Talpe , Sri Lanka

Bentota and galle sightseeing tour

Active

(4 reviews)

8h - 10h

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

Spend a day discovering Galle Fort and nearby attractions without the inconveniences of trains, buses, or cabs. After morning pickup at select southern towns, travel comfortably by private air-conditioned vehicle, with stop-offs to take in the cobbled streets, ramparts, and lighthouse at Galle Fort, explore fauna and flora in bentota river , world renown Moonstone mine , and places you might not come across alone, like ocean viewpoints, a turtle sanctuary, and a tea plantation. Your driver-guide provides detail and commentary along the way: a bonus absent if exploring independently.

Available options

Bentota and galle sightseeing tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Just a few kilometres away from the city of Bentota lies the fabled Benthara River (also known as Bentota River). The river is more notably known for its flora and fauna, as it’s a mix of mangroves and smaller fishing communities that thrives by its banks. Folklore claims that the river was once the settlement of an ancient tribe that roamed the island.

This is the oldest Conservation and Research project started in Sri Lanka in early 1978. It was at a time when all 7 species of sea turtles were on the Endangered list. Of the 7 species, 5 of the species were found to be frequenting the beaches of the southern coast of Sri Lanka where they beached, to lay their eggs. These eggs were collected by the villagers and sold in the open market.

It was about this time when the famous Swedish camera maker Victor Hasselblad whose cameras were the first to be used on the moon, came into the picture. He happened to be a close friend of the highly renowned Sri Lankan bird photographer, Dr Upane de Zylva , and Victor, having similar interests in photography, had made a donation through Dr Zylva to be used in any form of conservation and research, in Sri Lanka.

Stop 3

The Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia constructed by any European imperial powers. Also known as Dutch Fort or Ramparts of Galle, this architectural and archaeological wonder was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese and lavishly rebuilt by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even after long years from the construction, Galle Fort, a UNESCO's World Heritage Site, is still maintained as fresh. Galle is a major coastal town in the southwest of Sri Lanka and is the finest instance of a fortified city constructed by the Portuguese in Southeast Asia.

Most popular for its moonstone mines, Meetiyagoda is a small town roughly 10km from Hikkaduwa. Explore the mines on a guided tour where you’ll learn the process of how these moonstones are excavated and mined in Sri Lanka’s largest moonstone mine. Moonstones in Sri Lanka are renowned for their slight blue tinge, as the rarest and finest moonstones are almost transparent with a strong blue shine.

This exquisite tea plantation in the hills above Koggala offers highly informative tours of the estate. You'll sample and learn how they produce over 25 varieties of tea here, including the fabled Virgin White tea, a delicate brew made from the tiniest and newest leaves. Where the average large plantation worker will pick 23kg of black tea in a day, the workers here manage but 150 grams of virgin white leaves

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Talpe

Talpe is a charming coastal village in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It's a perfect destination for travelers seeking a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Talpe Beach

A beautiful and less crowded beach with golden sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Unawatuna Beach

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

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities may have separate costs)

Galle Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a historic fortified city with Dutch colonial architecture, museums, and charming streets.

Historical Half day to full day Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Jungle Beach

A secluded and serene beach surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful escape and snorkeling.

Beach Half day to full day Free (activities may have separate costs)

Koggala Lake

A picturesque lake known for its scenic beauty and boat tours. It's a great place for bird watching and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

Nature Half day Moderate (boat tour costs vary)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

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

Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Hoppers

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).

String Hoppers

Noodle-like strings made from rice flour and coconut milk, served with curries and sambols.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan).

Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sour fish curry made with a special blend of spices and goraka (a sour fruit).

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish.

Popular Activities

Surfing Snorkeling Scuba diving Hiking Beach relaxation Yoga Spa treatments Temple visits

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with sunny days and minimal rainfall, perfect for beach activities and sightseeing.

28°C to 32°C 82°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

UTC+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Talpe is generally safe for travelers, but it's essential to take standard precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and services.
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.

Getting there

By air

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport • 120 km
Bandaranayake International Airport • 130 km

By train

Galle Station

By bus

Galle Bus Terminal, Colombo Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport and are very affordable. They can be crowded and may not always be on time.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Beachfront Area Talpe Village

Day trips

Galle

10 km • Half day to full day

Explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its charming streets filled with shops, museums, and cafes.

Hikkaduwa

15 km • Full day

A popular beach town known for its surfing, snorkeling, and vibrant nightlife.

Koggala

15 km • Half day

A picturesque town known for its scenic lake and boat tours. It's also the setting for the famous novel 'The Moon and the Sixpence' by W. Somerset Maugham.

Festivals

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

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to see the sunrise.
Try local seafood dishes, especially crab and fish curries, which are fresh and delicious.
Explore the local markets for unique souvenirs, spices, and handicrafts.
Take a boat tour of Koggala Lake to enjoy the scenic beauty and spot wildlife.
Learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to enhance your cultural experience and connect with locals.