Galle fort and Bentota Day Tour from Colombo

Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning cities, but covering the highlights in a single day can prove challenging without private transportation. Ideal for travelers short on time, this full-day, small-group excursion from Colombo includes door-to-door transfers. Visit a turtle hatchery, sail along the Madu River (own expense), and tick off top historical sights like the Galle Fort Lighthouse and Clock Tower.

1. 1

   Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project

   1 hour

   The Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery is a non - profitable organization which is maintained for the survival of Sea Turtles for the next generation. The "Turtle Farm" is situated in Habaraduwa near to the beautiful beach. That is 5m from the Galle - Matara main road. The center was started in 1986 and have released more than 500,000 sea turtles to the ocean.

2. 2

   Madu River Safari by Buddhi

   2 hours

   In the Southern region of Sri Lanka lays the Galle district. Balapitiya is a little town in the district and would be quite unimportant; except for the location of a river. The Madu River is very rich in biodiversity. It passes through the wet zone of Sri Lanka opening up into the large Madu Lagoon on its way to the Indian Ocean.

3. 3

   Galle Fort Lighthouse

   1 hour

   The Galle lighthouse is situated inside the landmark Galle Fort. It is built seven meters above the road on the ramparts. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station dating back to 1848, but the original lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1934. It was rebuilt at the current height of 26m. The light station is within the walls of the ancient Galle fort, a UNESCO world heritage site and well known tourist attraction, making this the countries most often visited lighthouse. (Combines with Galle fort)

4. 4

   Maritime Archeology Museum

   30 min

   The National Maritime Museum of Galle is chock-full of nautical and marine marvels, dug up from the sea and showcased here. Galle has always been a major harbor, visited by ships and traders from across the globe for several millennia. As such it did not escape the clutches of the Dutch traders who put profit before all else.

5. 5

   Galle Fort Clock Tower

   30 min

   The Galle Clock Tower is a four story tall stone monument hailing from the late 19th century. It was built within the ramparts of the Galle Fort on the site of the previous guardroom, overlooking one of the three bastions of the fort. While the aged clock tower is a great monument to photograph, it will take some skilful manoeuvring due to the extreme angle close by. Hence it might be better to photograph it from the Moon Bastion which the tower faces.( combines with Galle fort)

6. 6

   Dutch Reformed Church

   30 min

   Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy.( combines with Galle fort)

7. 7

   Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

   30 min

   Located in Galle, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct as the name would suggest is a shopping mall located in a beautifully restored colonial building originally built during the Dutch occupation. It has a constantly growing selection of places to eat, drink or shop. There are fabulous bay views from its upper balcony.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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