Galle Day Tour

The Galle Day Tour offers an intriguing opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Departing from Colombo, this 12-hour excursion promises a day filled with captivating experiences, from a serene boat safari on the Madu River to a visit to a cinnamon garden and the iconic Galle Fort. With an expert guide, travelers can explore the region’s fascinating history and traditions, making this tour a must-consider for anyone seeking an immersive taste of Sri Lanka.

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Key Points

A 12-hour excursion from Colombo to Galle, priced from $54.00 per person, with hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, and a bottle of water included.
Highlights include a boat safari on Madu River, a visit to a cinnamon garden, and sightseeing in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort.
The itinerary includes a 30-minute photo stop in Bentota, a 45-minute boat safari, and a 30-minute sightseeing tour in Galle Fort.
Explore the natural and cultural highlights of Galle, such as mangrove forests, traditional fishing methods, and Dutch-colonial architecture.
Additional experiences include visiting a turtle hatchery, exploring artisanal shops and galleries, and learning about cinnamon cultivation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Galle Day Tour is a 12-hour excursion that takes visitors from Colombo to explore the historic city of Galle and its surrounding areas.

Priced from $54.00 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and a bottle of water.

Highlights include a boat safari on the Madu River, a visit to a cinnamon garden, and sightseeing in Galle Fort.

Entrance fees for the Madu River boat safari and Turtle Hatchery are extra.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour allows flexibility and the option to pay later.

Looking for more options in Galle? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

The Galle Day Tour begins with pickup from Colombo, followed by a 30-minute journey to Bentota for a photo stop. Next, the tour heads to Madu Ganga, where travelers embark on a 45-minute boat safari, explore the surroundings, and stop for sightseeing. The tour then continues to Galle, with a 30-minute visit to explore the historic Galle Fort and its sights. Finally, the tour returns to Colombo, a 2.5-hour drive.

| Itinerary | Duration |

| — | — |

| Pickup from Colombo | – |

| Travel to Bentota | 30 minutes |

| Madu Ganga (boat safari, sightseeing) | 45 minutes |

| Galle (visit, sightseeing) | 30 minutes |

| Return to Colombo | 2.5 hours |

Highlights

Explore Galle Fort and its picturesque surroundings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past.

Take a boat safari on the serene Madu River, home to mangrove forests and diverse wildlife.

Visit a cinnamon garden and sample the high-quality spice that’s a signature of the region.

Observe traditional fishing methods along the coast, a fascinating insight into the local way of life.

This day tour provides a well-rounded experience, allowing you to learn about Galle’s natural and cultural highlights.

Inclusions

This day tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a shared vehicle, along with an English-speaking chauffeur/guide to accompany you throughout the journey.

The tour also provides:

A complimentary bottle of water to keep you hydrated, as well as entrance fees for the Madu River boat safari and Turtle Hatchery.

A complimentary bottle of water to keep you hydrated.
Entrance fees for the Madu River boat safari, which costs $30 for solo travelers or $25 per person for groups of 2 or more.
Entrance to the Turtle Hatchery, which is $10 per person.

Plus, tips are recommended for the excellent service provided during the tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Madu Ganga Boat Safari

After visiting the highlights in Bentota, the tour heads to the Madu Ganga, a tranquil lagoon system that’s home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.

Guests embark on a 45-minute boat safari, providing a unique opportunity to observe the area’s natural wonders. They’ll see traditional fishing methods, spot wildlife, and take in the serene surroundings.

It’s a chance to take in the local ecosystem and culture. The boat safari is included in the tour price, with solo travelers paying $30 and groups of 2 or more paying $25 per person.

There's plenty more to explore in Galle

Galle Fort and Surroundings

As the tour arrives in Galle, guests are able to explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive 17th-century Dutch-colonial architecture.

The tour allows time to:

Wander the fort’s ancient ramparts and cobblestone streets, taking in the captivating mix of colonial and local influences.
Visit the Dutch Reformed Church, one of the oldest Protestant churches in South Asia, with its unique architectural features.
Discover artisanal shops, cafes, and galleries showcasing the region’s vibrant arts and crafts scene.

The Galle Fort experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture.

Cinnamon Garden and Sampling

The tour then takes guests to a cinnamon garden, where they have the opportunity to learn about the cultivation and processing of this iconic Sri Lankan spice. Visitors explore the fragrant fields, witnessing the intricate steps involved in harvesting and preparing cinnamon. They observe the skilled workers carefully peeling the bark, drying the rolls, and sorting the final product. Afterward, guests are invited to sample the freshly harvested cinnamon, savoring its unique aroma and flavor.

| Cinnamon Cultivation | Process |

| — | — |

| Planting | Harvesting |

| Pruning | Peeling |

| Irrigation | Drying |

| Fertilizing | Sorting |

| Weeding | Packaging |

Traditional Fishing Methods

On the Galle Day Tour, visitors witness the traditional fishing methods employed along the coastline.

They observe fishermen:

Using small, wooden boats called ‘oruva’ to navigate the waters.
Deploying intricate fishing nets made of natural fibers to catch a variety of marine life.
Utilizing time-honored techniques passed down through generations, such as the use of bamboo poles and hand-crafted hooks.

These traditional practices provide a glimpse into the rich maritime heritage of the region and offer a unique cultural experience for tour participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?

The tour uses a shared vehicle for transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off. The English-speaking chauffeur/guide accompanies the group throughout the day’s activities, providing transportation and guidance during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Elderly?

The tour appears suitable for children and elderly as it includes hotel pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and reasonable walking. However, the duration and boat activity may pose challenges for some less mobile participants.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, travelers can customize the tour itinerary to their preferences. The tour operator is typically flexible and willing to accommodate special requests, like adding or removing certain activities, adjusting the duration, or modifying the pickup/drop-off locations.

Are Any Meals Included in the Tour Package?

The tour package doesn’t include any meals. It only covers transportation, the English-speaking guide, and entrance fees to the specified attractions. Travelers will need to arrange their own meals during the tour.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group or Just Myself?

The tour can be booked for private groups or individual travelers. Customers can reserve their spot and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

The Galle Day Tour offers an excellent way to take in the natural and cultural wonders of Sri Lanka. With its scenic boat safari, historic fort, and cinnamon garden, the tour provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for visitors. At just $54.00 per person, it’s an affordable and convenient option for those seeking to explore the southern coast of the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: