Day Excursions from South west beach area. (WADDUWA – TANGALLE)
Excursion |
Rate per person in USD (Minimum 2 Pax Travelling Together) |
||
2 – 3 Pax |
4 – 7 Pax |
||
1 |
Dolphin & Whale Watching Tour (Early morning from November to April) |
80 |
70 |
2 |
Galle Tour (1/2 Day) |
35 |
30 |
3 |
Galle Dutch Fort Walk with Expert (1/2 Day) |
45 |
40 |
4 |
Cycle Tour in Galle Dutch Fort (1/2 Day) |
45 |
40 |
5 |
Madu River boat Safari, Turtle Hatchery, Galle Fort, Ambalangoda Masks, Meetiyagoda Moonstone mines (Full Day) |
60 |
50 |
6 |
Handungoda Tea Estate (Virgin Only WHITE Tea Factory in Sri Lanka) - ½ Day |
35 |
30 |
7 |
Singharaja Rain Forest Visit (Full Day) |
80 |
70 |
8 |
Trekking & Bird Watching in Kanneliya Rain Forest (1/2 Day) |
65 |
55 |
9 |
Udawalawe National Park Jeep Safari (Full Day) |
105 |
85 |
10 |
Sea Fishing (3 Hours) |
60 |
50 |
11 |
Cycling in Bentota Country Side (1/2 Day) |
65 |
55 |
12 |
White Water Rafting in Kitulgala |
85 |
70 |
13 |
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage visit & Spice Garden visit (Full Day) |
85 |
70 |
14 |
Kandy Day Tour (Full Day) |
75 |
60 |
15 |
Colombo City Tour & Local Culinary Experience |
80 |
65 |
1. Dolphin & whale watching tour (Early mornings from November to March).
Pick up from the hotel at around 05.00 am leave for Mirissa.
Mirissa is high density point for dolphins and whales. Can spot the Blue Whales, Sperm, bryde, Fin whales commonly in around and Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins as well.
Most of Whales watching boats will be sailing to towards Mirissa get the whale sightings. Guaranteed over 90% of possibility of whale sightings in Mirissa coast within a minimum duration than other locations.
About Boat and Service
“Monohull” boat (Length 42 feet and width 14 Feet) maximum capacity 50 pax. Engine capacity
220 Hp and average speed 10 – 12 nm per hour.
Facilities of the Boat
- Zoologist demonstrations (whales and other cetacean)
- Professional and friendly crew in the boat (Two Life Guards and Skipper).
- Boat captain over 10 years experienced sailors and qualified with all technical skills.
- Adequate life rings and 50 Life jackets in the boat.
- All team members qualified with First aids, fire fighting’s and lifesaving.
- Fire extinguisher
- Toilets, washroom and Kitchen with Cool box facilities
- Video visuals and WI-FI facilities.
- Insurance per person Rs 500.000
Services
- In the morning people welcome with hot tea and coffee with Biscuits
- Action Breakfast on the boat (two omelets, breads)
- Fruits platter with 4 fruit items (Banana, papaya, pineapple and watermelon)
- Unlimited water and chilled water
- At the end Coconut drink or Chilled fruit juice drink
(Dolphin and whale watching charges included within the given rate).
2. Galle City Tour
Pick up from the hotel around 08.30 am, and drive to Galle.
Visit the Galle Fort.
Galle Fort is the finest and most intact fortified city build by the former European colonial powers in Asia. The narrow streets of Galle Fort are lined with Dutch merchant villas, pillared verandas, carved doors and windows. British and Dutch period offices are still in use. This is a living world heritage city with residents walking the 300 year old ramparts at sunset. Strolling along the high rampart walls you will see the Old Dutch and English churches, the Governor's house, the massive VOC warehouses, the Square of Courts, the elegant pillared facade of the Old Dutch hospital, the Portuguese Black Fort, the lighthouse, the Clock Tower and much more.
Afternoon return to your hotel in South west beach.
