From Colombo: Galle Guided Tour With Herbal Massage

Escape the bustling city of Colombo and embark on a captivating journey to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. This guided tour offers a seamless blend of cultural exploration, scenic delights, and rejuvenating relaxation. Wander through the fort’s historic streets, browse local markets, and learn about the rich heritage of this coastal gem. Venture into lush spice gardens, cruise along the serene Madu Ganga, and indulge in a soothing herbal massage, all while gaining invaluable insights from your knowledgeable guide. This small-group experience promises to leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the enchanting charm of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Good To Know

• Guided tour from Colombo to Galle, including exploration of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and a boat cruise on Madu Ganga to spot wildlife.
• Opportunity to visit local tea plantations, spice gardens, and learn about traditional mask-making and moonstone mining.
• Relaxing herbal massage experience using locally-sourced medicinal plants, providing rejuvenation and wellness.
• Flexible tour options with free cancellation and reserve now, pay later.
• Comfortable transportation, guided activities, and inclusion of lunch and all entrance fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided tour offers an immersive journey through Galle and the scenic south/west coasts of Sri Lanka.

Priced from $145.00 per person, this 8-hour small-group experience is limited to just 10 participants.

Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, marvel at the European and South Asian architecture, and discover local spice gardens and moonstone mines.

Cruise along the Madu Ganga waterways, spot wildlife, and stroll the famous Hikkaduwa beach.

Relax with a traditional herbal massage before returning to your starting point.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a flexible and hassle-free way to experience the best of Sri Lanka’s southern region.

Itinerary Highlights

The guided tour begins with pickup from the Western Province, followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the coastal town of Bentota.

There, travelers will enjoy:

• A guided tour and time for shopping in the local tea plantations and spice gardens.
• A 2-hour boat cruise along the serene Madu Ganga, offering the chance to spot wildlife like crocodiles and birds.
• A visit to the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a guided exploration of its European and South Asian architecture.
• An optional stop in Hikkaduwa, known for its stunning beach and coral sanctuary.

After the tour, the group returns to the Western Province.

Cultural and Scenic Exploration

As visitors explore the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, they’ll be immersed in a rich tapestry of European and South Asian architecture dating back to the 16th through 19th centuries.

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

Guests can discover the art of moonstone mining and visit the Ariyapala Masks Museum, showcasing the island’s vibrant mask-making tradition.

The experience concludes with a leisurely stroll along the beautiful Hikkaduwa beach, known for its coral sanctuary and marine turtles.

Relaxation and Wellness

Theres some good a soothing, traditional herbal massage from a local therapist, melting away any lingering tension.

The calming environment of the herbal garden provides a serene backdrop for this wellness experience.

Participants can:

• Inhale the earthy, fragrant aromas of the medicinal plants
• Feel their muscles unwind as the skilled hands of the massage therapist work their magic
• Drift into a state of deep relaxation, leaving them rejuvenated and refreshed
• Emerge from the massage session feeling balanced and centered, ready to continue their cultural exploration.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pickup and Transportation

From the Western Province, guests are picked up and embark on the 1.5-hour drive to Bentota. The comfortable car journey provides a scenic introduction to the lush landscapes of the southern coast. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the region’s history and culture.

Transportation	Duration	Amenities
Private car	1.5 hours	Air-conditioning, bottled water
Boat	2 hours	Life jackets, shaded seating
Walking	1.5 hours	Guided tour

Guests can relax and take in the passing views, preparing for the day’s adventures ahead in the charming coastal town of Bentota.

Guided Tours and Activities

Upon arrival in Bentota, the guided tour begins with a visit to a traditional spice and herb garden. Guests explore the diverse array of fragrant spices and herbs, learning about their use in Sri Lankan cuisine and traditional medicine.

The tour then continues with:

• A guided boat cruise along the serene Madu Ganga, where wildlife such as crocodiles, birds, and mangroves can be observed in their natural habitat.

• A walking tour of the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing a blend of European and South Asian architectural styles.

• An optional visit to Hikkaduwa, known for its beautiful beach and coral sanctuary, where guests can stroll along the shoreline.

• A relaxing herbal massage, an authentic wellness experience that complements the cultural exploration.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes a driver/tour guide, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, lunch, a herbal massage, all entrance fees, and bottled water. While the tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments. Participants should remember to bring their passports.

Included	Not Included
Driver/Tour Guide	Mobility Impairments
Hotel/Port Pickup & Drop-off	Passport
Lunch
Herbal Massage

This carefully curated tour ensures a seamless and immersive exploration of Galle’s cultural and scenic wonders, complemented by rejuvenating wellness experiences.

About the Destination

Galle, a captivating coastal city in Sri Lanka, seamlessly blends historical grandeur and natural beauty.

Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a well-preserved 17th-century citadel showcasing Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial influences.

Nearby, the Madu Ganga River winds through a lush mangrove forest, offering opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including endemic birds and aquatic creatures.

The region’s renowned moonstone mines and traditional mask-making workshops provide glimpses into the island’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Turtles can often be seen nesting along the pristine shores of Hikkaduwa, a coastal haven known for its thriving coral sanctuary.

• UNESCO-listed Galle Fort
• Madu Ganga River and mangrove forests
• Moonstone mines and mask-making workshops
• Hikkaduwa’s turtle-friendly beaches

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a small group size limited to 10 participants, providing a more intimate and personalized experience as you explore the cultural and scenic wonders of Galle and the south/west coasts of Sri Lanka.

How Many Languages Does the Tour Guide Speak?

The tour guide speaks multiple languages, allowing them to effectively communicate with all participants. This ensures a seamless, engaging experience as they share the cultural and historical insights of the guided tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Participants can choose to visit additional sites or adjust the itinerary based on their interests. The tour provider is flexible in accommodating personalized requests.

Is There an Option for a Private or Semi-Private Tour?

Yes, there’s an option for a private or semi-private tour. Travelers can personalize the itinerary and enjoy a more intimate experience with a smaller group or exclusive access. This allows for greater flexibility and customization to individual preferences.

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted for the Tour?

The tour payment options include credit/debit cards and cash. Travelers can reserve the tour now and pay later, providing more flexibility. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating journey from Colombo to Galle, where you’ll discover the UNESCO-listed fort, lush spice gardens, and the serene Madu Ganga river. Enjoy the area’s rich culture and wildlife, then unwind with a rejuvenating herbal massage, creating a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. This guided tour offers an enriching experience that showcases the best of Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

You can check availability for your dates here: