Colombo Trip Overview
Pearl of Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is famous for its small islands, picturesque beaches and plethora of activities associated with the water that includes whale watching, snorkeling, surfing and others. This two days tour includes most attractive and popular itineraries in Galle and Mirissa. Situated on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the city of Galle and Mirissa are the go-to destinations for many travelers on this marvelous island. With its beautiful collection of Dutch colonial buildings and rocky coastline, Galle exudes charm and sophistication as well as a unique cultural identity, shaped by centuries of different influences. Visit a turtle hatchery, experience the beauty of old dutch colonial buildings, visit the Maritime archaeological museum and Go on an exciting whale watching boat safari in Mirissa.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Pearl of Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is famous for its small islands, picturesque beaches and plethora of activities associated with the water that includes whale watching, snorkeling, surfing and others. This two days tour includes most attractive and popular itineraries in Galle and Mirissa. Situated on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, the city of Galle and Mirissa are the go-to destinations for many travelers on this marvelous island. With its beautiful collection of Dutch colonial buildings and rocky coastline, Galle exudes charm and sophistication as well as a unique cultural identity, shaped by centuries of different influences. Visit a turtle hatchery, experience the beauty of old dutch colonial buildings, visit the Maritime archaeological museum and Go on an exciting whale watching boat safari in Mirissa.
Itinerary
Day 1: Negombo – Galle
Stop At: Kosgoda Turtle Care, Kosgoda Sri Lanka
The Turtle Care Centre at Kosgoda beach is one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The centre is located in the South Western coastal village of Kosgoda and was establised in 1981. It is also very popular as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. This is not so with many of the other hatcheries around the island whose beaches host only some of the species. The center functions mainly as a hatchery and makes huge efforts to increase the rate of hatching, and survival of baby turtles in their very initial stages. However the Care center also works on sick or injured adults; treating them and releasing them back into the ocean. They also run volunteer programs and awareness programs for local and international visitors.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Fort, or Dutch Fort as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portuguese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the late 16th century, were quite basic. However the fort underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it one of the most important archaeological, architectural and historic monuments to illustrate the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. According to a statement by UNESCO the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site 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 which is the criterion number four for such recognition.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Maritime Archeology Museum, Queens Street Galle Fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
Maritime Museum is the only museum which aware the public on marine biological and anthropological aspects of Southern coastal area. It is located in the old Dutch ware house of the fort of Galle, built in 1671. The museum was open to the public on 9th May 1992. The first gallery depicts the types of watercrafts used in passenger transport and maritime trading in Southern Sri Lanka. The traditional life style of fishing communities and such fishing techniques are displayed with attractive models and replicas. The second Gallery is focused on marine eco systems and their flora and fauna. Models of mangroves, sea shore plants, turtles, sea birds and marine mammals are displayed with their taxonomic details. Specimens of corals, marine shells and some invertebrates can be observed in the exhibition while a large skeleton of a Whale mounted in the roof giving you a wonderful experience. The Maritime Museum is serving as a center of education for various groups of visitors and researchers of Southern region.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Dutch Reformed Church, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Dutch Reformed Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. It has beautiful honeycomb style floors inside, and has a startling collection of stone carved tombstones worked into the floors and the garden. Located within a historic fort on a hill overlooking Colombo, Dutch Reformed Church serves as a reminder of the Dutch rule in Ceylon and appeals to anyone interested in Sri Lankan colonial history. Built in 1749, the church features a simple interior with wooden chairs and benches. If you prefer to stay outdoors during your visit, walk through the church cemetery, where you can see many tombstones with well-preserved epitaphs.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Hospital St Old Hospital Bldg, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Dutch Hospital is small but super nice. It’s a beautifully restored colonial building with a great and growing selection of places to eat, drink and shop. Dutch Hospital is one of the structures, which is left off of the Colonialisation period of Sri Lanka. Although it very hard to pinpoint the exact time period as to when the Dutch Hospital was built. As per the records of Christopher Schweitzer, a German national under the Dutch services, it is stated that the Dutch Hospital was established by 1681. This building complex was initially designed for the purposes of being used as an infirmary to the personals of Dutch East India Company and the Soldiers. The Old Dutch hospital was converted to a touristy shopping complex in the year 2011, with the aim of boosting tourism. The Arcade premises now hold pubs, bars, exquisite dining options and some of the high end local brands.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Galle
Day 2: Galle – Mirissa – Negombo
Stop At: Whale Watching Mirissa – Whale Horizon, Harbour Road, Mirissa 81740, Sri Lanka
Whale watching in Sri Lanka is one of the most unique and interesting water related activities you can do during your holiday tour in Mirissa Sri Lanka. The warm Indian Ocean of the southern Sri Lanka is the best place to spot a wide variety of whales & dolphins. There are believed to be around 26 different species of whales traversing this region such as Blue whales, Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, sometimes Killer whales and also includes the well loved dolphin like common dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins and striped dolphins. The south tip of Sri Lanka is the easiest place to see blue whales in a very short time. And especially Mirissa & Weligama areas are the well known spotting places of the blue whales in the entire world. Sperm whales, right whales, killer whales, whale sharks, turtles, and kinds of dolphins also spotted in this part of the island all around the year.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
