Colombo , Sri Lanka

Private Day tour to Galle from Colombo

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10h - 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

Enjoy a private day tour to Galle from your hotel in Colombo and visit a UNESCO listed world heritage site Galle Dutch Fort in southern region in Sri Lanka. On the way back enjoy a boat ride in Madu river and visit Kosgoda sea turtle conservation project & mask museum at Ambalangoda.

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

1 liter bottled water

Service of a chauffeur guide.

Fuel surcharge

Hotel Pick-up and drop-off by an air-conditioned vehicle.

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo or Mount Lavinia by our chauffeur guide at 07:30 a.m. and commence the day tour to Galle.

Stop 2

The first stop is to visit the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Kosgoda. You will be able to see how Sea turtles are being conserved and inspect their activities. Further, you will see the hatchery program which was being implemented to hatch eggs safely before releasing it into the sea.

Next, you will be stopped at Balapitiya and proceed to Madu Ganga riverboat safari. You might see some animals such as wild boars, monkeys, and squirrels as well as many birds available during the boat safari.

Thereafter you can visit a mask museum at Ambalangoda and see how they are making traditional mask in the factory.

Stop 5

After arriving Galle you will proceed to Galle Fort Sightseeing. Galle Fort was first built by Portuguese and it was again fortified by Dutch when Sri Lanka was a Colonial under them. It was built on a rocky peninsula and three sides’ area covered by the sea. Just after the entrance, you can see the front wall and a clock tower on top of the wall.

When you move to the southernmost end of the fort you can see the Flag Rock which was used as a bastion by Portuguese. Currently, it has become more attractive for tourists due to some locals leap to the water from the rock.

Next, you will be met the Lighthouse located in the southern end of the promontory which was built in 1938. Thereafter you will be moved to the Maritime Archaeology Museum, Dutch Reformed Church (which the history goes to 1640) and Galle National Museum.

Finally, transfer back to Colombo and you will be safely dropped at your hotel or at the place where you picked up.

What's not included

Entrance fees of museums, Sea turtle Conservation Project and boat ride charges.

Lunch or any other meals and drinks (available to purchase)

Expenses of personal nature such as - Tips for Guides, Drivers, Porters & waiters. -Laundry, medical bills, telephone calls, personal travel insurance etc.

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Childe supplement will be added when sharing with parents.

A formal Dress code is required both men and women when entered in to Temples and National Museum. Your knees and shoulders must be fully covered by the dress. No shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed.

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