Experience the Ancient Dutch Fortress of Galle by the Sea

Starting from $100 (2 pax)

The Excursion will start from Negombo to Hikkaduwa

To make the drive fast easy and comfortable you would take the southern highway that takes only 01 ½ Hours to Galle. Driving down the highway you would run through picturesque landscape and will pass through all traditional Sri Lankan cultivations, exit through to Balapitya a small town which is the nearest town to Madu River.

Madu River is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. The estuary is spread over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares are covered with water and is inhabited with 64 islands of which 15 islands have a larger landmass. Abundantly rich in biodiversity, in the area surrounding the Madu River you’ll find swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. It is also home to 300 species of plants and about 250 wildlife species.

Madu River is home to many small islands and islets. One island where the motorboat halts at is the Cinnamon Island. It is said that the primary source of income for the locals of the Madu river region is the cinnamon industry.

One of the larger inhabited islands in Madu river is ‘Koth Duwa’ that houses the Buddhist Temple that dates back to the oldest kings of Sri Lanka. It’s usually the second stop in the Madu River Safari. The monastery comprises of many buildings and thus covers the entire island. The noteworthy places in the temple are Bo-tree, Image house, and Dagoba.

Ever imagined what a fish spa in the midst of the river seems like? Well, fish therapy at Madu Ganga will literally sweep you off your feet. Sailing through the mangroves, you’ll encounter several rectangular fish tanks teaming with Gourami fish. The primary purpose of these fish ponds is to provide fish therapy. These Fish Ponds are in the open and the natural environment around the fish spa is fantastic, and you get uninterrupted, scenic views of the vast mangrove forests.

Thereafter, head for an exciting walking tour of Galle City.

Walk through the Galle city, living museum of the Dutch architecture, which still boasts its colonial heritage and historic fort. Walk into the gigantic gateways of the fort – first built by Portuguese and refined later by the Dutch and then later by the British– and observe how life goes by living inside a Dutch monument. You will be surprised to see how well the roads within the fort are aligned parallel to the fort’s ramparts. Take a walk along the well-paved roads of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that has remarkably held its ground throughout years of its living style by itself.

Architecture in this part of the island reflects a Dutch influence, with ornate verandahs and arched windows. Walk along the paved streets amongst the old manor houses and private homes which have today been carefully restored as restaurants, shops and hotels. See the clock tower and the lighthouse and admire the Protestant Church, Buddhist Temple and Mosque, all encouraging harmonious living. From here, it’s on to the saffron-colored Galle Maritime Museum, housing marine animal models, traditional sea-fare equipment, old maps, naval craft and an array of interesting items salvaged from shipwrecks.

For those who are interested in visiting a gem lapidary and museum, can be offered that opportunity.

On your way back stop for Lunch at the Lunuganga Geoffrey Baw’s Country Estate one of the most seductive, passionate pleasure gardens of the twentieth century.

The Excursion will start from Galle – Ahangama

Head through to Balapitya a small town which is the nearest town to Madhu River.

Madu River is the second biggest wetland in Sri Lanka. The estuary is spread over 900 hectares of which 770 hectares are covered with water and is inhabited with 64 islands of which 15 islands have a larger landmass. Abundantly rich in biodiversity, in the area surrounding the Madu River you’ll find swampy marshlands covered in mangrove forests. It is also home to 300 species of plants and about 250 wildlife species.

Madu River is home to many small islands and islets. One island where the motorboat halts at is the Cinnamon Island. It is said that the primary source of income for the locals of the Madu Ganga region is the cinnamon industry.

One of the larger inhabited islands in Madu Ganga is ‘Koth Duwa’ that houses the Buddhist Temple that dates back to the oldest kings of Sri Lanka. It’s usually the second stop in the Madu River Safari. The monastery comprises of many buildings and thus covers the entire island. The noteworthy places in the temple are Bo-tree, Image house, and Dagoba.

Ever imagined what a fish spa in the midst of the river seems like? Well, fish therapy at Madu Ganga will literally sweep you off your feet. Sailing through the mangroves, you’ll encounter several rectangular fish tanks teaming with Gourami fish. The primary purpose of these fish ponds is to provide fish therapy. These Fish Ponds are in the open and the natural environment around the fish spa is fantastic, and you get uninterrupted, scenic views of the vast mangrove forests.

Move on for Lunch at the Lunuganga Geoffrey Baw’s Country Estate one of the most seductive, passionate pleasure gardens of the twentieth century.

Bon Appetite !, head for an exciting walking tour of Galle City.

Walk through the Galle city, living museum of the Dutch architecture, which still boasts its colonial heritage and historic fort. Walk into the gigantic gateways of the fort – first built by Portuguese and refined later by the Dutch and then later by the British– and observe how life goes by living inside a Dutch monument. You will be surprised to see how well the roads within the fort are aligned parallel to the fort’s ramparts. Take a walk along the well-paved roads of this UNESCO World Heritage Site that has remarkably held its ground throughout years of its living style by itself.

Architecture in this part of the island reflects a Dutch influence, with ornate verandahs and arched windows. Walk along the paved streets amongst the old manor houses and private homes which have today been carefully restored as restaurants, shops and hotels. See the clock tower and the lighthouse and admire the Protestant Church, Buddhist Temple and Mosque, all encouraging harmonious living. From here, it’s on to the saffron-colored Galle Maritime Museum, housing marine animal models, traditional sea-fare equipment, old maps, naval craft and an array of interesting items salvaged from shipwrecks.

For those who are interested in visiting a gem lapidary and museum, can be offered that opportunity.

Head Back to the Hotel