Galle day tour - Colombo to Galle trip - All Included
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Galle day tour - Colombo to Galle trip - All Included

Active
(93 reviews)
12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the vibrant charm of Galle on this immersive 12-hour tour. Depart from Colombo or Negombo with a knowledgeable guide to explore top attractions, including a visit to the Turtle Hatchery, the picturesque Bentota Beach, and the poignant Tsunami Photo Museum. Witness the unique stilt fishermen in action before diving into the rich history of Galle Fort, a former trade hub with a fascinating past.

The tour includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets, and a delicious lunch. Book now to enjoy a day of cultural exploration and unforgettable sights in Galle!

Available options

Without Lunch and Entrance tic

Duration: 12 hours<br/>Car/Van/Bus<br/>Transpoartation Only<br/>Pickup included

with Lunch and Entrance

with Lunch and Entrance Fees: Sri Lankan buffet lunch and mentions the entrance fees for all activities. Drinking water is provided and all included<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Lunch includes for with lunch package.
Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

1

Complete your Galle day tour with a visit to see the amazing Stilt Fishermen in Weligama. The fishermen sit on a cross bar tied to a vertical pole which is planted in the coral reef and the stilt with one hand while seated and carry out rod and line fishing with the other hand. The practice of stilt fishing started about 50 years after the end of the Second World War when fishermen found that fishing off the rocks that protrude over the sea was not enough to catch fish in large numbers, so they started planting discarded metal pipes into the reef and using them to lean against and fish. Over time the fishermen discovered that timber worked just as well as developed the poles into the more modern day versions that we see today. It is a unique sight to behold and one that should not be missed as we watch and marvel at Man's dexterity to overcome any hurdle.

2

climbed down toward the true destination of your day trip — Jungle Beach. Not another person in sight, just twin stretches of deserted sand trapped between the ocean and Rumassala Rock. Having just experienced the soul-crushing lameness of Unawatuna, this beach was exactly what we needed. Peace, solitude and gorgeous nature.

3
Stop 3

Galle Dutch Fort - After learning about the sheer determination of the people through the art displayed at the Tsunami Photo Museum, let us now head down to the Galle Dutch Fort. With a tumultuous history dating back to several centuries, the city’s strategic location made it a hub for trade by sea and subsequently a landing point for the island’s colonial rulers. A fort was built to ensure protection and preservation of the city the Portuguese in early 16th Century and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Originally the fort was an earthen structure with palisades, a rampart and three bastions and a moat surrounding it. Under the control of the Dutch, they built impregnable fortifications with coral and granite stones and the Fort resembled a small laid out walled town with a rectangular grid pattern of streets full of low houses with gables and verandas.

4

Gemological Museum Galle

5

Beach Restaurant for Lunch

6

Tsunami Photo Museum - Your next stop will be at the Tsunami Photo Museum which is located in Talwatte. After the devastating Tsunami of 2004, which struck Sri Lanka along with many other countries, the recovery process has been slow, long as well as arduous. The coastal areas were the worst hit and re-development still continues with physical as well psycho-social rehabilitation being one of the most important areas. To ease the process so that people can talk and articulate about the horrors of the Tsunami as well as to provide a place where beauty and art is still in abundance, the Tsunami Photo Museum was established. It is a completely charitable museum which provides free entrance and has drawings, paintings, photographs – art in all its glory – to tell a story of every individual to lived through the Tsunami of 2004.

7

Spice Herbal Garden

8

Turtle Hatchery - Your day trip to Galle starts with a visit to Turtle Hatchery. Sri Lanka is home to many different wildlife creatures including sea- life and of the seven species of marine turtles in the world; five of them make their way to Sri Lanka to nest throughout the year. The five species of marine turtle nesting in Sri Lanka include the Green Turtle, the Leatherback, and the Hawksbill, the Loggerhead and the Olive Ridley.

Established to protect turtles that nest in the Sri Lankan beaches from extinction, the marine turtle hatcheries are operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka and rely on volunteers to help with their conservation project. You can help release the turtles back into the sea and find out how we can help these endangered species live a little while longer..

What's not included

Drinks

Available languages

Written guide
DE IT FR ES
Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8
31 reviews
5★
29
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor 4.8
62 reviews
5★
52
4★
8
3★
2
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A minimum of 2 people per booking is require
Minimum age is 6 years
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Note: Itinerary is designed according to time availability. Sanota Walkers will not responsible for any deviation as per client’s/Chauffeur request.
Please remember to bring your swimming kit for the jungle beach swim. The swim will last approximately one hour.
Anybody can join this memorable day tour

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A traditional Sri Lankan meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from vegetables, meat, or fish.

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use reputable tour operators and guides
  • • Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air
  • Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo
By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy
115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle
120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo
35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

Vesak • May (full moon day) Esala Perahera • July or August (full moon day) Christmas • December 25

Pro tips

  • Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
  • Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
  • Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
  • Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
  • Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-80
1
Childs
Age 6-11
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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