Embark on a captivating Galle day tour from Colombo and discover the enchanting Galle Dutch Fort, cruise along the scenic Madhu River, and visit a turtle conservation centre. Immerse yourself in the rich history, natural beauty, and wildlife of Sri Lanka’s south coast.
Embark on a captivating Galle day tour from Colombo and discover the enchanting Galle Dutch Fort, cruise along the scenic Madhu River, and visit a turtle conservation centre. Immerse yourself in the rich history, natural beauty, and wildlife of Sri Lanka’s south coast.
- Galle Fort - The Galle Dutch Fort is a colonial fort from the seventeenth century located in Sri Lanka. It is situated on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. The fort is protected by rocky shores and a formidable rampart on all sides. The Portuguese established Galle as a permanent trading post in 1588. After the siege of Galle in 1640,…
- Galle Fort - The Galle Dutch Fort is a colonial fort from the seventeenth century located in Sri Lanka. It is situated on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. The fort is protected by rocky shores and a formidable rampart on all sides. The Portuguese established Galle as a permanent trading post in 1588. After the siege of Galle in 1640, the Dutch took control from the Portuguese in Southern Sri Lanka. The Dutch then significantly fortified the fort until 1729. Its current structure was primarily developed under Dutch company rule, hence the name Galle Dutch Fort. During its prime, the fort served as the southern command center for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in Sri Lanka. Its sister cities included Colombo, Trincomalee, and Jaffna. The fort protected the main VOC trading port in Sri Lanka. In 1796, it was peacefully transferred to the British, who maintained a military presence until 1948.
Following the 1972 constitution, which marked Sri Lanka’s transition to a republic, many European residents left Galle Fort. The structure fell into disrepair until renovations began after the 2004 tsunami and the end of the war in 2009. Today, the Galle Dutch Fort is the best-preserved colonial fort in South Asia, with most of its main features remarkably intact. The original ramparts are adorned with a rare Portuguese fortalice and thirteen Dutch bastions, each with its own unique history. The fort’s exotic blend of European and Asian architecture draws numerous local and international visitors. Many restored colonial buildings within the fort are owned by artists, photographers, writers, and architects. Trendy cafes, boutique shops, and hotels contribute to the fort’s unique colonial street atmosphere. However, the true vibrancy of Galle Fort comes from its active colonial court complexes, government offices, public schools, trading companies, and beautiful churches, reminiscent of a flourishing European colony.
- Madu Ganga Biodiversity Area - The river is dotted with small islands, and its banks are covered with lush mangrove forests that are home to a variety of incredible animal species. Visitors can enjoy sightings of hundreds of vibrant tropical birds and, with some luck, a few crocodiles.
- Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project - Visitors can learn about the efforts to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates. The process begins with safeguarding the mother turtle during nesting. Once she has laid her eggs and returned safely to the ocean, the eggs are relocated from the beach to the hatchery. When the baby sea turtles hatch, they are quickly returned to their natural habitat.
- Colombo - Pick-up and drop-off services are available from most nearby hotels in Colombo.
- Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia - Pick-up and drop-off services are available from most nearby hotels in Mount Lavinia.

- All Government Taxes included.
- Madu River Boat Safari cost covered.
- 500ml mineral water bottle per person provided.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Transport in an air conditioned vehicle.
- English speaking driver.
- Entrance fees to Galle Fort and Turtle Hatchery.
- All Government Taxes included.
- Madu River Boat Safari cost covered.
- 500ml mineral water bottle per person provided.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Transport in an air conditioned vehicle.
- English speaking driver.
- Entrance fees to Galle Fort and Turtle Hatchery.
- Gratuities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
- Gratuities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
The itinerary for a day tour in Galle primarily includes the Galle Dutch fort, the Madhu river, and the turtle conservation center in Balapitiya. Galle is a coastal city situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka, renowned for the Galle Dutch Fort and its stunning coastline. The Galle Dutch Fort is a well-visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka….
The itinerary for a day tour in Galle primarily includes the Galle Dutch fort, the Madhu river, and the turtle conservation center in Balapitiya. Galle is a coastal city situated in the southern part of Sri Lanka, renowned for the Galle Dutch Fort and its stunning coastline. The Galle Dutch Fort is a well-visited tourist destination in Sri Lanka.
Located near Galle, in the southern region of Sri Lanka, is the Madu River. The river water is peppered with several tiny islands, and its banks are densely populated with vibrant mangrove forests that host a variety of fascinating wildlife.
The southern coast also serves as critical breeding grounds for sea turtles. Multiple sea turtle conservation centers are stationed along the beach with the purpose of protecting sea turtle nests. All in all, there are five species of sea turtles that nest on the beaches of Sri Lanka.
- Please be ready at the hotel lobby 15 minutes before the pick up time.
- Please come with a comfortable attire for the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.