Excursion Madu ganga river safari tour at Galle

River Safari by Boat

Embark on a journey to Balapitiya, where a 2 ½ river safari awaits you. A cruise in small boats on the Madu Ganga River reveals another facet of splendid Sri Lanka. Your journey takes you through dozens of mangrove forested islets, and an eco-reserve considered to be a breeding ground for many endangered species of plants and animals. An ornithologist's paradise, this wetland has approximately forty-six species of birds including fourteen aquatic varieties. Watch out for the water monitors, kingfishers, eagles, monkeys and colourful butterflies! As you glide along,  witness the timeless natural rhythms of rural life, pausing along the way to watch Sri Lankans going about their daily business: fishing and prawn tapping the traditional way; coir making; cinnamon farming; coconut leaf weaving. Stop by to visit a 200-year old Sri Lankan temple.

Proceed next to Radisson Blu Hotel, a local hotel where lunch has been arranged.  

Galle Fort

Stop at the Galle Fort. Enter through the old gates, explore and walk on the ramparts, if you like, from where there is a spectacular view of Galle. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the fort was built first by the Portuguese. The Dutch during their invasion of 1640 captured the fort; hence it is also known as the Dutch Fort. The Fort is really a walled city, and after almost 400 years of existence, it is one of the best-preserved examples of 17th century colonial fortifications in the world. Interestingly, the Fort withstood the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 which destroyed Galle town. Today, the Sri Lankan government, as well as many Dutch people who still own property inside the Fort, are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.

Dutch Church

Next visit the Dutch Church, an excellent example of Dutch colonial architecture, and the oldest Protestant Church still in use in Sri Lanka. Completed & consecrated in 1755, part of the floor is covered by about 20 heavily embossed and engraved gravestones, moved by the British into this church in 1853 from older locations. The organ loft has a semicircular balustrade while the pulpit's enormous canopy was made of calamander wood from Malaysia. It holds services in English twice monthly.

Explore the surrounding area at leisure or walk around the shops displaying an interesting variety of antiques, jewellery and handicrafts before returning to the pier and to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: 2 ½ hour River Safari, Galle Fort, Dutch Church, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking of approximately 1.5km or 1 mile with 45 steps to negotiate at the sites and a few to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable  for guests with limited mobility and who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection from the ship. As a rule, proper attire is required to enter religious sites; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted, female guests must cover their shoulders, please bring a scarf from the ship. Shoes must be removed when entering religious sites; bring an extra pair of socks for comfort, as the pavement may be hot. Photography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Guests should not pose besides/ in front of the statues of Buddha.  Infrastructure in Galle is basic, and local conditions may be challenging: coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions as vehicles and guides are brought in from Colombo. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours and we thank you for your understanding. Some sites may be crowded, and depending on traffic and parking conditions, it may be necessary to cross busy streets. The tour sequence may vary. The dining venue may be non air-conditioned.