Galle Day Tour
Colombo · Bentota · Hikkaduwa · Galle · Koggala
About this journey
Perfect for short stays in Sri Lanka or as a side-trip from a Colombo conference. We pick you up at dawn and bring you back the same evening.
The day combines coastal driving on the new Southern Expressway with a turtle hatchery visit, a walk inside Galle Fort, and a stop to photograph Koggala's famous stilt fishermen.
We tailor the order to weather, tide, and your interests — and stop wherever the food looks good.
What you'll experience
Madu Ganga Mangroves
Optional river boat through brackish backwaters and 64 islets — monitor lizards, kingfishers, and a floating cinnamon farm.
Galle Fort Walk
Stroll the 17th-century Dutch ramparts, the lighthouse, and the boutique lanes inside this UNESCO-listed living fortress.
Koggala Stilt Fishermen
Photograph the iconic silhouettes perched on slender poles above the surf — a centuries-old technique unique to this stretch of coast.
Hikkaduwa Beach
Quick stop on the coral reef beach famous among surfers and snorkellers — and an early taste of southern beach life.
Your route
Colombo → Bentota → Hikkaduwa → Galle → Koggala
A single-day taste of Sri Lanka's southern coast — Galle Fort, beach towns, and traditional stilt fishermen, returning to Colombo by evening.
- Distance
- 300 km round trip
- Daily Drive
- 6 hr total
Itinerary
Colombo → Bentota → Hikkaduwa
Early pickup. Drive south on the expressway. Visit a sea turtle conservation hatchery in Bentota. Quick stop at Hikkaduwa for the beach.
Galle Fort
Walking tour of Galle's UNESCO-listed Dutch Fort: ramparts, lighthouse, Dutch Reformed Church, and the boutique lanes inside.
Koggala → Colombo
Photo stop at the stilt fishermen of Koggala (subject to season). Optional fresh seafood lunch on the coast. Return drive to Colombo by evening.
Inclusions
Included
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle for the day
- ✓Professional English-speaking driver
- ✓Fuel, expressway tolls, parking
- ✓Bottled water
Not Included
- ×Entrance fees (turtle hatchery, fort museum)
- ×Meals and beverages
- ×Tips
From our travellers
"Thanks to Krishan, we had a great tour that immersed us into the culture, temples, beaches and museums. He personalized to fit our needs."
Book the Galle Day Tour
We'll come back within 24 hours with a personalized quote and any adjustments to suit your dates.