Galle , Sri Lanka

Bentota City Tour from Mirissa

Active

10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The first place you will visit is the strange and yet beautiful Lunuganga estate that was once the home of Sir Geoffrey Bawa. The next place for your perusal is Meetiyagoda Moonstones Mines. Finally, you will visit Balapitiya for the ultimate experience, the Madu River safari.

Available options

Per Person

LK60080600: Bentota City Tour from Mirissa<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Mirissa.

Water bottle (per-person).

1-boat safari through Madu river.

Service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.

Transport throughout the tour with an air-conditioned vehicle.

Detailed itinerary

Mirissa, a coastal gem in Sri Lanka, boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Its relaxed atmosphere attracts travelers seeking sun-soaked days, whale watching excursions, and flavorful seafood. Mirissa's laid-back charm and stunning scenery make it a must-visit destination for beach lovers and adventurers alike.

Sir Geoffrey Bawa, the much renowned lawyer turned architect, made the estate his country home from 1947 till his death in 1998. During his sojourn there he used the place as his experiment lab and made many architectural and interior additions. While visiting the estate you will get to see the beautifully designed gardens that are now open to the public. Some of the buildings of the estate are also now a country house hotel.

Go on a wonderful two-hour boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Observe the waterbirds in their natural habitats.

Meetiyagoda, located in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its unique moonstone mines. These shimmering semi-precious stones, known for their iridescent sheen, are mined here amidst lush greenery. Visitors can witness the traditional methods of extraction and purchase exquisite moonstone jewelry, making it a gem enthusiast's paradise.

What's not included

Entrance tickets. (Lunuganga Estate).

Food and drinks.

Gratuities (optional).

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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.