Discover the rich history and architectural wonders of Galle Fort on a day tour from Colombo. Immerse yourself in the blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences that shaped this captivating city.
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Galle Fort - Galle Fort, located in the Bay of Galle on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, was initially constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and later extensively fortified by the Dutch starting in 1649. This site is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument that has retained its polished appearance for over 432 years, thanks to significant restoration efforts by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The fort boasts a vibrant history and is now home to a diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious community. Both the Sri Lankan government and many Dutch property owners within the fort are working towards making it one of the modern wonders of the world. Recognized by UNESCO, the fort is a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv, showcasing a unique blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
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Jungle Beach - Jungle Beach is situated between Galle and Unawatuna. This lesser-known spot is less crowded, making it an attractive destination for visitors. Its proximity to the jungle gives it a unique charm. The clean, sandy beach offers a panoramic view of Galle and is an ideal spot for watching sunsets. Accessible by foot via a clearly marked, scenic trail or by boat for a different experience, the beach features several beds and lounging areas for relaxation. There are also decent restaurants serving excellent food. Jungle Beach is perfect for snorkeling, with colorful fish to see and equipment available for rent. It’s a peaceful, quiet beach, great for swimming.
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Madu Ganga Biodiversity Area - Enjoy a magical speed-boat ride along the beautiful Madu River, a wetland estuary covering 900 hectares, 770 of which are water and home to 64 islands. This boat ride offers a closer look at the complex wetland ecosystem, a world heritage site protected by the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and one of the last wetlands in Sri Lanka with a pristine mangrove forest. Glide past massive mangrove forests and under the canopy of forest tunnels that curve towards the watercourse. Experience the unique biodiversity of the Madu River and its surrounding islands, home to hundreds of species of birds, plants, fish, and animals.
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Stilt Fishermen Sri Lanka - Stilt Fishing is one of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating traditional fishing methods, originating just after World War II. This technique was widely practiced along the coast until the 2004 tsunami temporarily halted activities, which have since resumed. The picturesque sight of fishermen perched on branched poles, skillfully fishing at dawn, noon, and dusk, is now common along the southern coast in towns like Koggala, Kaththaluwa, and Ahangama. Occasionally, stilt fishermen can also be seen in the waters of the Madu River.
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Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara - We are a team of volunteers dedicated to preserving sea turtles for future generations, with support from well-wishers worldwide. The “Sea Turtle Hatchery” is located in Habaraduwa, in the southern part of Sri Lanka’s Galle district, near a beautiful golden sand beach. Since its inception in 1986, the center has released over 1,000,000 sea turtles into the ocean. Sea turtles are one of the world’s rare species, with a heritage tracing back over 100 million years to the age of dinosaurs. Currently, about eight varieties of turtles are known to exist.
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Surcharges on fuel
- Parking fees
- Stilt Fishing chargers - 9 USD per person
- Madu boat ride chargers - 23 USD ( boar chargers )
- Sea turtle farm chargers - 7 USD per person
Galle is a city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.