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Galle Attractions

Galle Fort

Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, 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...

Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, 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 colourful 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, 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.

Tangalle

At Dondra Head, the southern most tip of the island an octagonal lighthouse brings home that there is nothing between you and Antarctica! The indigo sea is a swirl of coral, rock and foam. At Maha Vishnu devale – a 7th century shrine once pillaged by the Portuguese of its gilded Copper roof...

At Dondra Head, the southern most tip of the island an octagonal lighthouse brings home that there is nothing between you and Antarctica! The indigo sea is a swirl of coral, rock and foam. At Maha Vishnu devale – a 7th century shrine once pillaged by the Portuguese of its gilded Copper roof, a week long Dondra Festival and a full scale Pera Hera venerates God Vishnu with fire-walking and devil-dancing at midnight. Talalla Beach is a mile of picture-postcard crescent around a cove of glassy calm when most beaches have strong winds. An Oz-run restaurant yards from the beach does excellent fusion sea food. After Dickwella where brackish lagoons yield harvests of delicious prawns, the beaches don’t even have names but picking-your-own here means having a whole piece of heaven to yourself! Nilwala Cove this side of Tangalle is enchanting with a reef which provides surf further out and safe swimming within. At Kudawilla, the ferociously noisy Hoom-mane Blowhole spurts a spectacular 60 foot high fountain of water for its Cabaret in June. Villages say when the sea is rough it reaches a height of “three coconut trees”. North of Tangalle is Mulkirigala, a black rock temple thrusting 300 feet into the sky with beautifully preserved murals. In 1826, erstwhile government Agent of Ratnapura, George Turnour discovered ola leaf scripts which unlocked 23 centuries of Lanka’s missing history. On your way back try to visit a citronella distillery.
Bundala Bird Sanctuary (also elephants/crocodile/monkeys) is 75 minutes east of Tangalle but as you approach Hambantota in a white fog of un-mechanised salt pans there is much birdlife; finally holy Kataragama, a pilgrim destination where Muslims, Hindu, Buddhist gather in July after walking the length of the island from Jaffna to venerate Lord Skanda by boldly strolling on burning coals. 

Galle / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa

West of Galle before you hit the bustle and high jink of Hikkaduwa, are perfect, clean, un-peopled beaches between Narigama and Dodanduwa. Right in front of the Fort is Sea Bath. Jungle Beach, the most ruggedly natural, magical place, cannot be easily approached from land due to thick – you...

West of Galle before you hit the bustle and high jink of Hikkaduwa, are perfect, clean, un-peopled beaches between Narigama and Dodanduwa. Right in front of the Fort is Sea Bath. Jungle Beach, the most ruggedly natural, magical place, cannot be easily approached from land due to thick – you guessed it- jungle! But any friendly fisherman will deliver you there for a Robinson Crusoe experience. Unawatuna, the first bay after passing town is still one of the prettiest and great for diving, snorkelling, wave surfing, deep-sea fishing with a Goa-esque flavour; beach cafes and a disco along the strip with a Hindu kovil perching right on the point. Surf-friendly tuk-tuk drivers are invariably surf-bums who can take you with long-boards to surf-idyllic spots such as Midigama and offer valuable coaching to boot. Very useful in Sri Lanka where Life Guards don’t exist and big waves do.

Wijaya beach, 10 kms from Galle with a restaurant tumbling onto the sand is like going down to the pub on a Sunday because all the Brits gather here. A natural lagoon forms a safe paddling pool close to the sun-dozing Mums and there’s a natural Jacuzzi’s amongst the rocks; no locals, so relaxed atmosphere for shy single girls. Talpe is a whole kilometre of wide, undisturbed white sand with a reef, so parts are safe for swimming and others suitable for surf (in season) You can walk till the end of the rainbow and footprints on the sand are quite likely your own.

Galle

Old Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galle Fort itself is still a living monument with a bustling community within the great ramparts, massive bastions, pepper pot towers, while narrow streets display its Dutch heritage with beckoning pillared verandas and fretwork facades. Walkin...

