Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Tour from Colombo Harbor

Kalutara , Sri Lanka

Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Tour from Colombo Harbor

Active

11h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour covers the best part of Sri Lanka’s South Coast. You'll visit Galle, rich in colonial heritage and explore the iconic Dutch Fort that encloses the city. You can walk along the ramparts and the cobblestone pathways that crisscross through the fort. Visit Ambalangoda mask factory and experience a memorable boat ride at Madu river before visiting the Turtle Hatchery. Don't forget to take snaps of colonial architecture around during this shore excursion.

Available options

Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Tour from Colombo Harbor

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fee to Turtle Hatchery

English-speaking guide

Bottled water

Boat ride in Balapitiya

Pickup and drop-off in Colombo harbour

Lunch at a local restaurant

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The fort is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, thanks to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Ambalangoda, known for its exquisite collection of native masks, carved throughout the generations of professional carvers from the region. Don's miss the variety of masks available for sale, as the current productions are more garish and vibrant in colour.

You can discover the unique beauty of Madu River on a boat trip. A relatively unspoiled lagoon, the Madu river estuary is a 915-hectare complex coastal wetland ecosystem that opens to the Indian Ocean.

Stop 4

Here at Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, these almost-extinct turtles are breed and cared for. extinct form Sri Lanka. Visitors can see the new born turtles and even be a part of the process of releasing them in the sea.

What's not included

Entrance fee to the sites not mentioned in price Includes section

Tips to guides, restaurants. Tipping is expected

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Kalutara

Kalutara is a picturesque coastal city in Sri Lanka known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lush greenery. It offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Top Attractions

Richmond Castle

A historic mansion built in the early 20th century, showcasing colonial architecture and lush gardens.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate

Kalutara Bodhiya

A sacred Bo tree believed to be a sapling from the original Bodhi tree in India where Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Kalutara Beach

A beautiful beach with golden sand, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half-day to full day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot griddle.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with meat

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs, sambal, or curry.

Breakfast Vegetarian

String Hoppers

Noodle-like strings made from rice flour, served with curries and sambal.

Lunch Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Beach lounging Spa treatments Visiting temples Exploring historic sites Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers the best weather with minimal rainfall and warm temperatures, ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kalutara is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.
• Keep valuables secure.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranayake International Airport • 60 km

By train

Kalutara Railway Station

By bus

Kalutara Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Kalutara. They connect major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kalutara Town Beach Road

Day trips

Aluthgama

15 km • Half day

A nearby town known for its historic sites and beautiful landscapes.

Beruwala

20 km • Full day

A coastal town with beautiful beaches and water sports activities.

Festivals

Kalutara Bodhiya Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit Richmond Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Use local buses for an affordable and scenic way to get around.
Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your interaction with locals.