Colombo Trip Overview
Beautiful beaches and breathtaking beauty defines the city of Galle, that lies on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka. Its churches, museums, forts and temples add to its popularity. Galle Light house, Galle Clock Tower, Museum are some of the major attractions here. it is quite hot and humid but has an abundance of beautiful beaches in every town that you pass while travelling from Negombo to Galle. The Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese, fortified later by the Dutch and is well preserved till today. In addition to the Portuguese and Dutch remains, you will also find many British mansions left behind. As for beaches, the Unawatuna Bay probably tops it all and is safe for snorkeling and swimming because a reef protects it. Finally, at the end of the tour you can enjoy the sundown (during the evening tour) in the horizon before you leave the fort premises!
Additional Info
Duration: 8 to 9 hours
Starts: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Beautiful beaches and breathtaking beauty defines the city of Galle, that lies on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka. Its churches, museums, forts and temples add to its popularity. Galle Light house, Galle Clock Tower, Museum are some of the major attractions here. it is quite hot and humid but has an abundance of beautiful beaches in every town that you pass while travelling from Negombo to Galle. The Galle Fort was built by the Portuguese, fortified later by the Dutch and is well preserved till today. In addition to the Portuguese and Dutch remains, you will also find many British mansions left behind. As for beaches, the Unawatuna Bay probably tops it all and is safe for snorkeling and swimming because a reef protects it. Finally, at the end of the tour you can enjoy the sundown (during the evening tour) in the horizon before you leave the fort premises!
Stop At: Galle Fort Lighthouse, Rampart Street Galle Fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
Galle Fort Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the nation. It was built in 1848 during the British colonial period. The present day lighthouse stands with a height of 26.5 meters and was rebuilt in 1939. The lighthouse is an exemplary work by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. It has been listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the top of the lighthouse, you can have panoramic views of the complete area. It is a prime spot for the tourists who come for an evening stroll. The lighthouse is maintained with the help of automated systems. You can have the spectacular views of the great Indian oceans from the top of the lighthouse. The Galle Fort Lighthouse is a perfect spot for picnics and spending a relaxing holiday. Flying kites and playing cricket are the common recreational activities you can enjoy.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Galle National Museum, Church St, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
National Museum of Galle is an ancient Dutch building, which has been preserved to showcase the antiquities of the country. In earlier times, it served as the venue for billiards for the New Oriental Hotel but later was redeveloped into a museum. The museum was set up with the purpose of preserving the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Sri Lanka. National Museum of Galle showcases the archaeological and other exhibits. It also houses the anthropological records which reveal the existence of human beings and other important developments in the old days. The museum has a total of three galleries and preserves the collections of the British, Dutch and the Portuguese. The exquisite wooden carvings, giant water vessels, turtle shells, Beeralu Lace, ornaments and porcelain articles are the main exhibits of the first gallery of the museum. You will find the weapons and other warfare equipment that were used by the Dutch army in the second gallery. A new gallery named “ Sri Lanka-China Friendship Gallery was set up that houses the historical records of the trading relations between the two countries.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Dutch Reformed Church, Church Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
Dutch Reformed Church was established in 1755 and is known by another name Groote Kerk. It is built at the height of 12 meters above the sea level. The construction of the church was completed by the endowments of the Lord of Spanbroek. The church has a Doric architectural style. The roofs are painted blue and embedded with silver and golden stars just resembling like the night sky. Exquisite wooden carvings and stain glass windows add to the ambiance of the church. The floors of the church have been made of the tombstones of an old cemetery. The elaborate architecture of the church makes it a masterpiece of the grand colonial architectural work. The ancient organ occupies a position in the church hall. A stump in a hexagonal shape made of Calamander wood is a striking artwork. Historical records from the period of 1677 to 1990 have been preserved in the church. These records reveal the weddings, burials and baptism information of the people. The church is a nice place to take a break and rest under the shady trees. The Dutch Reformed Church is a national monument and has been recognized with the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Galle Fort Clock Tower, Rampart Street Galle Fort, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
The Galle Clock Tower is a four story tall stone monument hailing from the late 19th century. It was built within the ramparts of the Galle Fort on the site of the previous guardroom, overlooking one of the three bastions of the fort.
The clock tower was built in recognition of the services of renowned Colonial Surgeon Dr. Antonisz, who was also a representative of the Legislative Council. The tower construction was funded through public subscription through the people of Galle. The clock was separately donated by Mudaliyar Samson de Abrew Rajapakse, who was grateful for the medical care that he received from the good doctor.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Flag Rock Bastion- Galle, Flag Rock, Galle, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
To the extreme south of the Fort lies the naturally occurring giant rock that was once used by the Portuguese as the defense wall. The sea, at this place, is full of rocks, most of which are not visible to the eye. This was a place standing upon which the signals and warnings were made to the incoming ships. That is how it got the name ‘Flag Rock’. It is also the place where the Dutch hoisted their flag in 1733. A well picturesque site it is as the top of the rock offers spectacular views of the sea and the nearby bastions of the Fort, Meera Mosque and lighthouse. People especially throng here in the evenings to view the sunset on the sea.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna Sri Lanka
Unawatuna Beach is one of the most enticing spots in Sri Lanka. The turquoise water of the beach with the white sand beds present an amazing sight. The beach is an ideal spot for fun and recreation. It is often recognized as the Best Tropical Beach of the world owing to its splendid natural beauty. You can enjoy water sports such as swimming, surfing, and rafting. Strolling along the beach promenades is a great leisure activity. You can walk barefoot, sit by the sea shores and watch the spectacular sights. The beach has a rich collection of flora and fauna. You will find a wide range of animal species. Some of them are the black bittern, kingfishers, Clive Byers, and whistling duck. You can explore the vibrant coral reefs and the aquatic creatures. Trekking along the rugged routes of a nearby jungle is another exhilarating activity you can pursue.
Duration: 1 hour
