Galle Dutch Fort visit with Turtles,Madu river in One day
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Galle Dutch Fort visit with Turtles,Madu river in One day

Active
5h - 7h
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

I am Saman and qualified as a chauffer guide lecturer under the Srilanka tourist development authority. I have been guiding specially in down south in a while and you also get the fantastic journey starting from Madu river, Turtle hatchery,Hikkaduwa town and Galle Dutch fort. Apart from that according to your wish you can visit the moonstone at Meetiyagoda ,doing shopping while the excursion and have your lunch too.

Available options

Galle Dutch Fort visit with Turtles,Madu river in One day

Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes
Bottled water
Entry /Admission - Madu river and Sea Turtle Hatchery
Air-conditioned vehicle

What you'll see

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Madu River, Nilwala River Safari, Bridge View, Custom Road, Balapitiya , Sri Lanka 941906362 Call And Contact, Balapitiya 80550 Sri Lanka

Explore the Madu River Boat Safari (International Ram Sa Wetland)

The Madu River Safari(Mangroves) area surrounding the river are all swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. The forest covers over 61 hectares, that is over 150 acres. 14 of the 24 species of mangroves are found in this area.
It is interesting to note that mangroves play a huge part in preventing erosion.
The value of the mangroves was understood in December 2004, during the devastating tsunami, when forest acted as a natural barrier protecting the region.
The large growths of mangrove trees have caused a chain of ecological gain. The soil protected by the mangrove trees is very fertile. This has caused a rich growth of other wetland plants.
Over 300 species, 19 of which are endemic, have been discovered so far.
The region continues to be a treasure trove to biologists and ecologists with many undiscovered species in the unreachable depths of the mangrove forests.
The plant life in turn have supported a large number of wildlife that depends on them.
The largest animal in the region is the wild boar. There are other smaller animals such as monkeys, a variety of squirrels, etc.
When it comes to birds, cormorants and kingfishers are a common sight. For avid bird watchers, the mangrove forests are a dream coming true. There are over 111 bird species identified to inhabit the region.
There are 31 types of reptiles, namely snakes, lizards and crocodiles.
There are also over 50 kinds of butterflies and 25 kinds of mollusks found in the Madu River zone.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, 13A Galle Road, Kosgoda 80570 Sri Lanka

Kosgoda is famous for its sea turtle conservation project operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1988 to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction. Since then it has released about 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild.
The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs (mostly green turtles) can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
The hatchery buries the eggs in sand, and when they hatch around 50 days later the baby turtles are released into the sea at night. Only about one in 1,000 turtles survives to maturity.
kosgoda turtle hatchery also has tanks for injured or disabled turtles, including albino turtles that would not survive in the wild.
Kosgoda is famous for its sea turtle conservation project operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1988 to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction. Since then it has released about 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild.
The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs (mostly green turtles) can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
The hatchery buries the eggs in sand, and when they hatch around 50 days later the baby turtles are released into the sea at night. Only about one in 1,000 turtles survives to maturity.
Kosgoda turtle hatchery also has tanks for injured or disabled turtles, including albino turtles that would not survive in the wild.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Hikkaduwa Beach, 7585995399 Sweetcash //Customer //Care// Number 7585995399 //sweetcash //customer //care// Number, Hikkaduwa 80240 Sri Lanka

The beach of Hikkaduwa is situated 98 km from Colombo towards the south of Sri Lanka. This fun coastal town, 14 km away from Galle was the first (1960’s) of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists. Snorkeling and diving in the clear waters are a major past-time along this stretch and is the most environmentally friendly way to see the colorful fish that dart around. The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi coloured corals, and is home to countless numbers of vibrantly coloured fish. Off the beach there is a collection of small islets surrounded by beautiful coral formations.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka

Galle Dutch Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, and then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. The fort has a colorful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria IV in 1988, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which damaged part of coastal area Galle town. It has been since restored. You can walk around as they wish on top of Dutch fort and can do the shopping in Old city.

Duration: 2 hours

What's not included

Wheel Chairs and Pets

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 23-55
1
Childs
Age 5-11
0
Infants
Age 1-4
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 5
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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