Colombo Trip Overview
Galle is a jewel. Perched on the coast close to the island’s southernmost point, the venerable port of Galle (pronounced “Gaul”) has grown from ancient origins into Sri Lanka’s fourth largest city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore , an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Galle city is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.The lighthouse with the backdrop of the Indian Ocean is a perfect photo opportunity. The white tower, green palm trees and blue water, delight for the eyes!
• Travel comfortably with a driver-guide
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off
• Admire the mind blowing views
Additional Info
Duration: 12 to 14 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Galle is a jewel. Perched on the coast close to the island’s southernmost point, the venerable port of Galle (pronounced “Gaul”) has grown from ancient origins into Sri Lanka’s fourth largest city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore , an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Galle city is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.The lighthouse with the backdrop of the Indian Ocean is a perfect photo opportunity. The white tower, green palm trees and blue water, delight for the eyes!
• Travel comfortably with a driver-guide
• Enjoy personalized attention on a private tour
• Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off
• Admire the mind blowing views
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, 13A Galle Road, Kosgoda 80570 Sri Lanka
Want to find out information about Sri Lanka’s pioneering sea turtle conservation project? Why Sri Lanka is a prime turtle nesting site? Why the conservation project is needed and how the project is operated by local people with the help of international volunteers? This program, which started in 1988, aims to conserve local nesting sites, which are endangered by humans and predators, as well as monitoring the diminishing sea turtle activity in the area. This is an educational experience that shows you why conservation of turtle species is required, the impacts of plastic in our oceans etc. You see at close hand a number of turtle species, day old turtle hatchlings. This project aims to help protect the five types of sea turtles found around Sri Lanka by collecting newly-laid eggs, hatching them and raising the turtles to one month of age before releasing them locally.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Community Tsunami Museum, Galle Rd, Hikkaduwa 80240 Sri Lanka
In the midst of relaxing on beautiful beaches, eating seafood etc a visit to the community tsunami museum is a reminder of recent tragedy and the rebuilding of Hikkaduwa. Community Tsunami Museum is aimed educating communities on Tsunami and preserves the memories of 2004 Tsunami. This museum will take you a touching journey through science and history of 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. The tour starts with geological explanations, describing how tsunamis occur, how they are measured, and what warning systems can do to minimize the damage when one does strike. You’ll continue on to see photographs of the area after the tsunami, giving you a sense of how the disaster affected Sri Lanka, and how people banded together to repair the damage across the island. Read the stories of people who survived and get a sense of the true horrors of this tragedy. One cannot miss this if one wants to understand and feel the tragedy of tsunami
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Galle Fort Lighthouse, Rampart Street Galle Fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
This is the historical landmarks in Galle, since the colonial era of Portuguese and Dutch in 16th century and 18th century respectively. Fort Galle is one of five historic sites of Sri Lanka, a UNESCO world heritage site. Therefore, it is absolutely mandatory place to visit, especially if you stay on the southern beaches. This is the largest fortress in Asia built by Europeans. The Lighthouse marks & protects the entry into Galle port & is a relic of the Portuguese & Dutch occupations and is good point of interest in Galle Fort. Galle Fort Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation. It has been listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There is a nearby beach front to enjoy the sea breeze and sea view. Visit during morning or evening is a better choice to avoid the scorching sun in the afternoon. There are some trees where visitor can stay under shades in the afternoon
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Hospital St Old Hospital Bldg, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
A centuries-old space that once housed the sick and tired of the Dutch East India Company, the barracks of British troops, and the office of the government agent is now a plush shopping offering leading local and global brands, entertainment and victuals to the travelers who flock to the Galle Dutch Fort to celebrate its history as a potpourri of cultures. The Galle Dutch Hospital, remains to date at the historical Dutch Fort as a structure that emanates a truly unique architectural character and charm, even amidst destruction. As one of its latest projects the Urban Development Authority has initiated the refurbishment of the old Galle Dutch Hospital, transforming it into a striking new shopping complex. This union of old world charm and modern sophistication will house 21 exclusive stores featuring world renowned brands that offer a unique collection of products including handicrafts, paintings, spices and jewellery coupled with a wide offering of restaurants and cafes.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna Sri Lanka
Unawatuna is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Sri Lanka and is the most “famous” beach in the country. It is a lovely banana-shaped beach of golden sand and turquoise water, surrounded by green palm trees! The wide stretched beaches offer some good swimming and a part of the beach is occupied with sun beds to rent. At the west end of the beach, there are some rocks and stairs that lead up to a small hill with a pagoda and a big Buddha statue. It’s a nice little walk with a beautiful view overlooking the beach.
Duration: 2 hours
