Excursion Galle's gems - the fort & madu river tour at Colombo

Explore the medieval history, abundant waterways, and flora and fauna of Sri Lanka during this panoramic, full-day excursion to Galle.

Colombo, Galle, Traditional Stilt Fishermen

Your tour begins with a scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Galle. Formerly known as Gimhathiththa, Galle dates from the early-16th century, and was once the main seaport of the island of Sri Lanka, from which King Solomon traded in ivory, peacocks and other valuables. Upon arrival, catch a glimpse of one of Sri Lanka's iconic scenes, the traditional stilt fishermen of the southern coast.

Galle Fort, Old Gates, Rampart, Dutch Church, Free Time in Galle, Shopping and Exploring

Next, drive to the Galle Fort, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter through the old gates, explore the walled city on-foot and walk on the ramparts, which offer a spectacular view of Galle. Originally built by the Portuguese, the Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th-century Colonial fortifications in the world. Afterward, a visit is made to the Dutch Church. Built in 1755, the church is an excellent model of Dutch-Colonial architecture, and the oldest Protestant Church still in use in Sri Lanka. Its interior features about 20 heavily-embossed and engraved gravestones, an organ loft with a lovely semi-circular balustrade, and the pulpit's enormous canopy. Following your tour, some free time is made to explore the surrounding area, and browse the local shops offering a variety of antiques, jewellery and handicrafts.

Lunch, Madu Ganga River Cruise, Flora and Fauna, Local Lifestyles, Old Sri Lankan Temple

After lunch at the Aamari Galle Hotel, drive to the Balapitiya Boat Centre. Upon arrival, embark a small boat for a river safari cruise on the Madu Ganga River. Traverse dozens of mangrove forested islets, and an eco-reserve that is a breeding ground for many endangered species of flora and fauna. A bird-lover's paradise, this wetland features 46 species of birds, including 14 aquatic varieties. Along the way, look for water monitors, kingfishers, eagles, monkeys, and colourful butterflies. In addition, observe the traditional lifestyles of Sri Lankans, such as fishing, prawn-tapping, coir-making, cinnamon-farming, and coconut leaf-weaving. A brief stop is also made at a 200-year old Sri Lankan temple. Following your river safari, your tour concludes with an approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colombo, Galle, Traditional Stilt Fishermen, Galle Fort, Dutch Church, Lunch, Madu Ganga River Cruise, Flora and Fauna, Local Lifestyles, Old Sri Lankan Temple

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the boat, two steps at the Dutch Church, 20 steps at Amari Galle and 20 steps during Madu River Safari. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency from the ship for purchases. Proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Shoes must be removed prior to entering the temples; we suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks, because the pavement may be hot. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The coaches and boats utilised are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately 2.5 hours in each direction. Expect crowds and traffic at the sites visited. Depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets at some sites. Guests are advised to follow their guides at all times during this tour. Lifejackets are provided for the river cruise. Photography/videography inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is prohibited. The tour sequence may vary.