Galle Dutch Fort

The Galle fort is a world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Experience the charms of Galle and Sri Lanka’s southwest coast on a day trip from Colombo, with an expert driver-guide. View endangered turtles at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery;  and explore UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, where 17th-century ramparts enclose colonial buildings, museums and shops. Learn about Galle’s maritime history, and visit Talwatte's simple-but-moving Tsunami Photo Museum to chart the impact of the 2004 disaster. Before returning to Colombo, enjoy lunch and discover Bentota Beach and the River Madhu, where maze-like mangroves provide a haven for wildlife.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka

Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British. It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, 13A Galle Road, Kosgoda 80570 Sri Lanka

Turtle populations are attacked at all stages of their lives, both from natural and human pressures and all species of sea turtle are now classed as endangered. Without intervention, we may lose these beautiful, ancient creatures from our ocean’s forever.The natural life cycle of marine turtles is tough enough without the added pressure from humans, and it is no wonder their numbers are drastically declining.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ariyapala Mask Museum, 426 Main Street, Ambalangoda 80300 Sri Lanka

This museum is designed to introduce into the richness of the mask tradition of Ambalangoda and to strengthen this cultural heritage. The museum, the workshop and the small library (containing all available anthropological literature on masks performances) may serve as a center for traditional arts and crafts and for research as well.

Duration: 1 hour