Ein Tag in Galle

Galle is an exquisite city filled with colonial Dutch and Portuguese history and architecture and once a major port. The imposing Fort is a tourist's treasure; it houses the national Maritime Museum, the National museum and the more recent (1938) lighthouse. The Fort overlooks the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and it is easy to get lost in its atmosphere, rich with memories of a bygone era.

Galle, famous for its lace, is filled with priceless crafts and antique treasures like jewelry, ceramics, and Dutch period furniture and brass work. The little city of Galle is a fascinating stop, not just for historians, but for anyone interested in learning more about Sri Lanka's historical experience. The bio-diversity of the Madu River is of monumental signification when considering the wide ranges of aquatic and avian life as well as wetland dwelling amphibians, reptiles, mammals that inhabit the environs of this natural treasure. A total of 11 species of agnatic mollusks and 14 land dwelling mollusks are found in this system. 70 species of fish, 31 types of reptiles, and 50 kinds of butterflies are just some of colorful array of wildlife that inhabits this abundantly bustling eco-system.

After enjoying the breeze of Madu River you can experience a delicious meal at a Local restaurant. After lunch visit Turtle Hatchery. The beaches of Sri Lanka are the nesting grounds for five species of marine turtles. They are the Green Turtle, the Leatherback, the Hawksbill, the Loggerhead and the Olive Ridley. All 5 species have been recorded to nest along specific areas of Sri Lanka’s coast. If you want to see turtles visiting the South Western and South Eastern coastal villages you can do this at night from a distance with the aid of binoculars. Nesting turtles should not be disturbed and light disturbances should be minimized at night.

And thereafter visit Mask Factory in the town of Ambalangoda south of Sri Lanka is famous for traditional masks making, mask dancing & puppetry in the country. The clients could witness a variety of masks and how they are turned out of “Kaduru wood” (Balsac) which the wood is soaked to soften before carving. Evening drop at the Colombo hotel.

Meeting/pick-up point: Pick-up from hotels in Colombo.
Duration: 12 hours.
Pick-up time: Daily at 8am.
Drop-off time: At 8pm.
Languages: English chauffer/guide.
Others: Includes lunch and 2 bottles of water per person (500ml).