Old Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galle Fort itself is still a living monument with a bustling community within the great ramparts, massive bastions, pepper pot towers, while narrow streets display its Dutch heritage with beckoning pillared verandas and fretwork facades. Walking around is best so you can peep through frangipani filled courtyards at houses, galleries or shops selling antiques, spices, pictures, nouveau-boule and hand-woven sarongs. Boutique hotels in Galle incongruously cheek by jowl with postage-stamp size cafes, so you are never far from a perfect sun-downer. Pondicherri meets Cadaques! But step outside the Citadel, and a different city with a different agenda is the ‘New Galle’ tussling with bustle, noise and chaotic traffic coming in every direction. Keep a hanky close for exhaust fumes or a whiff of Old Delhi can get very much in yer face! Especially at the Dutch Market where fruit and vegetable sellers hawk their wares or the Fish Market where today’s catch is chilling. After the mayhem of the day be sure that wherever there is the greatest view, a veritable gem of architecture secretly sits, glamorous and illusive as an old movie star, meticulously restored from 300-year old merchant’s villa, with cobbled courtyards now transformed into glistening sea-water pools.

The early traders got blown into Serendib’s ancient port by the Trade Winds which acted as shuttle service for Roman, Greek, Arab and Chinese who came and saw and conquered prizes of ‘gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks’. Today’s traveller can use those very same winds to kite-surf. Or deep sea fish, dive, trek to rainforests, see Buddhist temples, explore eco-villages which makes time stand still, promenade on stone ramparts 20 meters thick and let history and legend seep into his bones in “one of the world’s last authentic island destinations”.

VIRGINE WHITE TEA GARDEN

VIRGINE WHITE TEA GARDEN

30 minutes from Galle Fort lies the Handunugoda Tea Estate, perhaps the closest tea plantation in the world to the sea. However, this is not the only thing that makes the Handunugoda Tea Estate special. The estate is known as the Virgin White Tea Factory – it produc...

VIRGINE WHITE TEA GARDEN

30 minutes from Galle Fort lies the Handunugoda Tea Estate, perhaps the closest tea plantation in the world to the sea. However, this is not the only thing that makes the Handunugoda Tea Estate special. The estate is known as the Virgin White Tea Factory – it produces a white tea completely untouched by human hands. The process of tea plucking follows an ancient Chinese Ritual where the choicest of teas were cut by virgins who never touched the tea with their bare skin and offered the resulting produce up as a tribute to the Emperor. Handunugoda mimics this tradition, although these days the ‘virgin’ concept only applies to the tea, not the tea pluckers! This white tea is rich in anti-oxidants and is said to be the healthiest tea in the world. Coincidentally it is also one of the most expensive teas in the world fetching at over 1500 USD per kilo. According to the latest testing Virgin White has an anti-oxidant content of 10.11 percent, which is said to be the highest naturally occurring content of anti-oxidants in any beverage. Marriage Freres which is perhaps one of the world’s most exclusive Tea Salons situated at Faubourg Saint Honore in Central Paris offers its exquisite client Handunugoda’s virgin White tea.

 

Experience Overview

A resident tea planter will meet you and take you around the private paradise of a working tea plantation. The plantation, which lies at sea-level, is the famed Handunugoda Tea Factory founded by Herman Gunaratne. Herman (or a team member) will take you on a private tour of his Virgin White Tea Estate plantations, where you will learn how the famous white tea is plucked and made into one of the best teas in the world. The visit ends with a tasting session and a piece of chocolate cake! There is also a small shop where you can buy Virgin White Tea – and other less expensive options as well.

Galle Articles

Top Galle Tours

$450 Per Day

Miracle Sri Lanka (6 Nights & 7 Days)

Day 01: Airport - Pinnawala - Kandy (112 Kms/3 Hrs)


Welcome to Sri Lanka. On arrival at the airport our representative heartily greets you and transfers you from airport to Kandy via Pinnawala. Pinnawela is an important tourist attraction in Sri Lanka where abandoned, injured and abused elephants are taken care of with dedication and love. Today here you can see the jumbos moving in the spacious elephant orphanage. Today it is an important tourism attraction in Sri Lanka with a foot fall of not just tourists, but researchers and scientists from across the globe are seen here. After a wonderful time with the elephants we move to Kandy the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kandy.

Day 02: Kandy - Peradeniya - Kandy

Enjoy the morning breakfast at leisure. Later we drive on wheel to Peradeniya from Kandy. Peradeniya is an exotic garden built by the Sinhala King. Today it is the national wealth and the garden has great collection of exotic plants, blossoming flowers and herbarium are grown. Later drive to Kandy the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings and today it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kandy holds the cultural beauty and the traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Visit to the picturesque Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala King, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Also visit to Kandy Town and bazaar and enjoy shopping, a gem museum and the art and crafts centre.

Day 03: Kandy - Plantation - Nuwara Eliya (77kms/3 Hrs)

Enjoy heartfelt breakfast at the hotel in Kandy and later visit to the tea plantation and the tea factory to see the processes of manufacturing tea and how the best tea leaves are produced. See all the process how tea is graded, produced and packed. Also enjoy stimulating hot tea made from the world best Ceylon tea in the factory. Later we transfer to Nuwara Eliya the picturesque hill resort in Sri Lanka. Located at an altitude of 1980 metres, Nuwara Eliya is the heart of tea country and produces the best tea leaves in the world. Pidurtalagala the highest?s mountain and the 18 holes golf course in Asia are also located here in Kandy. After a memorable day tour enjoy a cozy overnight stat at the hotel in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04: Nuwara Eliya - Tissamaharama - Yala - Kataragama (120 Kms/3 Hrs)

Have a heartfelt breakfast at the hotel and later we drive you from Nuwara Eliya to Yala via Tissamaharama. Yala is one of the finest national park in Sri Lanka and a premier eco-tourism destination. Make a safari in this largest national park of Sri Lanka and see the wild beast in their natural home. Yala is home to varied species of wild animals like leopard, deers, crocodiles, bears, wild buffaloes, wild boars, wild elephants, porcupines and spotted deers. Also see varied species of birds that include migratory and indigenous birds and commonly found birds in this national park. Later we transfer from Yala to Katatra Gama and later enjoy overnight stay at the Katatra Gama.
Day 05: Kataragama - Galle - Kalutara (125 Kms/3 Hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Katara Gama and later from there we drive you on wheel to Galle. Galle showcases the best example of European architectural styles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here stroll around the Galle Fort spreaded on an area of 90 acres which still preserves the essence of the Dutch charm. Later transfer from Galle to Bentota/Ahungalla. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Bentota / Ahungalla.

Day 06: Bentota - Colombo (64 Kms/2 Hrs)

After a heartfelt breakfast the hotel in Bentota/Ahungalla, we transfer you to Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Enjoy the city tour of Colombo and visit to some of the oldest building in the city and the modern skyscrapers changing the look of Colombo. Also visit to the 100 years old clock tower, colonial building, Hindu and Buddhist temple and Bandaranakike Memorial International Conference Hall. Later enjoy shopping in the Pettah Bazaar and take home some specialties of Sri Lanka and Colombo. After a glorious day tour, enjoy cozy overnight stay at the hotel in Colombo.

Day 07: Colombo - Airport (40 Kms/1hr)

Enjoy the morning breakfast at leisure. Relax for some time and later we transfer your from Colombo to Airport to board flight for way back home or onwards journey. In this way your memorable tour to Sri Lanka comes to an end.

$50 Per Day

Five Days Tours

Tour 1

DAY 01 – Airport / Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Kandy

Pick up from the Colombo Airport and depart to Dambulla. En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage(74 km’s from Airport).

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Ticket Counter opens at 08.30 a.m. And You see little baby elephants roaming within the 25 acre land as you enter the premises. Each day 76kg of green matter & a mixture of Rice & Maize around 2kg is been given to each of these giants. The Orphanage provides care to the Baby Elephants who had lost their parents in Jungles due to killing by farmers to protect their crops or by falling into pits.

This was established in 1975 and approximately comprise with 90 elephants which are 39 males and 51 females.

Daily Schedule

  • 08.30 – Opening/ 09.15, 13.15 & 17.00 – Bottle Feeding
  • 10.00 & 14.00 – Herd goes to the river for 02 hour bath
  • 17.30 – Ticket Counter Closes
  • 18.00 – Orphanage Closes

Overnight stay at Kandy.

DAY 02 –  Kandy

After breakfast explore the last kingdom of Ceylon.

Kandy Tooth Temple

The complex is enshrined with the left canine tooth of the Buddha which is held in highest esteem. The difficulty of completing this Site is easy and it would take approximately 2 hours to complete.

Folk Show

The Folk Show depicts the rich culture which Sri Lanka resembles within 1 hour and during this time you could witness 12 different Folk dances and a fire walking ceremony.

Overnight stay at Kandy. 

DAY 03 – Kandy / Galle

After breakfast depart to Galle. 

Galle Fort

Constructed in 17th century the Galle Dutch Fort is among one of the best preserved forts in South Asia. The site is in abundance with Colonial Villas and the main tourist attractions are the Dutch Reformed Church, Museum & the Clock Tower.

Overnight stay at Galle.

DAY 04 – Galle / Bentota

Breakfast at the hotel in Galle depart to Bentota.

Moonstone Mines

Meetiyagoda a village near Ambalangoda town you could pay a visit to these mines where you could observe the mining process of this precious stone by going down into the deep into the narrow shafts. The moonstones are only concentrated into an area of one acre of land in Meetiyagoda.

Ambalangoda Mask Museum

Masks are of Sri Lankan tradition running deep into centuries they are hand carved with intricate ex cogitation and painted in vivacious manner which resemble the culture which was passed down to generations. The museum explicate the travelers the tedious process which is behind the scenes to produce such masks and their significance.

Island Hopping Madu River

Madu River is a lagoon which comprise with hundreds of islets which is located in southwest coast Balapitiya. During this compact tour you could witness an Old Buddhist Monastery, how local inhabitants carry out their occupations by Cinnamon cultivation and prawn fishing. The tour would consume approximately 2 hours.

Turtle Hatchery

The Sea Turtle Conservation Project was initiated in 1988 and here the hatchery pays fishermen for turtle eggs and buries them in the sand and upon completion of 50 days Baby Turtles would hatched and released to sea at night. However only one out of thousand would survive to maturity.

Overnight stay at Bentota.

DAY 05 – Bentota / Negombo

After breakfast depart to Negombo.

Negombo a small town by the west coast within close proximity to the Airport is a Fishing Village. Local made Catamarans could be witnessed sailing in the far distance which would be a unforgettable rare view.
Dutch Fort and the Canal are significant as they are the key aspects to testify the presence of the Dutch during late 16thCentury.

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Negombo.

DAY 06 – Negombo / Airport

Depart to Colombo Airport with delightful memories.

Tour 2

Day 01 – Airport / Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage / Dambulla

Pick up from the Colombo Airport and depart to Dambulla. En route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage(74 km’s from Airport).

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Ticket Counter opens at 08.30 a.m. And You see little baby elephants roaming within the 25 acre land as you enter the premises. Each day 76kg of green matter & a mixture of Rice & Maize around 2kg is been given to each of these giants. The Orphanage provides care to the Baby Elephants who had lost their parents in Jungles due to killing by farmers to protect their crops or by falling into pits.

This was established in 1975 and approximately comprise with 90 elephants which are 39 males and 51 females.

Daily Schedule

  • 08.30 – Opening
  • 09.15, 13.15 & 17.00 – Bottle Feeding
  • 10.00 & 14.00 – Herd goes to the river for 02 hour bath
  • 17.30 – Ticket Counter Closes
  • 18.00 – Orphanage Closes

Upon completion depart to Dambulla.

Dambulla Golden Cave Temples

The climbing difficulty is moderate and it would take around 2.00 hours to climb up and down and it towers 160m over the surrounding plains. As you enter the site you see a 30m high gigantic Buddha Statue with Dhamma Chakka Posture. The history of this complex dates back to 1st Century B.C. and there are five caves which contains amazing drawings and which is unique to this era.

Overnight stay at Dambulla.

Day 02 – Dambulla / Sigiriya / Kandy

Breakfast at the Hotel & depart to Sigiriya.

Sigiriya

A rock which stands up as a lone sentinel from the surrounding plane and on its summit is a royal palace. It is 200m in height and there are 1200 steps which would consume 3 hours to complete the whole site. On its rock walls fifth century paintings and the mirror wall is scribbled with ancient poetry.

Upon completion depart to Kandy.

Kandy Tooth Temple

The complex is enshrined with the left canine tooth of the Buddha which is held in highest esteem. The difficulty of completing this Site is easy and it would take approximately 2 hours to complete.

Folk Show

The Folk Show depicts the rich culture which Sri Lanka resembles within 1 hour and during this time you could witness 12 different Folk dances and a fire walking ceremony.

Overnight stay at Kandy.

Day 03 – Kandy / Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast at the Hotel & depart to Nuwara Eliya. En route view beautiful landscapings & water falls and visit a functioning Tea Factory with its vast Tea Estate.

City Tour in Nuwara Eliya

Visit Golf Course, Race Course, Gregories Lake & Victoria Park as per guests interest.

Seetha Amman Temple
This is the only Seetha Temple in the world and is situated in the exact point where Seetha was held captive by Rawana.

Hakgala Botanical Gardens
The famous botanical gardens was established in 1861 and it was once a experimentation & promotion center for Cinchona cultivation. In 1884 this center was transformed to a garden and different species of Orchids & Roses are visible.

Overnight stay at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04 – Horton Plains / Yala

Early morning visit Horton Plains National Park.

Horton Plains

Get into a jeep around 5.00 a.m. from Nuwaraeliya to reach the Park entrance and thereafter the 3 hour trek begins. During the 9.5km trek one could witness The Small Worlds End, Big Worlds End, Bakers Falls & Chimney Pool.

Depart to Yala en route take a break at Ella Town if interested.

Overnight stay at Yala.

Day 05 – Yala / Mirissa

Early morning Full Day Game Safari at Yala National Park. One of the foremost National Parks in Sri Lanka where you could witness Leopards, Elephants, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Wild Water Buffalo & Crocodiles etc. You would be able to roam around the park leisurely for 10 to 12 hours while having the lunch and refreshments inside the park it self.

Upon completion depart to Mirissa.

Overnight stay at Mirissa.

Day 06 – Whale Watching / Galle / Negombo Beach Hotel or Colombo Airport

Whale Watching

Though now the activity is doable through out the year the main season is from November to April. Indian Ocean is renowned for Blue whales, Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, sometimes Killer whales, and Common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins and Striped dolphins. The boat leaves the coast around 7.00 a.m. And the tour would consume around 4 Hours.

Galle Fort

Constructed in 17th century the Galle Dutch Fort is among one of the best preserved forts in South Asia. The site is in abundance with Colonial Villas and the main tourist attractions are the Dutch Reformed Church, Museum & the Clock Tower.

Depart to Colombo Airport or to a hotel in Negombo as per departure.

$39 Per Day

Private Tours - Make Your Own Itinerary, Visit the Places in your Interest

Your Own Itinerary, Your Own Interest

Private Tours to any part of the country. Visiting the places on your choice, you choose the places and attractions,
Maximum 10 hours per day, minimum 02 paying guests.

If you need any assistance or special itineraries, Please DO NOT hesitate to contact me any time.

 

Tour Inclusions:

Vehicle + English Speaking Driver Cum Guide

 

Tour Exclusions:

* Accommodation

* Entry Tickets.

* Personal Expenses (Meals, Refreshments and etc.....)

* Tips