South Tour: Galle Fort, River Safari, turtles, whale watching

A half-day excursion to the main attractions of the south coast is a great option to diversify your vacation on the beach and get a lot of positive emotions.

Organized by:

Luong  · online Travel consultant of Aurora Holidays 23 reviews

"It is my pleasure to help people around the world to get better understanding about Sri-Lanka and Vietnam" Contacts us: +84901401648

Highlights of the tour:

• Galle Fort, Asia's largest fortress built by Europeans
• River safari (mangroves, Bird Island, Temple Island, Cinnamon Island)
• Turtle farm
  
  

Extended program (for the whole day)

• Tsunami Museum
• Shinigama Temple (Gods of Retribution) on an island in the ocean
• Coral Garden (view on a boat with a transparent bottom)
• Fishing village (traditional pole fishing)

Detailed excursion program:

Turtle farm

The main objective is to preserve the sea turtle farm for the next generation. The work centers on raising turtles was launched in 1980s of 20th century. During this time, people released into the ocean several millions of sea turtles.

Hatching stations for turtles along the coast provide earnings for people who are being watched, as well as help fight the destruction turtle eggs. Since time immemorial the sea turtles have chosen Celyon to produce their offspring.

Five of eight species of marine turtles can be found off the coast of Sri Lanka. Turtles live roughly 100 years and capable of producing offspring within 25 years.

 River Safari

Next we go on Safari on the River in the jungle. There is an ancient temple located on the island right in the middle of the river. We also can see bird island, shrimp farms, try fish massage right in the middle of the river, and we have a chance to see crocodiles and water monitors.

We can visit the island where cinnamon is grown. Cinnamon is one of the symbols of Sri Lanka and also one of the first spices, which began to be imported to Europe from Asia.

On the island we will be shown in detail how the process of cinnamon extraction and its production takes place. 

Galle Fort

Galle is a big unmissable destination in the south, the most perfectly preserved colonial town in Sri Lanka, and an atmospheric piece of time-warped island history.

Situated 119 km from Colombo, Galle is the administrative capital of Southern province and the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka after the capital Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna. 

Built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663, the 36-hectare Fort occupies most of a promontory that's surrounded on three sides by the ocean. Its glories have earned the Fort status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Excursion features Private tour For ready-made groups of 1-8 people Can start any day This tour is not tied to specific dates, you can start on any convenient day Variable program The program can be changed and customized for you Possible with children The tour is recommended for travelers with children Start from anywhere We pick up from any hotel Comfortable car Transport: air-conditioned car or minivan

Rates: 

$150 per person. If there are two of you (total $300)
$130 per person. If there are three or more of you

*Prices are valid for departures from Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Mirissa, Weligama.

An additional charge will be required for departures from Tangalle, Colombo and Negombo. Please check.

What is included. Entrance tickets

Included in the price: 
Comfortable car/van with air conditioning
Gasoline, parking, toll roads
English-speaking driver
All entrance tickets

Not included, optional: 
Personal expenses and tips

Reviews about the organizer

John
15.03.2023

Michael
14.07.2022


I, as a professional wildlife photographer, traveled to Sri Lanka with some unusual requests. Igor helped not only to plan the route through the national parks and provided a very good driver, but also helped to find professional ornithologists in all the necessary locations.
We traveled to almost all national parks - Udawalawe, Minneriya, Yalu. We went to Sinharaja. There are many elephants and birds everywhere. Yala confirmed its reputation - here we managed to see leopards, however, unfortunately - very far away. I really liked Khabarana - the best place for shooting birds that you can find. We took a half-day ride to Wilpattu - a little-known park among tourists, which Igor recommended to me. The park itself is beautiful, comfortable, good paths, it is clear that they are taking care of it. You can definitely put it on a par with Yala. Unlucky to see leopards, but lucky to see Himalayan bears and giant squirrels. Of the minuses in Wilpattu - the complete absence of normal hotels near the park. I would not advise anyone to stay here overnight.
The rain spoiled the experience a bit. Complicated filming in Sinharaja. It is a pity that because of the rains it was not possible to shoot in the forests in the Kandy region. If you go to Sri Lanka for the sake of animals and national parks, you still need to take into account the season. But anyway, a huge thank you guys for organizing! With all the difficulties, it was thanks to them that we managed to squeeze the maximum out of this trip. Organization at the highest level - the guys will solve any problems, always in touch, find hotels in the right places at any time, organize transport, professional guides and ornithologists will prompt. Definitely 5+

 Mark
25.04.2019


Good afternoon, the tour went great. Very good guide, we will recommend you to all our friends. THANK YOU!