Colombo Trip Overview
Tour to the coastal town of Galle and the UNESCO Sinharaja Forest on this 2 days all inclusive tour. This is a must do tour in your visit to Sri Lanka. Galle is a jewel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering its rambling lanes you’ll pass stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers. Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.
Additional Info
Duration: 2 days
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Colombo Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Tour to the coastal town of Galle and the UNESCO Sinharaja Forest on this 2 days all inclusive tour. This is a must do tour in your visit to Sri Lanka. Galle is a jewel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic city is a delight to explore on foot, an endlessly exotic old trading port blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions and museums. Wandering its rambling lanes you’ll pass stylish cafes, quirky boutiques and impeccably restored hotels owned by local and foreign artists, writers, photographers and designers. Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo/Negombo – Galle
Stop At: Galle Fort, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Fort, located on the southern coast of the country, is one of the five historical monuments which one must visit when in Sri Lanka. The fort was initially built by the Portuguese and was later modified by the Dutch. Today the Galle Fort is also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a stunning blend of architecture, archaeology and history amidst a beautiful tropical setting. The Galle Fort attracts many tourists and locals not just because of its historical appeal but the buzzing life inside the monument with lively shops and cafes, museums, villas and lifestyle shops to complete your experience. You can visit all these places by taking a walk through the beautiful structures, which is always open and also free of cost.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Galle International Cricket Stadium, Colombo Road, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
Galle International Stadium is a cricket stadium in Galle, Sri Lanka, situated near the Galle fort and surrounded on two sides by the Indian Ocean. It is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. The Galle International Cricket Stadium was known as ‘The Esplanade’ before it was brought up to international cricket standards. It is now the home ground of the Galle Cricket Club. This stadium is known as one of the luckiest venues for the Sri Lankan national cricket team.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rumassala, Unawatuna 80600 Sri Lanka
The Peace Pagoda is on the hillside of the Galle Fort and is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The Mahayana sect built the Peace Pagoda as an initiative to establish peace in the Sri Lankan conflict zone. The Pagoda is a spectacle to witness, especially when you view it from the side of Unawatuna, which makes it look like it has grown out of the jungle. The design of the Peace Pagoda is such that it acts as a focal point for peace for all creeds and races and helps them to unite and come together to promote world peace. A stupa is a place for you to get in touch with your spiritual self while you sit calmly and meditate.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dalawella Beach, Galle Sri Lanka
When in Unawatuna, make it a point to visit the famous Dalawella beach. If you are looking for a quieter escape from the main beach, head out to the Dalawella beach. The beach is the ideal location to spend some quiet and quality time with your family or loved ones, while you relax, sunbathe and swim under the beautiful blue sky. The beach is famous for its mesmerizing scenic view and natural seawater swimming pools where you can enjoy a quiet swim taking in the beauty of the ocean. The beach stretches for some, and it becomes quieter as you gradually move up the beach. Also, be sure to check out the Dalawella Beach swing for an experience you will always remember.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight stay in Galle
Day 2: Galle – Deniyaya – Colombo/Negombo
Stop At: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Access Road, Mederipitiya, Deniyaya, Galle 81524 Sri Lanka
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the very few virgin rainforests in the world, which is why it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage! The unique relation of flora and fauna in this forest makes it one of the hotspots in the world. The forest is only 13 km in the stretch and around 7 to 8 km from north to south. The entire forest has remained untouched till date due to its inaccessibility. The ecosystem of this forest has been an essential part of it being termed as also a Biosphere Reserve. The species of animals and plants that are unique to Sinharaja Forest Reserve and preservation of other endangered animals and plants has given it a position of priority. . A visit to this rainforest is a definite must if you ever come to Sri Lanka. The serenity of this forest, the peaceful environment amidst the beauty of nature together culminates into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Duration: 5 hours
Stop At: Gatabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya, A17, Kotapola, Sri Lanka
The historic “Gatabaruwa Rajamaha Viharaya” and the temple of god “Rajjuru Bandara” are located on the Gatabaru hill, 1500 feet above sea level, on the Galle-Deniyaya road at the village of kotapola in the Kotapola division. The Gatabaru cave temple is placed in a very scenic environment between the Rakwana mountain range, the Singharaja mountain range and the Morawaka range, rising above many smaller mountains that surround it. The beauty that surrounds the vihara is extremely charming and soothing to the eye with its natural goods that is distributed around. The lush greenland is the home for herbal plants and a variety of animal species of Sri Lanka. The apex is a unique creation of mother-nature. A cave of 30feet is home to the old rock temple and is situated in a natural cave. A sleeping statue of Lord Buddha is located inside this cave and alongside the Vihara is the Devale of God Ragguru Bandara and further there lies the Devales of God Vishnu and God Kataragama.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
