A day at Galle Fort & Unawatuna Beach
Spend a day touring the atmospheric Galle Fort, a UNESCO heritage site, and then relax at the alluring Unawatuna Beach
The Galle Fort, or Dutch Fort as it is also known, is a fortification first built by the Portugese on the Southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The initial fortifications, which were built in the late 16th century, were quite basic. However the fort underwent extensive modifications in the 17th century by the Dutch, making it one of the most important archeological, architectural and historic monuments to illutrate the European influence in South East Asia between the 16th and 19th centuries. According to a statement by UNESCO the site was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criteterion number four for such recognition.
Unawatuna is located 140 km south of Colombo along the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka, 5km south of the seaport of Galle. Unawatuna beach is a picturesque semi circular bay beach that stretches no more than one kilometer. As the numerous other fine beaches in the south western and southern coast line of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna too is fringed by lush groves of coconut palm trees. However it has a rare geographical occurrence: on either end of the bay you can see headlands.
And on the headland to the northwest makes an exceptionally scenic and rare spectacle; a gleaming white great globe of a dagoba.
Tour Highlights
- Hikkaduwa Corals Sanctuary
- Stilt fisherman
- Moonstone mines
- Galle Fort
- Visit Peace Pagoda(Japan Temple)
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Price Includes
- Transport by Air-conditioned private vehicle
- Service of an English speaking chauffeur
- Current applicable all government taxes & service charge
Price Excludes
- Optional activity cost and Entrance fees
- Guide Service Fee
- Tips & Gratuities
- Any Private Expenses
Complementaries
- Umbrella
- Free Wi-Fi in car*
- Mineral water bottle*
Passenger Insurance for transportation*
You will be picked up from your hotel in Colombo and Leave for Galle en route stopping at the Hikkaduwa.Then Continue to Galle and gaze at the Stilt fisherman hauling their catch in the middle of the clear blue water.Next you will be going Moonstone mines. Pick up a blue moonstone anywhere in the world, and the chances are that this beautiful gemstone would have come from a small village in southwest Sri Lanka – Meetiyagoda – where it is mined in a few primitive waterlogged pits, by hand, as it has been since 1906. Arrive in Galle the forth-biggest town in the island, which is situated 116km to the south of Colombo. One of the most pleasant sites you can see in Galle is the 36 hectare Fort build by the Dutch in 1663, which is now a world heritage site. Within the fort you can see the National Maritime Museum, Amangalla hotel, which became a hotel in 1863 after being built in 1684 to house the Dutch Governor and officers. The Groote Kerk (Great Church), originally built in 1640 but the present Church dates from 1752 – 1755. The floor is paved with Gravestones from the Old Dutch Cemetery, The Bell Tower which was made in 1701 and the old Dutch Government House now used as offices by the Walker & Sons, to name a few interesting places.In the afternoon, go to the Unawatuna Beach, a secluded beach near Galle perfect for swimming. Relax on the golden sand.
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I am Ruchitha, Freelance Chauffeur guide in Srilanka with over many years experience in tourisam and hospitality in srilanka.We offer a personalized tour for individuals, families, companies and anyone who would require of my services.
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