This day will take you on a mesmerizing southern coastline journey to the Dutch Fort of Galle, with stops at four must-see locations along the way: the hollow dagoba of Kalutara temple, a turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, Weligama stilt fishermen, and the mask museum in Ambalangoda.
START & END LOCATIONS:
Colombo – Galle – Colombo
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Dutch Fort Of Galle – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hollow Dagoba Of Kalutara Buddhist Temple
- Turtle Hatchery In Kosgoda
- Mask Museum In Ambalangoda
- Unawatuna Beach
- Weligama Stilt Fishermen
INCLUDES:
- Private Transport
- English-Speaking Guide
- Refreshments and Water Bottles
- Entrance Tickets To Mentioned Sites
Sight: Galle Fort Tour
Explore the amazing Dutch Fort of Galle, one of Asia’s most well-preserved colonial strongholds. Each visitor photo and text conveys a story about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the citadel has been converted into a site of history, romance, and splendour, and visitors are welcome to immerse themselves in the stories. Take a stroll through its cobblestoned tiny streets and around the ramparts to the lighthouse. The National Maritime Museum, built in a 17th-century Dutch warehouse, displays an intriguing collection of marine artefacts unearthed during underwater explorations of shipwrecks around the southern coast. The citadel also has the island’s oldest breadfruit tree.
Sight: Mask Museum of Ambalangoda
Ambalangoda is a southern seaside town around one hour from Galle. Sri Lanka’s traditional art and subculture scene is teeming with talent. Walk around the Ambalangoda Mask Museum, which has symbolized authenticity for decades.
Sight: Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda
Visit the turtle hatchery on Kosgoda’s beach strip, where turtle eggs gathered by fishermen are nurtured before being released into the sea. Six of seven sea turtle species are now endangered. The vast bulk of it is caused by human exploitation of natural resources. Fortunately, this hatchery has accepted the task of protecting them.
Sight: Stilt Fishermen Weligama
A stilt fisherman is observed near Weligama village. This seaside hamlet has a lengthy stretch of high-quality golden sand. This area of Sri Lanka is well-known for its stilt fishermen.
Sight: Unawatuna Beach
The picturesque palm-fringed bay on Unawatuna’s southern beach is popular due to its relaxed atmosphere. Unawatuna is ideal for this day trip since it has many restaurants and pubs, is bustling with activity, and is best visited during the hottest months of the year.
Sight: Hollow Dagoba of Kalutara
Explore Kalutara Temple’s beautiful hollow dagoba. This echoey dome stands three storeys tall, with frescoes on the inside walls representing events from the Lord Buddha’s former lives.