From Kalutara: Handungoda, Galle, and Kosgoda

Set out on a captivating full-day tour that explores the stunning locations of Handunugoda, Galle, and Kosgoda. Starting from Kalutara, this enriching journey combines cultural heritage with environmental awareness, creating unforgettable memories. Discover the unique production of virgin white tea at Handunugoda Tea Estate, followed by a scenic photo stop in Ahangama. Explore the colonial history of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle Fort, and learn about turtle conservation efforts at the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research Centre. With cultural and educational experiences, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening day for travelers.

Key Points

• The tour includes visits to Handunugoda Tea Estate, Galle Fort, and Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Centre from Kalutara.
• Visitors can learn about the production of premium virgin white tea, explore the colonial history of Galle Fort, and interact with baby turtles.
• The tour duration is 10 hours and includes roundtrip transportation, guided tours, and admission tickets to the attractions.
• The tour is priced at LKR 2,383 per person and has a 24-hour free cancellation policy.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users, and customers should assess their mobility needs before booking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

From Kalutara, this full-day tour offers an immersive cultural and educational experience, priced at LKR 2,383 per person.

With a duration of 10 hours, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, without an upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver/guide, bottled water, all taxes and service charges, as well as entrance fees. However, food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses are excluded.

This comprehensive package allows visitors to explore a tea factory by the sea, meet local stilt fishermen, and get close to baby turtles, all while learning about the region’s history and traditions.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour kicks off with a pickup from Kalutara, followed by a guided tour of the Handunugoda Tea Estate, where visitors can explore the history and production of virgin white tea.

After a 30-minute photo stop in Ahangama, the group explores the iconic Galle Fort, uncovering its colonial past.

The itinerary also includes:

1. A visit to the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Centre, where guests can get up close with baby turtles.

2. A chance to observe the unique technique of stilt fishing in Ahangama.

3. Exploring the Galle Lighthouse and National Maritime Museum within the Galle Fort.

4. Discovering the five different turtle species at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.

Cultural and Educational Experiences

Visitors can learn about the history and production of virgin white tea during the guided tour at the Handunugoda Tea Factory. They’ll discover the fascinating process of harvesting and processing this rare and delicate tea, which is prized for its unique flavor and health benefits.

In Ahangama, guests can observe the local stilt fishermen and learn about their traditional fishing techniques that have been passed down for generations.

At Galle Fort, the guided tour provides insights into the colonial history, architecture, and maritime significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking driver/guide, bottled water, and all taxes and service charges.

Entrance fees to the various sites are also covered. However, it excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses.

The tour offers the following inclusions:

1. Roundtrip transportation from Kalutara to the tea estate, Ahangama, Galle Fort, and the turtle research center.

2. Guided tours at the Handunugoda Tea Estate, Galle Fort, and the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Centre.

3. Admission tickets to all the featured attractions.

4. The services of an experienced, English-speaking driver/guide throughout the day.

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Accessibility and Customer Feedback

This tour may not accommodate all accessibility needs, as it’s unsuitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users.

However, a single positive customer review highlights the satisfaction of a previous participant, who described the tour guide Christopher as ‘great‘ and the overall experience as ‘fantastic‘.

Based on the 5/5 rating, the tour appears to have met the expectations of this guest.

While the accessibility options are limited, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a well-organized and enjoyable excursion for those who are able to participate.

Potential customers should consider their individual needs and mobility when booking this tour to ensure it aligns with their capabilities and interests.

Tea Estate and Handunugoda

One of the highlights of the tour is a guided visit to the Handunugoda Tea Estate, where participants can explore the history and production of virgin white tea. The estate is nestled along the southern coast, providing a picturesque setting for the tour.

Visitors will:

1. Learn about the unique processing methods used to create the estate’s signature virgin white tea.

2. Observe the intricate tea leaf plucking and withering techniques.

3. Tour the tea factory and witness the various stages of production.

4. Gain an appreciation for the care and attention to detail that goes into crafting the premium white tea.

This immersive experience offers a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage and the dedication of the Handunugoda team.

Galle Fort and Turtle Centre

After exploring the tea estate, the tour takes visitors to the historic Galle Fort, where they’ll embark on a guided tour to uncover the colonial remnants of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit the iconic Galle Lighthouse and the National Maritime Museum, gaining deeper insights into Sri Lanka’s maritime history.

The next stop is the Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Centre. Here, visitors can get up close with baby turtles and learn about the efforts to protect five different turtle species found in the region.

The tour provides a unique combination of cultural exploration and environmental conservation, offering a well-rounded experience for travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point in Kalutara?

Travelers can be picked up from their hotel or accommodation in Kalutara. The driver/guide will provide transportation to the tour’s departure point in Kalutara. Customers should confirm the exact pickup location with the tour operator prior to the tour.

Can I Request a Vegetarian/Halal Meal During the Tour?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal meal during the tour. The tour provider is happy to accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Simply inform the booking agent of your preference when making the reservation.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

There is no minimum number of participants required for this tour. The tour can operate with a single participant. The tour pricing is per person, so the total cost will depend on the number of people in the group.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour or Add Extra Stops?

Yes, guests can typically extend the duration of the tour or add extra stops. However, this may incur additional fees and require prior coordination with the tour operator. It’s best to discuss any customizations directly with the tour provider.

Are Any Discounts or Packages Available for Solo Travelers or Groups?

Yes, there are discounts available for solo travelers and groups. Solo travelers can receive a 5% discount, while groups of 4 or more can get a 10% discount. Packages combining multiple tours may also offer additional savings.

Recap

Exploring the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of Kalutara, this captivating full-day tour offers a unique blend of experiences.

From witnessing the production of virgin white tea at Handunugoda to delving into the colonial history of Galle Fort and learning about turtle conservation efforts, this journey promises an enriching and unforgettable adventure for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here: