Hikkaduwa , Sri Lanka

Galle City Tour from Hikkaduwa

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3h - 8h

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

This private tour we take you to a leisure stroll in the best preserved colonial fort in South Asia; relive a 500 year old history, be captivated by the glorious past!This magnificent piece of architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Enter the fort through the main entrance which bears the carved logo of the British monarch on the outer wall and the VOC symbol of the Dutch East India Company in the inner wall. Observe the magnificent building with its old stone walls, the ramparts, Dutch colonial villas, the clock tower, the Old Dutch Hospital, Dutch period houses, the beautiful Dutch Reformed Church and the old Bread fruit tree, thought to be the oldest bread fruit tree in the country.

The fascination about the Country Side is that it is a living historical site and not just another well preserved piece of architecture. Walk around the old town and the ramparts; visit the Maritime Museum, Buddhist Temple, Antique shops and the many hotels and restaurants around.

Available options

Galle City Tour from Hikkaduwa

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

English speaking driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

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.

What's not included

Food and Drinks

Expenses of personal nature

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a vibrant coastal town in Sri Lanka, renowned for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and vibrant nightlife. It's a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is the town's main attraction, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and excellent surfing conditions. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens

A protected marine area just off the coast, the Coral Gardens offer a chance to see vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (snorkeling/diving tours)

Tsunami Honganji Vihara

This Buddhist temple is a memorial to the victims of the 2004 tsunami. The temple features a large statue of Buddha and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling beach.

Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Hikkaduwa Nightlife

Hikkaduwa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and beach parties. It's a great place to enjoy live music, dance, and socialize with fellow travelers.

Entertainment Evening to late night Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat/seafood

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour fish curry made with goraka (a type of sour fruit), coconut, and spices. It's a signature dish of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish

Woodapple Juice

A refreshing juice made from the woodapple fruit, often mixed with sugar and water. It's a popular local drink.

Drink Vegan

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Diving Jet-skiing Parasailing Beach lounging Yoga Spa treatments

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa for beach activities and surfing, as the weather is dry and sunny. The town is lively with many events and festivals.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hikkaduwa is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions. Petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides.
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 120 km

By train

Hikkaduwa Railway Station

By bus

Hikkaduwa Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Hikkaduwa. They are affordable and frequent, connecting the town to nearby areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Beachfront Area Galle Road Area Seenimodara

Day trips

Galle

20 km • Half day to full day

Galle is a historic port city with a rich colonial heritage. It's known for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Unawatuna

15 km • Half day to full day

Unawatuna is a beautiful beach town near Hikkaduwa, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the local beach bars.

Bentota

30 km • Full day

Bentota is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and luxury resorts. It's a great destination for adventure activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and river safaris.

Festivals

Hikkaduwa Beach Festival • December (specific dates vary) Vesak • May (specific dates vary) Esala Perahera • July or August (specific dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interactions with locals.
Rent a surfboard or take a lesson from local surf schools to experience Hikkaduwa's famous waves.
Visit the Hikkaduwa Beach Festival if you're in town during December for a unique cultural experience.
Explore nearby towns like Galle and Unawatuna for a mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Try local street food, but be cautious and choose stalls with high turnover and good hygiene practices.