Embark on an unforgettable journey from Galle, exploring hidden temples, fascinating snake farms, and breathtaking coastlines. Discover the awe-inspiring Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya and the world’s first tunnel temple, Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya. Experience the cultural significance of the Matara Snake Farm before capping off your adventure with stunning ocean views at the Japanese Peace Pagoda. This tour promises to immerse you in Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and natural beauty. What awaits around the next corner?

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Key Points

Explore the 18th-century Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya, featuring a colossal 160-foot seated Buddha statue, the largest in Sri Lanka.
Experience the Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya, a unique underground tunnel temple with a 130-foot Buddha statue.
Discover the ancient practice of ayurvedic snake medicine at the Matara Snake Farm.
Visit the ancestral home of renowned Sri Lankan author Martin Wickramasinghe and learn about the country’s cultural heritage.
Enjoy the stunning ocean views and serene atmosphere of the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya

The tour begins at the Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya, an 18th-century temple featuring a colossal 160-foot seated Buddha statue, the largest in Sri Lanka.

Visitors are awestruck by the immense scale of the figure, which dominates the temple’s interior. The site also showcases life-sized models depicting devils, demons, and sinners, providing insight into Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions and beliefs.

Guests have an hour to explore the temple’s intricate architecture and learn about its historical significance from the knowledgeable guide before moving on to the next stop on the tour.

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Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya

After exploring the colossal Buddha statue at the Wewurukannala temple, the tour then heads to the Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya.

Known as the first tunnel temple in the world, this 130-foot Buddha statue resides within an underground chamber.

Visitors can walk through the dimly lit tunnel and marvel at the serene figure carved into the rock.

The temple’s unique architecture and ancient Buddhist artwork provide a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

The temple’s unique architecture and ancient Buddhist artwork offer a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy.

With its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance, the Weherahena temple offers an immersive experience for those seeking to delve deeper into the island’s spiritual traditions.

Matara Snake Farm

From the tranquil temple grounds, the tour proceeds to the Matara Snake Farm, where visitors can learn about the ancient practice of ayurvedic snake medicine. At the farm, guides provide insight into the medicinal uses of snake venom and demonstrate handling various reptiles. Guests have the opportunity to get up close with cobras, pythons, and other serpents in a safe, controlled environment. The visit offers a unique cultural experience, shedding light on this traditional Sri Lankan practice.

| Snake Species | Medicinal Use |

| — | — |

| Cobra | Pain relief |

| Python | Skin conditions |

| Viper | Arthritis treatment |

| Coral Snake | Immune system boost |

| Krait | Anti-venom production |

Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum

Guests explore the ancestral home of influential Sri Lankan author Martin Wickramasinghe at the Folk Museum. They’ll learn about the writer’s life and work through exhibits showcasing his personal belongings, traditional furnishings, and cultural artifacts.

The museum provides insights into Sri Lankan heritage, customs, and the inspiration behind Wickramasinghe’s literary creations. Visitors wander through the historic property, gaining a deeper understanding of the renowned author and his enduring impact on the country’s arts and literature.

This stop offers a fascinating cultural experience complementing the day’s temple and nature sights.

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Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda offers stunning ocean views while promoting peace among all races and creeds. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and learn about the temple’s mission of fostering unity. An optional fee is required to access the pagoda, but it’s worth the experience.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Height | 50 feet |

| Materials | White marble |

| Purpose | Promote peace and harmony |

| Views | Panoramic ocean vistas |

The tour provides a unique opportunity to explore this iconic shrine and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery.

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Transportation and Pickup

To ensure a seamless experience, the tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transport and complimentary pickup from hotels located within a 5-kilometer radius of Galle Fort.

The pickup service offers the following advantages:

Convenient door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own travel.
Time-saving, as the guide handles all logistical arrangements.
Comfortable travel in a climate-controlled vehicle.
Personalized attention, with the guide coordinating pickup times and locations.
Inclusive pricing, with no additional charges for the pickup service.

Inclusions and What to Bring

The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience. Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and have their entrance fees covered at all sites. An English-speaking chauffeur guide will accompany the group, and a complimentary 1-liter bottle of mineral water is provided. All taxes and service charges are included in the price. To make the most of the tour, visitors should bring the following:

| What to Bring | What Not to Bring |

|—————|——————-|

| Passport or ID | Pets |

| Comfortable shoes | Luggage or large bags |

| Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen | |

The tour offers insight into Sri Lankan culture, art, and snake-charming traditions along the stunning coastline.

Important Information and Additional Notes

While itineraries are subject to change, the tour is designed to provide insight into local Sri Lankan culture, art, and snake-charming traditions.

To ensure a comfortable experience, visitors are advised to bring the following:

Passport or ID
Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses and sun hat
Sunscreen

Pets and large bags aren’t permitted on the tour.

Plus, please be aware that the Japanese Peace Pagoda site requires an extra fee.

Common Questions

What Are the Tour Start and End Times?

The tour starts and ends in Galle, with a duration of 8 hours. The exact start and end times are not provided, but the tour includes hotel pickup within 5 km of Galle Fort.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites?

Photography is generally allowed at the tour sites, but visitors should check with their guide for any restrictions. Some sites may have additional fees or rules for taking photographs.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Point?

Participants can leave the tour group at any point, but they’ll be responsible for their own transportation and entrance fees for the remaining sites. The tour provider recommends staying with the group to get the full experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no option to extend the duration of the 8-hour tour. However, travelers can request customized itineraries if they’d like to spend more time at certain sites or add additional stops along the way.

Will There Be Any Stops for Food and Refreshments?

The tour doesn’t explicitly include stops for food and refreshments, but the 8-hour duration suggests there may be opportunities for participants to purchase their own meals and drinks along the way. Travelers should plan accordingly.

The Sum Up

This journey from Galle offers a captivating blend of ancient temples, cultural experiences, and breathtaking natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture of Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya, explore the unique Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya, and learn about the medicinal uses of snake venom at the Matara Snake Farm. The tour culminates with the serene Japanese Peace Pagoda, providing a harmonious end to this unforgettable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: