• Galle Fort - The Galle Dutch Fort is a seventeenth-century colonial fort in Sri Lanka. It stands on a rocky promontory facing the Indian Ocean. Rocky shores and an imposing landside rampart defend it on all four directions. It was the Portuguese who chose Galle as a permanent trading post in 1588. Following the siege of Galle (1640), the Dutch ousted them from Southern Sri Lanka. Then the Dutch extensively fortified the fort until 1729. Its present form was mainly conceived under Dutch company rule and hence the name Galle Dutch fort. In its heyday, the fortification also served as the island’s southern commandment of the Dutch East India trading company (VOC). Its sister cities were Colombo, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. The fort defended the main VOC trading port in Sri Lanka. In 1796, it was peacefully handed over to the British who maintained a military presence until 1948.

Many of Galle fort’s European inhabitants left it, following the 1972 constitution, which completed the transitional phase of Sri Lanka into a republic. Thereon, the structure became dilapidated until renovations started after the 2004 tsunami followed by the end of the war in 2009. Today, the Galle Dutch Fort is the most well preserved colonial fort in South Asia. Most of its main features are miraculously preserved. A rare Portuguese fortalice and thirteen Dutch bastions dot the original ramparts, each with a different story belonging to a different time. Its exotic blend of European and Asian architecture attracts many local and foreign visitors. Artists, photographers, writers, and architects own many restored colonial buildings inside the fort. Trendy cafes, boutique shops, and hotels add a unique character to the atmosphere of the fort’s colonial streets. However, the real energy of Galle fort comes from its active colonial court complexes, government offices, public schools, trading companies, and beautiful churches, harking back to a thriving European colony.

• Madu Ganga Biodiversity Area - The water of the river is dotted with small islands and the banks are all covered with lush mangrove forests that are home to dozens of incredible animal species. Enjoy hundreds of vibrant tropical birds and a few crocodiles if you’re lucky enough.
• Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project - Here, you will learn about how these people protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates. Start from protecting the mother turtle during the nesting process and when she is finished laying the eggs and safely back in the ocean, then relocate the eggs from the beach to there hatchery. When the baby sea turtles hatch and then return them to their natural habitat quickly.
• Colombo - Pick up and drop off will be provided from most closely located hotels in Colombo.
• Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia - Pick up and drop off will be provided from most closely located hotels in Mount Lavinia.

• All Government Taxes included.
• Madu River Boat Safari cost covered.
• 500ml mineral water bottle per person provided.
• Lunch at a local restaurant.
• Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Transport in an air conditioned vehicle.
• English speaking driver.
• Entrance fees to Galle Fort and Turtle Hatchery.

• Gratuities.
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions

The itinerary for a day tour in Galle primarily includes the Galle Dutch fort, the Madhu river, and the turtle conservation center in Balapitiya. Galle is a coastal city situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka, renowned for the Galle Dutch Fort and its stunning coastline. The Galle Dutch Fort is a well-visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.

Located near Galle, in the southern region of Sri Lanka, is the Madu River. The river water is peppered with several tiny islands, and its banks are densely populated with vibrant mangrove forests that host a variety of fascinating wildlife.

The southern coast also serves as critical breeding grounds for sea turtles. Multiple sea turtle conservation centers are stationed along the beach with the purpose of protecting sea turtle nests. All in all, there are five species of sea turtles that nest on the beaches of Sri Lanka.

• Please be ready at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the pick up time.
• Please come with a comfortable attire for the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.