Galle , Sri Lanka

Galle Fort by Bicycle from Galle

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About this experience

Take this opportunity to explore colonial era Galle on a bicycle. Cycle through quaint paved streets with Dutch names. Ride your bike along the ancient ramparts of the Fort of Galle. Let your imagination run free and wild as you listen to its history and imagine the grandeur of times long past. Stop by old colonial homes, churches and little boutiques, to take a more detailed look at the architecture. Bike to the old Galle Lighthouse hailing from the colonial era. This is a great and relaxing bike ride which lets you see beauty of Galle.

Available options

Per Person

Private Guided Cycling Tour through the UNESCO Heritage, Old Colonial Fort of Galle.

What's included

Water and refreshments during the ride

Back up vehicle (Cycle Carrier)

Cycles and Cycling guide.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You have the options of starting your tour at either 8:30 in the morning or 4:00 in. the evening. Your guide will meet up with you in front of the Bank of Ceylon on Light House Street within the Galle Fort. After giving you some quick safety instructions, he will take you cycling through the pleasant and colorful streets within the Galle Fort.
You will get to see some of the old Dutch era streets with their strange names such as Len ban street, Middelpuntstraat. Look at the old yellow and orange walled buildings with their clay tiled roofs. Some of these are residences and some stores. Your guide will take you for a quick visit to some of them to have a look at their internal architecture.
You will also be cycling to one of the Dutch era churches, and visiting it. Along the way your guide will take you to the ramparts of the old Galle Fort, that will allow you to clearly see the structure of the fort from above.

Stop 2

You will also have some great sea views, and possibly even see some of the ruins of the old Dutch jetties. Your guide will tell you some of the history of this Fort during the colonial era.
After this you will be biking to the lighthouse. The original Dutch era Lighthouse was located just 100 meters from the current one, but was destroyed in a fire in 1934. The current lighthouse is still from the colonial era though, as it was built in 1939 during the British Colonial Period.
At the end of your tour, you will be returning back to your starting point in front of the Bank of Ceylon. The tour will be completed either at 10:30 am or 6:00 pm, depending on your starting time.
Highlights
• 2-hour bicycle tour with options to select morning or evening.
• Bicycles, a water bottle and other relevant gear will be provided.
• A knowledgeable English speaking cycling guide

What's not included

Hotel pick up and drop off.

Food and beverages.

Personal expenses.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Galle

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. With its charming streets, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches, it offers a unique blend of history, nature, and relaxation. The city's rich heritage and tropical charm make it a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka.

Top Attractions

Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city built by the Dutch in the 17th century. It's known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, ramparts, and charming streets.

Historical Half day to full day Free to enter the fort, some attractions may have entry fees

Unawatuna Beach

A popular beach known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Jungle Beach

A secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by lush greenery. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more serene beach experience.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Meeru Gallery

A renowned art gallery showcasing a wide range of contemporary Sri Lankan art. It's a great place to appreciate local talent and perhaps purchase a unique piece of art.

Art 1-2 hours Free to enter, artwork for sale

Galle International Cricket Stadium

A famous cricket stadium that hosts international and domestic matches. It's a great place to catch a game and experience the excitement of Sri Lankan cricket.

Sports Half day to full day Ticket prices vary depending on the match

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetables, meat, or seafood.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Hoppers (Appa)

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

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan)

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried on a hot plate.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available

Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a sour fruit), spices, and fish, typically served with rice.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Scuba diving Beach lounging Spa treatments Yoga Exploring Galle Fort Visiting temples and churches

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the best time to visit Galle as the weather is dry and sunny, perfect for exploring the historic sites and enjoying the beaches. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and higher prices.

25-30°C 77-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Galle is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay vigilant and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or apps like PickMe
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 110 km from Galle
Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km from Galle

By train

Galle Railway Station

By bus

Galle Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Galle. They are frequent and cover most parts of the city and nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fort Area Unawatuna Hikkaduwa Ahungalla

Day trips

Hikkaduwa

20 km from Galle • Half day to full day

Hikkaduwa is a popular beach destination known for its surfing spots, coral reefs, and vibrant atmosphere. It's a great place to relax, enjoy water sports, and explore the local culture.

Koggala Lake

25 km from Galle • Half day to full day

Koggala Lake is a scenic freshwater lake known for its beautiful surroundings and various water activities. It's a great place to relax, enjoy nature, and take a boat tour.

Turtle Hatchery (Habaraduwa)

10 km from Galle • Half day

A turtle hatchery dedicated to the conservation and protection of sea turtles. It's a great place to learn about these fascinating creatures and support their conservation efforts.

Festivals

Galle Literary Festival • January (dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (dates vary based on the lunar calendar) Sinhala and Tamil New Year • April (dates vary based on the lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Explore the Fort Area on foot to discover hidden gems and charming streets.
Visit the Galle Fort at sunrise or sunset for a more peaceful and scenic experience.
Try local street food, such as kottu roti and isles, for an authentic culinary experience.
Use apps like PickMe for reliable and affordable taxi services.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.