Galle Day Tour from Kandy: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites with Lux Tours Lanka
5.0
4 Ratings
Embark on a captivating day tour from Kandy to Galle with Lux Tours Lanka. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dutch-colonial buildings, and vibrant cultural attractions of this historic city.
Duration:
15 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Flag Rock Bastion- Galle - Flag Rock, at the southernmost end of the Fort, was once a Portuguese bastion. Today it is easily the most popular place to catch a sunset. During daylight hours you may see daredevil locals leaping into the water from the rocks. Numerous vendors sell good street food such as fresh papaya with chili powder from carts.
- Old Gate - Galle - Beautifully carved British coat of arms tops the entrance to the Old Gate on the outer side. Inside, the letters VOC, standing for Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (Dutch East India Company), are inscribed in the stone with the date 1669, flanked by two lions and topped by a cockerel. A section of the fortifications here also served as a spice warehouse.
- Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - Now fully restored and home to myriad up market boutiques and restaurants, this vast, colonnaded colonial landmark dates from the 18th century. Its size was necessary as both the voyage to Ceylon and life in the tropics proved very unhealthy to the Dutch, who died in droves from various diseases and the tropical heat. There are fabulous bay views from its upper balcony.
- Dutch Reformed Church - Originally built in 1640, the present building dates from 1752. Its floor is paved with gravestones from Dutch cemeteries, while other impressive features include the organ and an imposing pulpit made from calamander wood and topped by a grand hexagonal canopy. You may encounter the friendly caretaker who will likely point out the (slightly bizarre) carved wooden memorial dedicated to a former Commander of Galle, Abraham Samlant
- Amangalla - The Amangalla was built in 1684 to house the Dutch governor and officers. Later, as the New Oriental Hotel, it was the lodging of choice for 1st-class P&O passengers travelling to and from Europe in the 19th century. During much of the 20th century, it was in a decades-long slow decline and was run by the legendary Nesta Brohier, a grand lady who was actually born in room 25.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
Galle is a treasure. Recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the rich history of this city is a joy to discover by foot. An endlessly charming old trade port boasts magnificent Dutch-colonial structures, time-honored mosques and churches, splendid mansions, and museums. Roaming its winding streets, you’ll come across chic coffee shops, offbeat boutiques, and beautifully renovated hotels owned by both local and international artisans, authors, photographers, and designers.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Adva855
Jan 25, 2023
The best tour guide we had in Sri Lanka - Laxman is amazing tour guide, he took care of all our needs (from A-Z) and kept on adding options that will suit our needs.
We came to Kandy from Ella by train (ask Laxman to get your tickets in advance and he will book them for you, it's better to do it than the same-day ticket)
We had only one day in Kandy and we went to:
- Kandy viewpoint
- Royal botanical flower garden
- Ranawana holy temple
- British tea factory that still works with the same machine (100 years old)
- Bahirawakanda big buddha temple - must see!
- Epalek viewpoint
He planned everything in advance for us according to what we wanted at the same time he was very flexible during the tour and attentive to our needs and desires.
I had a flight from Colombo the following night and he also helped me a lot and took care of everything.
Fair price, great English, very attentive and caring.
Next time I'm planning to hire him for 10-14 days across the island
I definitely recommend checking with him before any plans to visit Sri Lanka.
Thanks for everything!
Adva
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dmitry_proskurnin
May 29, 2022
Great experience - Everything was perfect! It was a good ride from Kandy to Galle with a nice driver. We made a few stops during the trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Farhad_vbs
Mar 24, 2022
Amazing day with lakshman - Very respectful,local guid was ver good,he take we every where in kandy,and many information about Sri Lanka,he has many friend s in Sri Lanka to help you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aminasoliman
Feb 2, 2020
Best tour guid - Kandy the city is amazing and our tour guide was the best. He is a kind helpful gentleman. His name is Laxman Liyanage. We highly recommend him. He took us everywhere in a short time, helped us a lot getting around and finding the best prices and free areas that are hidden gems. He also carried my friends heavy bags long ways.
From east to west Laxman is the best.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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