Galle & Bentota Day Tour with River safari From Colombo & Negombo
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Galle & Bentota Day Tour with River safari From Colombo & Negombo

Active
10h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable 10 to 12-hour journey along Sri Lanka's stunning southern coast, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. With convenient pickups available from Colombo, Negombo, and the airport, our tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural splendor. From the picturesque Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project to the historic streets of Galle and its iconic fort, every moment is filled with wonder. Cruise along the tranquil waters of the Madu River, surrounded by lush mangroves and traditional villages, before immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage at the Ariyapala Mask Museum. Explore charming Dutch Hospital precinct for shopping and leisurely strolls through Galle's Old Town, adorned with architectural gems like the Galle Fort Clock Tower. As you journey through this enchanting region, be captivated by the scenic beauty of the southern coastline, promising vistas that will leave you breathless at every turn.

Available options

FROM COLOMBO

Duration: 11 hours<br/>From colombo: Pick up from: Colombo
Starting points:
Colombo, Sri Lanka<br/>Starting point:<br/>Colombo, Sri Lanka<br/>Pickup included

FROM NEGOMBO

Duration: 12 hours<br/>From Negombo: Pick up from Negombo
Starting points: Negombo, Sri Lanka<br/>Starting point:<br/>Negombo, Sri Lanka<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Pick up & drop off
Bottled water
English Speaking Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Seasonal Fruits & King Coconut. ( subject to available)

Detailed itinerary

1

In the Southern region of Sri Lanka lays the Galle district. Balapitiya is a little town in the district and would be quite unimportant; except for the location of a river. The Madu River is very rich in biodiversity. It passes through the wet zone of Sri Lanka opening up into the large Madu Lagoon on its way to the Indian Ocean

2

Pass by without stopping

3

In Sri Lanka, constructing masks is a well-known custom. Along the Western, South Western, and Southern beaches of the island, a large number of mask makers from Sri Lanka operate. The South Western shore of Sri Lanka's Ambalangoda region is recognised for its skilled craftspeople.

4

Pass by without stopping

5
Stop 5

The Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is a non - profitable organization which is maintained for the survival of Sea Turtles for the next generation. The "Turtle Farm" is situated in Habaraduwa near to the beautiful beach. That is 5m from the Galle - Matara main road. The center was started in 1986 and have released more than 500,000 sea turtles to the ocean.

6

On the south-western coast of Sri Lanka, there is a little beach community with the name of Hikkaduwa. An excellent beach in Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa Beach. Delicious seafood curries, soothing massages, Buddhist temples, and water sports like diving, snorkeling, and surfing are just a few of Hikkaduwa's well-known attractions.

7

Old Town of Galle, Sri Lanka. ... Galle was built as a fortified coastal city with large walls along the seashore. It was designed with a European way of thinking – that attacks from colonial competitors could come from the sea as well as the land.

8

Located in Galle, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct as the name would suggest is a shopping mall located in a beautifully restored colonial building originally built during the Dutch occupation. It has a constantly growing selection of places to eat, drink or shop. There are fabulous bay views from its upper balcony. (combines with Galle fort)

9
Stop 9

In the 16th century, the Portuguese erected the Galle fort on Sri Lanka's southwest coast. In the 17th century, Duth seized the fort and reinforced it. For nearly 200 years, the historic town of Galle has served as a trading harbor for spices and other items. Walking the winding roads of Galle Fort, taking in the gorgeous structures, museums, historic buildings, and numerous stories.

10

The oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka. The lighthouse was built in 1848 by the British. The lighthouse stands at a height of 24.5 meters, providing a panoramic view of the Galle Harbour. Thiis lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934. The new lighthouse, built in 1939, is taller than the first, standing at 26.5 meters, and is located approximately 100 meters away from its predecessor. Within the old Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies a light station. Sri Lankan Port Authority maintains this lighthouse.

11

Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy.( combines with Galle fort)

12

The Galle lighthouse is situated inside the landmark Galle Fort. It is built seven meters above the road on the ramparts. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to 1848, but the original lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934. It was rebuilt at the current height of 26m. The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist attraction, making this the countries most often visited lighthouse. (Combines with Galle fort) ( can't go inside can be view from outside)

13

Galle Clock Tower is a four story tall stone monument hailing from the late 19th century. It was built within the ramparts of the Galle Fort on the site of the previous guardroom, overlooking one of the three bastions of the fort. While the aged clock tower is a great monument to photograph, it will take some skilful manoeuvring due to the extreme angle close by. Hence it might be better to photograph it from the Moon Bastion which the tower faces.( combines with Galle fort)

14

The National Maritime Museum of Galle is chock-full of nautical and marine marvels, dug up from the sea and showcased here. Galle has always been a major harbor, visited by ships and traders from across the globe for several millennia. As such it did not escape the clutches of the Dutch traders who put profit before all else.

15

Koggala, renowned for its splendid coastal conditions, has been the perfect place for stilt fishing. Silhouettes of fishermen perched on vertical poles with crossbars, waiting for its daily catch – a beautiful and picture perfect spectacle.

What's not included

Food and drinks
Gratuities
STILT FISHING Experience ( subject to available-photo stop only)
Entrance tickets - Mangrove Boat, Fish Massage & Turtle hatchery

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The duration of transfers are approximate 10- 12 hours, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date
chauffeur guides may only offer limited assistance on stories, history and would provide a small amount of information. If you need full information, please refer the website or professional guides can be provided upon request with additional charge
Once pick up from the hotel on the way to Galle there stops available and way back there is no stop as using the expressway

Meeting point

Negombo meeting point: Gateway to city adventures.

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
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 12-99
1
Childs
Age 2-11
0
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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