Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Private Day Trip

Overview

Travel to Galle with ease by opting for a private guided tour. You won’t have to worry about booking transfers as hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Enjoy the company of a private guide who provides fascinating commentary along the way. Sights you'll visit include the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Galle and its fortifications, the Dutch Reformed Church, The National Maritime Museum, a Buddhist temple in Bentota, and much more. Walk along the ramparts and cobblestone pathways that crisscross the Dutch Fort of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit a mask factory in the coastal town of Ambalangoda and take a memorable boat ride on the Madu River of Balapitiya, finishing at a turtle hatchery. You’ll learn about Sri Lankan culture and nature from a knowledgeable guide along the way.

Itinerary

1. Galle Dutch Fort

   You will be picked up from your hotel in Negombo, Colombo, Bentota, Beruwela or Galle and then transfer to visit Dutch Fort of Galle. The fort is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, thanks to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

   · 30 min

2. Galle Dutch Fort

   Galle Fort in Sri Lanka : A UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 archeological, 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. Some important monuments are : 1. The Dutch Reformed Church (Groote Kerk) which was built in 1640 with its historic belfry built in 1707. The bell rang every hour in its hayday. There are also other antiques to be seen within the church. 2. The 17th century New Orient Hotel which was once the exclusive use of the Dutch Governor and his staff before it was converted to a hotel in 1865. It is now a modernized franchise of Aman Resorts, and called Amangalla. 3. The old Dutch Government House. 4. The Residence of the Commander. 5. The National Maritime Museum which was once the Great Warehouse built in the 17th century by the Dutch to store spices and ship equipment. 6. The Old Dutch Hospital. 7. Meera Mosque built in 1904. 8. The Buddhist temple which was once the site of the Portuguese Roman Catholic church. 9. The All Saints Anglican church built in 1871. 10. The Clock Tower built in 1882 and the Galle Lighthouse mentioned above. 11. Some of the streets still retain the original Colonial Era names such as the Moorish Pedlar Street or ‘Moorse Kramerstraat’, Lighthouse Street or ‘Zeeburgstraat’or ‘Middelpuntstraat’ named after the lighthouse destroyed in 1936, Hospital Street, where the Dutch Hospital, the House of the Surgeon and the Medical Gardens are, Leyn Baan Street or ‘Leyenbahnstraat’, Old Rope-Walk Street where coir rope was created, Parawa Street, Chando Street and Church street.

   · 3 h

3. Ariyapala Mask Museum

   Next stop is Ambalangoda, known for its exquisite collection of native masks, carved throughout the generations of professional carvers from the region. Don's miss the variety of masks available for sale, as the current productions are more garish and vibrant in colour.

   · 30 min

4. Madu River Safari by Buddhi

   Head towards Madu Ganga for a Boat Ride. you can discover the unique beauty of Maduganga River on a boat trip. A relatively unspoiled lagoon, the Maduganga estuary is a 915-hectare complex coastal wetland ecosystem that opens to the Indian Ocean. You will be taken inside the Lagoon to show how ancient people earned through their bussiness also you can have some fish therapies

   · 1 h· Admission not included

5. Kosgoda Turtle Care

   Late afternoon, you will visit a Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda. Here, these almost-extinct turtles are breed and cared for. extinct from Sri Lanka. Visitors can see the new born turtles and even be a part of the process of releasing them in the sea. You will be taken back to your hotel at the end of the tour.

   · 1 h· Admission not included

Pickup

Pickup included.

All Hotels in Colombo All Hotels in Negombo All Hotels in Bentota

How to use your ticket

What to know before you go

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

Reviews

Product code: 104893P49

Activity offered by KINGFISHER TOURS SRI LANKA via Viator.