’s distinctive features.  A large portion of the floor is constructed over hundreds of gravestones.

With its old-style architecture and antique furnishings, the church still has a highly vintage appearance. Valuable hardwoods like ebony are used to make chairs and other pieces of furniture. The majority of the woodwork and furnishings are from the 17th and 18th centuries. The church’s furniture collection is a rare and true treasure.

The church is a protected archaeological site on the island, and the archaeological department is responsible for it. One of the country’s oldest Protestant churches is the Dutch Reformed Church of Galle. The church has walls that are several feet thick and is constructed in the traditional Doric architecture of the time in the shape of a Greek cross. With a central dome and brick barrel arches, the transepts are roofed.

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This whale-watching day tour starts from Colombo and other major beach resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka. This one-day tour includes an all-inclusive whale-watching tour off Mirissa and a guided walking tour of Galle fort. You will be also visiting the spice garden, mask museum, and sea turtle conservation centre on this one-day tour. The private tour includes entire ground transportation in a luxury vehicle, breakfast, a live guide, and all taxes.

Visiting Martin Wikramasinghe Museum on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum is a must-see sight in Galle since it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka and offers visitors the chance to delve into the city’s rich historical history. You may see typical prehistoric agricultural techniques, fishing techniques, hunting techniques, and many other cottage enterprises there. The museum is home to a large collection of “Thirikkala” bullock carts, which formerly served as the primary mode of transportation in southern Sri Lanka.

Drive to the Handungoda Tea Factory with Galle Day Tours

One of the best day trip locations in Galle for tea lovers is Handungoda tea farm. Ask your tour guides to make a place for the Handungoda tea factory in the agenda as it is often not included in most Galle day excursions.

On your day excursion from Galle, the Handungoda Tea Factory provides the ideal chance to tour a tea factory and plantation. In contrast to the norm, visitors from beach hotels in Galle and the southern coast may now see how Sri Lankan tea is made owing to the Handugoda tea factory. Normally, this chance (seeing a tea factory) can only be achieved on a journey to the upcountry.

On the Handgugoda Tea Plantation, in addition to producing tea, several other significant commercial agricultural products are also produced, including coconut, cinnamon, and rubber. Visitors may also go to a tea museum, where they can see equipment that was utilized on the island when Sri Lanka’s tea business was first started. Some of these devices date back more than a century.

The 40-minute trip from Galle to the Handungoda tea mill is particularly intriguing since you travel through very picturesque settings and farmland that is lush with trees and vegetation.

You may learn more about the many tea kinds, including BOPF, BOP, and OP, by visiting the Handungoda tea factory as part of your Galle Day excursions. “Saphire Oolong Tea,” a highly rare tea variety that is only produced by a very small number of tea factories, is one special tea variation that the Handungoda tea factory manufactures.

Day trip to Galle from Colombo with a Beach

All-day trips from Galle include stops at the lovely beaches along the south coast. Numerous captivating beaches may be found on Sri Lanka’s southern and western shores. Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, and Unawatuna beaches are a few of the beaches included in day trips from Galle. These beaches are among the finest in Sri Lanka for beach vacations since they are highly clean and ideal for them. Every year, travellers swarm to these beaches, particularly from November to April, which runs parallel to the northwest monsoon.

Jungle beach tour

Unawatuna is next to a quiet beach known as forest beach. There aren’t many people here since it is a highly unpopular day trip location in Galle. To get away from the throng, this place is ideal. It is a section of Unawatuna Beach’s “jungle beach.” One of Galle’s best-secluded beaches for sun and sea baths is this palm-lined beach, which is bordered by vegetation.

Although the rainforest beach may not be included on Galle day tours, it is advised to stop if you have time. The ideal beaches for swimming and tanning are those with shallow seas and great visibility. About 3 kilometres off the main road into the steep terrain is where you’ll find Jungle Beach. To get to the beaches, you must first descend a very steep mountain.

Visit a Japanese Peace Pagoda

On a neighbouring hill, there is a Japanese peace pagoda that is a part of the jungle beach. The majority of visitors who take Galle day excursions choose to visit the rainforest beach by themselves as well as this seaside temple with a breathtaking sea outlook. Even though it doesn’t have the same historical significance as the majority of the Buddhist temples on the island. It exhibits a completely unique style that is strongly related to Mahayana Buddhism. Both locals and visitors from outside find the temple to be a unique experience. The resident Japanese priest at the temple is ecstatic to meet you and show you around.

Exploring the underwater museum Galle

The most recent addition to the list of attractions in Galle is the Underwater Museum of Galle, which is located around 15 meters underwater. However, contrary to what the name may imply, it is not a museum but rather more of a collection of sculptures submerged in the ocean. The exhibitions, which are brand-new and completed with modern materials like cement, have no historical or cultural significance. To enter the underwater museum, visitors must don a diving suit.

