Galle
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Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting destinations, home to the famous 17th century Dutch Fort which houses many beautiful pieces of colonial architecture behind its walls, as well as an absorbing collection of quirky shops and restaurants. Wander the quaint streets and stroll along the ramparts. Galle is an expansive area, encompassing not only the famed fort but also a variety of beach towns, including lively Unawatuna and tranquil Thalpe, as well as stunning rural inland villages surrounded by rice paddies and cinnamon plantations.
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Fun Facts
- The science fiction writer, Arthur C. Clarke, lived in Sri Lanka from 1956 until his death in 2008, and used to dive from Rumassala headland close to Galle.
Experiences & Things to Do at Galle
A visit to a modern-day tea factory
Take a tour of a working low country tea plantation and discover how this plant varies from the tea grown in Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
A visit to the Virgin White tea factory – Koggala
The Handunugoda Tea Estate is home to the historic Virgin White Tea Factory, which produces a rare tea completely untouched by human hands.
Bikes, Boats and Bites
After a tranquil and scenic boat ride, cycle 9km to a local village where you will enjoy hoppers cooked in the traditional way over a fire.
History and architecture walk around Galle Fort
A resident of Galle, your host is a passionate individual who’s well-versed with the area’s colonial history and its vibrant modern-day culture.
Kanneliya Rainforest trek with lunch in a lake
The Kanneliya Rainforest is home to a diverse range of Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna and hides breath-taking sites such as waterfalls and lakes.
Learn to cook biriyani with a fort family
Go to a private home within Galle Fort and join your host and her daughters in learning how to make Biriyani from scratch.
Scenic guided bicycle trails
With a range of trails of varying lengths and difficulties, this is a great way for anyone to explore Galle’s stunning rural countryside.
The Cinnamon Story
Go on a walking tour through a working cinnamon plantation with a local planter, and afterwards enjoy a cinnamon-themed lunch.
Traditional art tour with an award-winning craftsman
This invigorating whistle-stop tour of various art workshops in Ambalangoda is a must for art-lovers. Finish with a visit to a local temple.
Traditional mask-making workshop with an artist
Learn the art of Kolam mask-carving, guided by an artisan craftsman. Discover every stage of this ancient practice, then carve your own!
Traditional Sri Lankan cooking class
Start at the Galle market before heading to a rural village by boat. The class is held in a cool, traditional wattle-and-daub hut.
Lunch with Galle’s gem family
Get to know Ifthikar Mahuroof and his family, descendants of Galle’s most famous and successful gem merchants.
Past to present walking tour with a 5th generation fort resident
A resident of Galle from a Muslim family, your host is well-versed with the area’s colonial history and its vibrant modern-day culture.
Galle Fort walk with a local
Stroll along the cobblestoned pathways of the 17th century Galle Fort with a local host and explore about its vibrant history and culture.
Whales by air
Take off on a 45 min whale watching flight around the south-eastern coast of Sri Lanka.
Treasure Hunting in the Galle Fort
Explore the historic Galle Fort with an interactive treasure hunting adventure.
Around Galle by classic car
Explore the UNESCO city of Galle by classic car.
Cook a meal with a local family
Learn to cook a local meal with a Galle family
Ceylon Cinnamon
Learn all about Sri Lanka’s iconic spice, Ceylon cinnamon, during a private guided tour of a working 25-acre plantation close to Weligama.
Mask painting workshop with an artist
Visit an Art Gallery hidden in Galle Fort and learn the history of mask making in Sri Lanka before your host guides you through creating your own.
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