Southtern Sri lanka Day Tour from Colombo , Kaluthara or Bentota





Description
Enjoy a marvelous day of adventure and discovery on the Madu River, cruising through lush mangroves and soaking in the scenic beauty. Explore the famous Moonstone Mine at Meetiyagoda and visit the Community Tsunami Museum to understand the impact of the 2004 disaster. Discover the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its charming colonial architecture. Afterwards, visit the Handunugoda Tea Estate for a photo stop, learn about the tea-making process, and shop for fresh tea products. Finally, unwind at Hikkaduwa or Jungle Beach—perfect spots for relaxation and capturing beautiful memories. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Madu River Safari in Balapitiya, Sri Lanka, offers a captivating journey through one of the country's most pristine wetland ecosystems. This boat tour navigates the serene waters of the Madu Ganga, encompassing 64 islands—many adorned with lush mangrove forests and rich biodiversity. Mangrove Tunnels: Traverse shaded waterways teeming with diverse flora and fauna, including over 300 plant species and 248 vertebrate species. Cinnamon Island: Witness traditional cinnamon harvesting methods passed down through generations. Kothduwa Temple: Visit this historic Buddhist temple situated on an isolated island, believed to have once sheltered the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Fish Therapy: Experience a natural foot massage as small fish nibble away dead skin, a popular and unique attraction.
The Ahungalla Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Sri Lanka is dedicated to protecting endangered sea turtles that nest along the southern coast. The center rescues injured turtles, protects nesting sites, and raises awareness about marine conservation. Visitors can learn about different turtle species, witness hatchlings being released into the sea, and support local conservation efforts.
The Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mine, located in the coastal village of Meetiyagoda in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned as one of the world's premier sources of high-quality blue moonstones. These gemstones are prized for their captivating blue sheen, known as adularescence, which is especially prominent in the nearly transparent moonstones found here. The mine sits atop the world's largest pegmatite vein rich in moonstones, making it a significant site for gem enthusiasts and collectors.
The Galle Dutch Fort, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a historic coastal fort built initially by the Portuguese in the 16th century and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South Asia. The fort features cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, ramparts, and a lighthouse, blending European and South Asian architectural styles. Today, it is a vibrant area with museums, cafes, boutiques, and residences, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.
The stilt fishermen of Koggala, Sri Lanka, are known for their unique and traditional fishing method. Perched on wooden poles embedded in the shallow coastal waters, they balance on crossbars while skillfully casting their lines into the sea. This centuries-old practice, passed down through generations, is not only a means of livelihood but also a striking cultural symbol of the southern coast.
Handunugoda Tea Estate is a distinguished, family-owned plantation situated in Ahangama, near Sri Lanka's southern coast. Spanning approximately 200 acres, the estate cultivates tea on 150 acres, with the remaining land dedicated to rubber, cinnamon, pepper, and coconut. The estate is renowned for producing the exclusive Virgin White Tea, a brew that remains untouched by human hands throughout its production. This meticulous process involves harvesting the youngest tea buds using sterilized scissors and gloves, ensuring unparalleled purity. Visitors to Handunugoda can embark on guided tours that delve into the intricate tea-making process, from plucking to processing. The estate also houses a museum showcasing vintage British-made tea machinery, some over 150 years old, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Sri Lanka's tea industry.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The pickup time is visible at the start time of the tour. You must be ready 10 minutes before we pick you up from your place.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(4)
Very good well organised trip was enjoyable Had a great experience It was well worth the moneys we paid We found the river trip very enjoyable
The driver arrived 1 hour late. We were not picked up at the ship as agreed. We had to pay ten euros from the ship to the driver. On the return trip we had to pay ten euros from the driver to the ship. Did not drive to the sights as discussed and wanted to ask for tips.
We had a great, eventful day and were lucky to experience the Buddha festival first hand. But also otherwise, the stations of the tour such as the turtle breeding station and the ride with the mangrove boat are a real highlight. Due to the traffic on this day, unfortunately, there was only little time in Galle, but the experiences and impressions on the way more than compensated for this. We would also like to thank our driver Akila, who managed to bring us back in time enough with his effort despite the chaotic traffic situation on the way back. We can recommend the tour in good conscience.
The trip was super amazing Our friend who took us from hotel Akila was super nice and friendly The places we visited was very good and it really worth it We went for a very special lunch , boat trip and they were perfect I 1000% recommend it as we really enjoyed