The idea of an underwater museum has been used in many forms for a very long time, such as Baiae in Italy, which has several priceless artefacts of exceptional historical and aesthetic value. The island’s first museum of its sort is located in Galle, however.

The whole underwater museum project was managed by the Sri Lankan Navy. It is designed to serve two purposes: first, as a tourist attraction, and second, to aid in the development of an environment that is favourable to coral and fish species.

Exploring Hiyare forest reserve on one trip to Galle from Colombo

One of the most stunning areas of rainforest in Sri Lanka’s southern region is the Hiyare jungle. However, Hiyare has long been a remote and under-visited off-the-beaten-path tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The rainforest is located around 18 km (or about a half-hour drive) from Galle, the main city of the southern province.

Due to the large number of tourist attractions in and around Galle that are stated in the list above, Galle is a highly well-liked tourism destination in Sri Lanka. Despite the Hiyare rainforest’s ecological significance, very few visitors to Galle make the additional few kilometres to see it. The Kottawa rainforest reserve extends into the Hiyare rainforest. Scientifically, the rainforest encircles the Hiyare reservoir, a man-made lake that was formerly constructed to provide water to Galle City.

The rain forest and the reservoir are easily accessible from the most popular locations, including Galle Fort, the south coast beach, the west coast beach, and Colombo, thanks to the well-connectedness of neighbouring towns. Hiyare Rain Forest is home to many different types of flora and animals, some of which are native to the island. However, Hiyare Rain Forest is most well-known as one of the greatest locations for bird viewing.

Visiting Devata beach on one day trip to Galle from Colombo

The Galle Fort, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world and a creation of the Dutch government is the reason why Galle is so well-known. The Galle Fort was first built in 1505, and both the Dutch and British governments periodically improved it. In addition to the Galle Fort, Galle is also known for having some of the top beaches for vacations by the sea. The picturesque palm-lined beaches of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Devata are all close to Galle. For surfers and divers, the majority of these beaches provide some of the greatest spots on the island. The Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary is a well-liked snorkelling location. Devata Beach, which is located south of Galle, is not well-known for diving or snorkelling, nonetheless. However, it also features an abundance of coral reefs, an amazing variety of exotic fish species, and sea turtles, which is the most significant feature that visitors can see just a few meters from the beach.

Devata Beach is situated immediately to the south of Galle Fort, which is a well-known and attractive city close to Sri Lanka’s south coast. Due to the short amount of time on the journey, Devata Beach is often not included in the Galle day trips. It is considerably more difficult to see Devita Beach since the Galle day trips from Colombo need a lot of travel. But if you begin your Galle day excursions from West Coat Beach Resort, you could have time to stop at Devata Beach and take in the gorgeous beaches.

Ahangama Stitt Fishing with one day trip to Galle from Colombo

You get a unique chance to see stilt fishing, one of the strangest fishing techniques in the world, on Galle day trips. Stilt fishing, also known as Ritipanna in the local tongue, is a distinctive kind of fishing that can only be seen in Sri Lanka. The fisherman on Sri Lanka’s south coast is the one who created this age-old, traditional manner of fishing. Many beaches, including Ahangama, Weligama, Narigama, Koggala, Welipenna, Kathaluwa, and Thalarambe, are within easy reach of the gale and are known for this style of fishing. This kind of fishing involves tying a short pole to a stick that is anchored to the ocean floor. People who fish spend a few hours perched on the pole on this stick in an endeavour to capture some fish. In order to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe stilt fishermen, see the stilt fishermen while planning a vacation to Galle.

Why book one day trip to Galle from Colombo with Seerendipity tours

With its headquarters in Colombo, Seerendipity Tour is a travel firm that is totally locally owned. One of Seerendipity Tours’ primary advantages is its highly skilled local team, who can organize your ideal trip to Sri Lanka.

Travel packages to Sri Lanka at the lowest possible cost

Since there are no intermediaries involved when you use our service to book a tour, you can be sure you are getting the best deal possible. Simply get in contact with us and let us know your vacation schedule and favourite destinations.

Plan with professionals your ideal Sri Lanka holiday packages.

Our team creates a custom program just for you, which you may modify until you find the right deal. You may also go through our already-made tour packages for ideas; all of our pre-made tour packages are adaptable and can be customized to match all of your needs. Contact us by email at admin@seerendipitytours.com or by phone at 0094-77-440977 or 0094-77-4440977.

About The Author

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

administrator

The focus of this site is Sri Lankan travel. We at Serendipity Tours (Private) Limited, attempting to impart our valuable experience as travellers who have explored most parts of the country over the last decade. We are helping our valuable readers plan their memorable Sri Lanka trip with our travel expertise and experiences. In case you require any additional information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at admin@seerendipitytours.com. In addition, we can plan your vacation package or any other Sri Lankan travel-related needs.

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