Located just 119km from Colombo, Galle is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka and also the administrative capital of the Southern Province. It is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautifully-preserved Galle Fort. This is the largest, existing sea fortress in South Asia built by the European occupiers. The entire city is a blend of classic Portuguese architecture and Sri Lankan traditions, against a spectacular tropical background. This colonial town is quiet with no traffic or pollution. You’ll feel like you’re walking through history as you pass the churches, villas and other reminders of the Dutch era. Though the key attraction of Galle is the fort, the other prominent places here are the National Maritime Museum, the natural harbour, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Shiva Temple, etc. You can spend your day visiting a turtle hatchery, shop for gems and antiques, walk through the quiet, yet colourful streets of Galle and end the day at the Galle Fort – watching the breathtaking sunset and sipping a cool beverage. Tourists usually include Galle and its neighbouring coastal towns (Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Thalpe) because the architecture and atmosphere of Galle give you a feeling, unlike any other place in Sri Lanka.
Duration
5 Night 6 Days
Visa
Required
Physical
Luxury
Location
Country in South Asia
Itinerary
Day 1 – AIRPORT – PINNAWALA – KANDY
Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Here, you will be met by an airport representative and a designated guide from Esna Holidays. After the formalities at the airport, you will be escorted to your air-conditioned vehicle and then proceed to Kandy.
En-route visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: About 90 KM from Colombo towards Kandy is the home to some 100 or more elephant orphans. A place you will enjoy and never forget. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors and are harmless. The Orphanage is open from 8.30 am to 5.45 pm and visitors can interact a little with the elephants during the regulated bathing and feeding times. You can watch them feeding at 9.15 am, 1.15 and 5.00 pm. Bath times are from 10 am until 12 noon and from 2 until 4 pm.
Visit Spice Garden
Sri Lanka is world-renowned for its valued spices and healing herbs. Our lush spice and herbal gardens feature many important herbs such as Sandalwood, Margosa, Cocoa, Citronella, Almond, Jasmine, and Coconut. When visiting us, make the most of the chance to experience first-hand how cloves, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron are grown in their natural surroundings.
At Regent Spice and Herbal Garden, you can learn of their medicinal healing properties and how to use them in your day-to-day needs. Used worldwide in many medicines, the healing powers of spices have been respected from the time of the Pharaohs and Chinese Dynasties, while our herbs are used in Ayurvedic concoctions.
Optional – Later evening experience at the Kandy Cultural Show.
The Kandy Cultural Show allows experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour-long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Be wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colourful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.
Visit Kandy Temple.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was originally built by the Kandyan Kings in 1595, to house and honour the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Attracting crowds of white-clad pilgrims bearing lotus flowers as means of worship, the Maligawa features a myriad of intricate carvings that speak volumes of the architectural values of Kandy. Today the City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in part because of the Temple of the Tooth relic.
Check into the hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight Stay at Kandy Hotel.
Day 2 – Kandy – Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel.
Explore Kandy City
Start Sightseeing in *Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, and Gem Museum. Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
This majestic botanical garden is 147 acres in extent and was started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some which are rare and endemic, as well as flora from the tropical world, are found in the gardens. The Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. 5 Palm Avenues are beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest, Royal Palm Avenue, was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world, is one such avenue
Visit Spice Garden
Sri Lanka is world-renowned for its valued spices and healing herbs. Our lush spice and herbal gardens feature many important herbs such as Sandalwood, Margosa, Cocoa, Citronella, Almond, Jasmine, and Coconut. When visiting us, make the most of the chance to experience first-hand how cloves, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron are grown in their natural surroundings.
At Regent Spice and Herbal Garden, you can learn of their medicinal healing properties and how to use them in your day-to-day needs. Used worldwide in many medicines, the healing powers of spices have been respected from the time of the Pharaohs and Chinese Dynasties, while our herbs are used in Ayurvedic concoctions.
After that proceed to Bentota.
Check into the hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight Stay at Bentota Hotel.
Day 3 – Bentota
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Balapitiya for a Boat Safari at Madhu River.
Madu River Ride – Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Madu River, a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You pass dozens of islets forested with mangroves and can appreciate the timeless natural rhythms of rural life. Your cruise in canopies, outboard motors powered boats, and en route take in the view of a 200-year-old temple and watch the locals cultivating cinnamon. You may also see traditional fishing techniques in action and can view demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making. You can also see 46 species of birds reside in the area including 14 aquatic varieties. You will also spot huge water lilies and colourful butterflies.
Optional(On Direct Payment)
Bentota is famous for being a top beach in Sri Lanka as well as for its, river cruises and water sports, mainly due to having both river and beach around the location. Here are our top picks for an unforgettable and adventurous experience in Bentota, Sri Lanka!
Jet Skiing(On Direct Payment)
Jet Skiing is one of the most fun and adventurous water sporting activities in Bentota. Though it’s mostly enjoyed by the thrill seeker, beginners can choose to be accompanied by an experienced instructor as well. This is a must-do with your friends, family or with your loved ones while in Bentota.
Banana boat & Tube riding (On Direct Payment)
The Banana tube is like its name says, shaped like a banana and is attached to a ski boat by road. The ride will guarantee that huge waves will come thrashing over your head. While being suitable for any age, you can select from single rings, and sofa rides as well in Bentota.
Check in to the hotel and relax
Dinner & Overnight Stay at Bentota Hotel.
Day 4 – Bentota – Galle
Breakfast at the hotel.
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project (“KSTCP”)
Dudley Perera’s project has been underway since 1988. The main aim of the project is to monitor local sea turtle activity and conserve the local nesting sites. We aim to make the public more aware of how endangered these beautiful creatures are and just how important it is to help protect them before it is too late.
One of the most important activities of the project is its hatchery. Within the sanctuary of the project, collected and rescued eggs can hatch safely away from predators before being released into the sea at night time. In addition, a certain number from each hatching is kept back for a short period for ‘head-starting’ before release. The hatchery program is designed to maximize the number of hatchlings reaching the sea and surviving through the critical stages of their early life. Only a few hatchlings from each batch will ever make it to adulthood. Therefore, every nest ground, every egg, every hatchling, and every turtle is crucial to the survival of the species. Unfortunately, sea turtles face many dangers.
Explore the Galle Fort
Galle is a historical jewel of Sri Lanka wonderful to explore on foot. Among the endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums the ancient Dutch fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts the hearts of tourists. Stroll around the ancient city where you will find a gourmet of fancy restaurants and coffee shops to chill and relax. The beachside is surely bliss that will make you want to lock yourself up on this sun-kissed island and indulge in the sea breeze and endless blue waters.
Check into the hotel and relax
Dinner & Overnight Stay at Galle Hotel.
Day 5 – GALLE – COLOMBO
breakfast at the hotel.
Explore the City of Colombo
The city tour of Colombo is a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree-lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also, visit the BMICH, and see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square.
Evening Start Shopping in Colombo
The 5-hectare ribbon of beach stripe, the Galle face green is now the largest open space in Colombo that attracts hundreds of tourists and locals alike. Cotton Collection, House of Fashion and Odel, the largest departmental store on the island offers you stylish clothes to cute souvenirs with elegant Sri Lankan touch, also Beverly Street, visit bargain market in Colombo Pettah, Visit Noritake Showroom, Barefoot, Laksala, One Galle Face & Colombo City Center.
Night Live – Casino drop only will be provided.
A few years ago, Colombo was lacking in a variety of nightlife. Recently, however, a rash of nightspots has popped up in a short space of time giving everyone who likes to indulge in such activities, more options. Although there are several nightclubs and bars catering to young adults, those with live bands (mostly of excellent standard), are very popular with a more mature clientele
Check into the hotel & relax
Dinner & Overnight Stay at Colombo Hotel.
Day 6 – COLOMBO – AIRPORT
Breakfast at the Hotel. Proceed from Colombo to Airport for departure in time for the flight.
Included
Meeting and Assistance at the Airport.
Above mentioned hotels / are similar on HB Basis. (05 Breakfasts + 05 Dinners)
Transport in an A/C Vehicle with the service of an English-Speaking Chauffeur Guide.
Sightseeing as mentioned above. (Without entrance fees)
Complementary discount vouchers for shopping in Colombo & Duty-free.
Complimentary head & shoulder massage while your stay in Kandy.
Complimentary King Coconut refreshment from Colombo to Kandy.
