Galle Day Trip from Kalutara - Temples, River Safari & Dutch Fort

Colombo , Sri Lanka

Galle Day Trip from Kalutara - Temples, River Safari & Dutch Fort

Active

9h - 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

Discover the coastal treasures of southern Sri Lanka on a full-day trip from Kalutara, designed for those seeking cultural and scenic experiences. Visit the tranquil Kande Viharaya Temple, home to the tallest seated Buddha statue in South Asia, and engage in conservation efforts at the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. Glide through lush mangroves on a serene river safari, relax at Hikkaduwa Beach, and pay your respects at the poignant Tsunami Memorial. Conclude your day wandering the cobblestone streets of the Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in colonial history.

- Private, air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver-guide
- Visit significant sites including temples, a turtle hatchery, and a memorial
- Scenic boat ride through mangroves with wildlife spotting opportunities
- Ideal for travelers looking for a comprehensive cultural experience

Available options

Galle Day Trip from Kalutara - Temples, River Safari & Dutch Fort

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

English speaking professional driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temples, home to the tallest seated Buddha statue in South Asia. Walk through the peaceful temple grounds, admire the ancient murals, and learn about the temple’s spiritual significance from your driver-guide.

Stop 2

Visit one of Sri Lanka’s most impactful wildlife conservation centers, where you can learn about sea turtle species, observe hatchlings, and understand the rescue and release process. A meaningful stop for wildlife lovers and families alike.

Enjoy a scenic boat safari through the lush mangroves of the Madu River. Spot wildlife like water monitors and birds, glide past cinnamon plantations, and even stop at small islands with temples or fish therapy. A relaxing yet adventurous ride through nature.

Relax on the golden sands of Hikkaduwa Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular coastal destinations. Take a swim, enjoy fresh seafood, or explore the coral reefs just offshore. It’s the perfect beach break before continuing your journey to Galle.

Visit the Tsunami Memorial Statue, a powerful tribute to the thousands of lives lost in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Located near Peraliya, this peaceful stop offers time for reflection and remembrance amid your journey along Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Stop 6

Explore the historic Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its preserved colonial architecture, charming streets, and panoramic ocean views. Stroll through the fort’s ramparts, lighthouse, old churches, and boutique shops while learning about its Portuguese and Dutch legacy.

What's not included

Meals

Dinner

Breakfast

Snacks

Alcoholic Beverages

Entrance fees for Madu River Safari is not included and must be paid directly at the site.

Entrance fees for Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project is not included and must be paid directly at the site.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital, is a vibrant blend of modern life and colonial charm. With its diverse culture, rich history, and tropical beauty, the city offers everything from historic sites and religious landmarks to lively markets and beautiful beaches.

Top Attractions

Galle Face Green

A scenic promenade along the Indian Ocean, popular for kite flying, evening strolls, and street food.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

National Museum of Colombo

Sri Lanka's largest museum, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Museum 2-3 hours LKR 1,000 (foreigners)

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

An ancient Buddhist temple with significant historical and religious importance.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Beira Lake

A scenic lake in the heart of Colombo, offering boat rides and beautiful views.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boat rides may have a small fee)

Colombo Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

A historic building transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

Shopping 1-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Rice and Curry

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

Main Dish Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast/Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan without egg.

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti (flatbread) cooked with vegetables, meat, or fish, and spices.

Dinner/Snack Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Main Dish Non-vegetarian, may contain allergens like nuts and seafood.

Popular Activities

Hiking Water sports Wildlife safaris Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This period offers the best weather for visiting, with warm temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night

Colombo is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Be cautious of pickpocketing, bag snatching, and overcharging by taxis and vendors.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Agree on fares before using taxis or tuk-tuks
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 35 km south of Colombo

By train

Colombo Fort Station

By bus

Bastion Street Bus Terminal, Colombo Central Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around, but they can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colombo Fort Cinnamon Gardens Galle Face Pettah

Day trips

Kandy

115 km • Full day

Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and scenic beauty.

Galle

120 km • Full day

Galle is a historic coastal city known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dutch Fort, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Negombo

35 km • Half day

Negombo is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant fishing industry.

Festivals

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

Pro tips

Use app-based taxi services like Uber or PickMe for reliable and transparent pricing
Carry small denominations of cash for markets and street vendors, as change may be limited
Bargain politely when shopping at markets and with street vendors, as prices are often negotiable
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience, but be cautious of food hygiene and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat