From Colombo: Galle Guided Tour With Herbal Massage

Escape the bustling streets of Colombo and embark on an enchanting journey to the historic Galle Fort. This guided tour promises a captivating blend of culture and rejuvenation. Kick off your day with a scenic drive to Bentota, where you’ll savor the aromas of a traditional tea tasting. Then, explore the UNESCO-protected Galle Fort, uncovering its rich heritage. But the highlight? An indulgent herbal massage using time-honored Sri Lankan techniques, leaving you refreshed and renewed. With opportunities to spot wildlife and browse local shops, this immersive experience offers an unforgettable taste of Sri Lanka’s charms.

Key Points

• This 8-hour guided tour from Colombo takes visitors to the historical Galle Fort and includes a relaxing herbal massage.
• The tour features cultural attractions like a spice garden, tea tasting, and a boat cruise on the Madu River.
• Participants can explore natural wonders like the Hikkaduwa beach and a sea turtle conservation program.
• The tour is priced from $145 per person and includes transportation, lunch, and entrance fees.
• The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and a convenient ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Itinerary Highlights

The Galle Guided Tour begins with a pickup from the Western Province, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to Bentota.

Here, you will enjoy a tea tasting and guided tour, as well as have the opportunity to shop for local goods.

After Bentota, the tour heads to the Madu Ganga, where guests will embark on a 2-hour boat cruise to view the local wildlife.

The next stop is the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, where the group will take a guided tour and explore the site’s European architecture and South Asian traditions.

Guests can also opt to visit Hikkaduwa for an additional 1.5 hours.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

Galle Fort, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, showcases European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to 19th century, which visitors can explore during the guided tour.

The tour also includes a visit to a traditional spice and herb garden, where participants can learn about the spices used in Sri Lankan cuisine and their cultivation.

Plus, guests have the opportunity to experience a relaxing herbal massage from a local therapist.

The cultural and natural attractions don’t end there, as the tour also includes a visit to a local sea turtle conservation program, where visitors can meet five species of these magnificent creatures.

Ecological and Recreational Activities

Strolling along the beautiful sandy beaches of Hikkaduwa, visitors can discover the area’s renowned coral sanctuary and marine wildlife.

The tour also includes a cruise along the Madu River, a designated Ramsar Wetland featuring 23 islands and significant ecological importance.

As guests glide through the river’s tranquil waters, they’ll have the opportunity to observe a diverse array of flora and fauna, including mangrove forests, waterbirds, and potentially even endemic species like the Sri Lankan fishing cat.

This immersion in nature provides a serene and rejuvenating experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the region’s remarkable ecological treasures firsthand.

Tour Pricing and Duration

The Galle guided tour starts from Colombo and is priced from $145.00 per person, with a duration of 8 hours. It’s a small group tour limited to 10 participants, and offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers also have the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes:

1. Pickup from Western Province, about a 1.5-hour car ride.

2. A guided tour and time for shopping in Bentota, followed by a 2-hour boat cruise on the Madu Ganga.

3. A 1.5-hour visit and guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, with an optional visit to Hikkaduwa.

The tour provides an engaging and immersive experience, showcasing the cultural and natural wonders of the region.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Western Province, which is about a 1.5-hour car ride from Colombo. This makes it convenient for travelers staying in the capital city to join the day trip.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel or a designated meeting point in the Western Province area, then transport you to the various stops throughout the day.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off back at your original pickup location, making for an efficient and hassle-free experience.

This pickup and drop-off service allows you to focus on the cultural and natural highlights of the Galle region without the worry of navigation or transportation logistics.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This guided tour includes a driver/tour guide, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, lunch, a herbal massage, entrance fees, and bottled water. However, it excludes any additional food and drinks beyond what’s provided.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there’s a significant amount of walking involved.

2. Bring sun protection, as you’ll be spending time outdoors exploring the sights.

3. Have some local currency on hand for any personal purchases or tips you may want to give.

Herbal Massage Experience

Visitors enjoy a relaxing herbal massage from a skilled local therapist as part of the guided tour experience. The massage uses traditional Sri Lankan techniques and locally-sourced aromatic oils, herbs, and spices.

Therapists tailor the treatment to each guest’s needs, focusing on relieving muscle tension and promoting overall well-being. The soothing massage complements the tour’s exploration of Galle’s historic sites and natural wonders, leaving participants feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

This unique addition to the itinerary allows travelers to enjoy Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage while indulging in a rejuvenating spa experience. The herbal massage is an integral part of this comprehensive Galle tour, providing a memorable and restorative experience.

Cancellation and Payment Options

Travelers can easily cancel their Galle guided tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, a convenient ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is available, allowing guests to secure their spot without an immediate payment.

The tour offers the following flexible cancellation and payment policies:

1. Free cancellation: Participants can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, providing flexibility in case of unexpected changes in travel plans.

2. Reserve now, pay later: Interested travelers can reserve their spot on the tour without the need to make an immediate payment, making it easier to plan and budget for the experience.

3. Online booking: The tour can be conveniently booked online, allowing travelers to secure their spot with just a few clicks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to the traveler’s preferences. Many tour operators allow for modifications to the included activities, duration, and focus to meet individual needs and interests.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is typically no strict dress code for tours, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of respect for local customs. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended for warm weather conditions.

What Is the Language of the Tour Guide?

The tour guide on this excursion is likely to speak English, as it is a service aimed at international travelers. The guide will provide commentary and explanations in English throughout the tour’s various activities and visits.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour typically includes lunch, participants are generally not permitted to bring their own food or drinks. Any additional items beyond what is provided would need to be purchased separately during the tour.

Are There Any Additional Costs During the Tour?

The tour package generally includes most expenses, but there may be additional costs for any extra food, drinks, or optional activities chosen during the tour. Travelers should check with the tour operator about any potential additional costs.

Recap

The Galle Guided Tour from Colombo offers an immersive cultural experience.

Visitors can explore the historic Galle Fort, enjoy a tea tasting, and indulge in a soothing herbal massage.

With opportunities for wildlife observation and local shopping, this tour promises an unforgettable journey blending cultural exploration and relaxation.

It’s an ideal way to discover the enchanting charm of Galle.

You can check if your dates are available here: