This fantastic bundle includes round-trip\n\nAirport transportation to the city and hotel, plus\n\nA Day Tour to Galle. This exclusive excursion to Galle is ideal for guests residing in the Colombo vicinity. Explore the most renowned historical sites &\n\nEnjoy a Mangrove Boat Safari on\n\nMadu River
Tour starts at 7:00 AM from Colombo with the first stop at Galle Fort.
The first leg of the tour is a boat ride on the Madu River in Balapitiya. This one-hour journey takes you on a boat safari through the ancient mangrove marshes of the Madu River. Navigate through the dark and mysterious tunnels formed by dense mangrove forests, interspersed with bright open water stretches. Learn about mangroves and their positive impact on the ecosystem. You might spot crocodiles, water snakes, tree snakes, and wild boars in their natural surroundings. Observe cormorants, storks, and various other birds hunting for prey in the swift currents of the Madu River. See the prawn and shrimp traps set in some of the river’s shallower areas. Visit an old Buddhist temple on one of the many islands dotting the river. Stop by another island, which is the heart of Sri Lanka’s cinnamon industry, and purchase some fresh, high-quality cinnamon as a souvenir. Don’t miss the outdoor fish massage parlor, where you can dip your feet into a fenced part of the river for a unique fish massage experience. Note that there is an additional charge for the fish massage parlor.
You will arrive at Galle Fort at 11:30 AM.
Galle Fort in Sri Lanka: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort, was initially built by the Portuguese on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast. The original fortifications, constructed in the late 16th century, were quite rudimentary. However, the fort underwent significant modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it a crucial archaeological, architectural, and historical monument that showcases European influence in Southeast Asia from the 16th to the 19th centuries. According to UNESCO, the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique display of an urban ensemble illustrating the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries, meeting criterion number four for such recognition. Key monuments include:
At 2:00 PM, after the Galle Fort tour, proceed to lunch (at your own expense). Then, continue the journey to Ahangama Fishing Village for a stilt fishing experience. Enjoy fishing for one hour before heading back to Colombo.
Points of Interest
- Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
- Galle Fort
- Galle Fort Lighthouse
- Dutch Reformed Church
- Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara
- Stilt Fishermen Sri Lanka
- Madu Ganga Biodiversity Area
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Complimentary bottled water
- English-speaking driver
- Travel in an air-conditioned car or van
- Convenient airport paging service
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Mangrove Boat
- The duration of transfers are approximate 8 hours, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
