Colombo , Sri Lanka

Galle Day visit from Colombo

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(5 reviews)

11h - 12h

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

The city of Galle, located 140 km away from Colombo, on the southwest of Sri Lanka, is the destination treat that you deserve. This marvelous island has a wonderful splash of rocky coastline and a collection of Dutch colonial buildings. Galle is that city with a rich maritime history and unique cultural identity which has been shaped by centuries of influences. Take part in the full-day tour to see the endangered turtles at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, learn about the enriching maritime history of Galle and explore the Galle Fort to view the 17th Century architecture of buildings, shops, and museums, as well as learn how its hubs were used for trade. That’s not all, you can also visit the Bentota Beach, the boat ride and Fishtherapy at Madu River, and the Tsunami Photo Museum.
Galle is the place to go, so as you pack your bags for a fun day out, eat some breakfast, for we promise that the city sights will be a feast for your eyes.

Available options

Sedan Car/ Van/ Mini Bus

Sedan Car/ Van/ Mini Bus: Transport by a Sedan car, Luxury Van, Luxury mini bus as per the no of travelers.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Fuel surcharge

Detailed itinerary

Well, from a tour like this much is to be expected, which is why the tour starts with a pickup from any hotel in Colombo.
To commence the tour, traveler pickups are offered and ready for departure at 7:00 AM for Colombo or Mount Lavinia hotels

This should be your first stop. Open from Sundays to Saturdays at the hours of 12:00 am to 11:59 pm, Bentota Beach is a quiet and nice beach to visit, with the soft sands beneath your soles and the sunrise or sunset gracing your day and evening respectively.

Stop 3

Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, located at Galle Road - Kosgoda, is home to five species of marine turtles. These five species of marine turtles include the Olive Ridley turtle, the Loggerhead turtle, the Leatherback turtle, the Hawksbill turtle, and the Green turtle, all of which are endangered species. Help release them back into the sea and protect them from extinction.

The boat ride at Madu River lets you oversee the beautiful tranquil view of the Madu River and also experience the Fishtherapy. As the name implies it’s a spa therapy from fishes. The boat ride provides you a natural foot massage from several fishes to give you memorable experiences that are uniquely worth it.

Visit the charitable museum (free entrance) and check out the devastating tsunami and the tales of the individuals that were left behind in its wake, in photographs, paintings, drawings, etc.

Stop 6

Popularly known as the Dutch Fort or the Rampart fort, what first started as a structure with palisades, a rampart and three bastions with a moat, the Galle Dutch Fort was created to facilitate the protection and the preservation of the city from invasion. It was also a hub for trade by sea due to its strategic location. You really need to visit this Fort! It has a rich and colorful history having been around for centuries and withstanding the Boxing Day Tsunami. The Fort consisted of public administration buildings, warehouses, residential quarters and business houses and was used as the capital and main port. Presently, it is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by the Dutch and a historic site to visit.

After the tour around, there is only one place left to go to – Colombo. There is a stop for an included lunch at a local restaurant, but the drink is on you.

What's not included

Entrance fees of museums and boat ride charges.

Lunch

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We pick up from any of the hotel in Colombo or Mount Lavinia.

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