This tour includes two of the most unique experiences on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Explore the city of Galle and visit the famed Galle Fort. The next stop is the engaging Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Finally, you will visit Balapitiya for the unforgettable Madu River Safari.
Highlights
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with the service of an English-speaking chauffeur guide.
- One liter of bottled mineral water per person.
- Boat safari through the mangroves of the Madu River.
Excludes
Experience:
You will be picked up from your hotel in Galle at approximately 0830 hrs. Bring a packed breakfast if you are unable to eat beforehand.
Your first destination is Galle, where you will explore the colonial city once ruled by the Portuguese and Dutch.
This coastal city has withstood three foreign invasions. It grew from a bustling port to a fortified and beautiful city with many monuments that have survived through time. You will visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Lighthouse, the National Maritime Museum, the cobblestoned streets with Dutch names, and other colonial landmarks. The city tour will finish by approximately 1045 hrs.
Afterward, proceed to Balapitiya. En route, you may stop for lunch at a place of your choice. By approximately 1300 hrs, you will begin your Madu River Boat Safari.
Balapitiya is a small southern town surrounded by marshy wetlands. The area is a high-biodiversity zone that relies on the lagoon created by the Madu River as it flows into the Indian Ocean. Your safari will take you along the river, where you will see dense mangrove forests and the wildlife that inhabit the roots. The guide will also take you to some of the larger islands on the river. One such island features an old Buddhist monastery. Cinnamon harvesting is a major occupation in the area.
Another highlight of the safari is the famous fish massage. This “massage parlor” is a small hut on stilts in the middle of the river. A netted area holds the fish, and you will sit on the deck with your feet in the water while the fish provide a natural massage.
After the relaxing boat tour, proceed to Kosgoda by approximately 1530 hrs to visit the Turtle Hatchery.
You will spend 30 to 40 minutes learning about sea turtles and conservation. The touch pools, which contain baby sea turtles swimming in seawater, are a favorite feature. Visitors are allowed to gently handle them to a small extent. The hatchery also houses fully mature sea turtles undergoing treatment for injuries or illnesses.
Upon completion, begin your journey back to Galle at 1640 hrs. You will arrive at the Galle port at approximately 1740 hrs, marking the end of the tour.
Additional Note
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this tour.