3. Galle Dutch Fort Walk with Expert
Pick up from the hotel around 08.30 am, and drive to Galle.
Explore Dutch Heritance in Galle Fort and it is 3 hrs walking journey and you will explore historical important places in Galle Fort, amazing clip jumpers in Galle Fort.
Galle Dutch Fort walks Tour handle by a 30 years experienced Galle expert senior guide and has a wealth of knowledge about Galle and Dutch Fort he will share the knowledge with you.
3 hours walk in Dutch fort not just walking tour you will explore nice folktales about Dutch Fort which is not written in history books.
Afternoon return to your hotel in South west beach.
4. Cycle Tour in Galle Dutch Fort
Pick up from the hotel around 08.30 am, and drive to Galle.
Explore the impact made by the Dutch colonial architecture to the Sri Lankan heritage is vigorous; during the era of their governance in specific parts of the island.it is an observable factor to anyone who visits the island. Dutch era in Sri Lankan history lasted for 150 years, where the architectural erections of fortresses, hospitals, churches, residencies are constructed. Fortunately, some of them are still remains as ruins and evidencing to the Dutch era in the island.
The Galle Dutch fort is the best place to experience Dutch Architecture in Sri Lanka.
Afternoon return to your hotel in South west beach.
5. Madu River boat Safari, Turtle Hatchery, Galle Fort
Pick up from the hotel around 07.30 am, and drive to Balapitiya to make boat safari in river Madu.
Balapitiya is where one could just sit back and observe how ecology and culture combines under the sun! Cut through the clear water of Madu River, a lifeline of Balapitiya and head towards Kotu Duwa, the small Island housing a temple that dates back to ancient Sinhalese kings. Or, sail through tunnels of shady mangroves swaying alongside Madu River, hiding an ecological treasure to witness the tranquility of this bio-diversity hot spot which boasts of reptiles, mollusks and over 70 species of fresh water fish. Today the region, which is strong in observing rural folk life in the island does not only boast of cinnamon plantations in abundance, but also has a fine 'fish pedicure center', one of the most potent & latest rejuvenation techniques. Apart from these amenities Balapitiya has also become a household name in the minds of bird watchers ensuring a thrilling offshore experience.
Visit a Sea turtle hatchery.
Sea turtles are an endangered species, and as responsible citizens of this planet, it is our duty to protect them. Albeit the chance of taking part in such act maybe rare in our daily lives, holidaying in the South Coast of Sri Lanka will get you that chance. Kosgoda is a famous destination for various attractions, but in particular, it is famous for turtle hatcheries. Visitors are welcome at these hatcheries as these organizations are committed on raising awareness of the importance of preservation of sea turtles. These organizations collect turtle eggs from beaches, some employing contribution from local communities, and keep the eggs in safety until they are hatched. Even after the eggs are hatched, the baby turtles are kept under safe conditions until they are fit to be released into the nature.
Visit the Galle Fort.
Galle Fort is the finest and most intact fortified city build by the former European colonial powers in Asia. The narrow streets of Galle Fort are lined with Dutch merchant villas, pillared verandas, carved doors and windows. British and Dutch period offices are still in use. This is a living world heritage city with residents walking the 300 year old ramparts at sunset. Strolling along the high rampart walls you will see the Old Dutch and English churches, the Governor's house, the massive VOC warehouses, the Square of Courts, the elegant pillared facade of the Old Dutch hospital, the Portuguese Black Fort, the lighthouse, the Clock Tower and much more.
Evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Madu River Boat charges & Turtle Hatchery entrance included within the given rate).
6. Handungoda Tea Estate (Virgin Only WHITE Tea Factory in Sri Lanka)
Pick up from the hotel around 07.30 am and drive to Handungoda Tea Factory.
Sri Lanka is world-famous for its tea, and rightly so. But few visitors learn about the production of the island's unique virgin white tea. Travellers looking to explore tea estates, understand plantation life or taste a fresh brew, all head for the central highlands. However, Handunugoda Tea Estate is one of a handful of plantations located on the coastal belt, and the only tea estate to produce the specialist virgin white tea.
Completely untouched by hands, the virgin white tea production at Handunugoda follows an ancient, traditional Chinese ritual. Alleged to be the healthiest tea in the world, the drink is packed with antioxidants and makes for a light afternoon refreshment. Visitors making the trip here will be given a guided tour of the plantation, while being walked through the unique production processes. After this, of course, a tasting session is provided, so you can sip, swirl and slurp your way through the finest produce, along with a slice or two of sugary Sri Lankan cake.
Afternoon return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Tea Factory entrance included within the given rate).
7. Singahraja Rain Forest visit
Pick up from the hotel around 06.00 am. Leave for Singahraja.
Trek through the Sinharaja Rain Forest, one of Asia’s best known Rain Forests. The Sinharaja Rain Forest is a biodiversity hotspot and recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Sinharaja Rain Forest being just 21km from east to west and 07km from north to south is relatively small in contrast to other rain forests. However this living heritage with its high diversity of vegetation has made it a favorable sanctuary for various species of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fish, amphibians and plant life; all co-existing within the ecosystem, resulting in over 50% of the country’s endemic species of wildlife being found here.
The vegetation at Sinharaja is that of a tropical wet evergreen forest with large trees that grow to heights of 35m to 40m and even going up to 50m, believed to have unbelievable genetic potential.
The larger mammals are the Elephants (only few seen on the Rakwana side) a few Leopards, Sambar, Fishing Cat, Rusty Spotted Cat, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Jackal and Wild boar and the commonly seen endemic Purple-faced langur and the Toque macaque. The avifauna includes 20 endemic species of the 33 endemic species found in the country. This includes the elusive Red faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie. The reptiles include the endemic Green-pit viper and Hump-nosed viper. The smaller mammals include, Porcupine, Otter, three types of squirrels; Giant, Small striped and Flying, two species of Mongoose- the Badger and Brown, two species of Civets; Ring-tailed and Golden Palm, many species of Bandicoot, Rats, Bats and even the very rare Pangolin.
In order to trek through the dense greenery of Sinharaja and observe all the beauty within it, visitors must start very early and spend the complete day here and sometimes even return the next day to catch a glimpse of what might have been missed.
Later in the evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Singharaja entrance fees & the trekker included within the given rate).
8. Trekking & Bird Watching in Kanneliya Rain Forest
Pick up from the hotel around 06.00 am and drive to Kanneliya Forest.
Kanneliya rain forest reserve in the Galle district, Significance of the Kanneliya rainforest is part of Sinharaja rain forest with rich bio-diversity and largest rain forest reserve in Sri Lanka. Entire trekking trail 8 Km and you can explore endemic snakes, birds and flora during this trail. There are leaches and natural water pool. Kanneliya rain forest located 38 Km away from the Galle Fort and Flora of Kanneliya.
The Kanneliya forest complex shows a degree of floral endemicity, as 17% of lowland endemic floral species are confined to this forest area.Of 319 woody plants recorded in the area, about 52% are endemic. The vegetation of Kanneliya Forest complex represents Sri Lanka lowland rain forests.The floral communities dominated by Shorea-Dipterocarpus-Mesua (Sinhalese "Doona-Hora-Na") are common in emergent layer of the forest.
Numerous medicinal plants are found in these forests. They include Concinium fenestratum (Sinhalese "Weniwelgata"), Salacia reticulata ("Kothala Himbutu"), and Tinospora cordifolia ("Rasakinda").Lycopodium Squarrosum ("Kuda hadaya"), and Lycopodium phlegmaria ("Maha hadaya") are among the rare plants the forest complex harbors.
Fauna of Kanneliya
Some 220 fauna species recorded from the Kanneliya forests and forests around the Kanneliya forest. This includes 41 endemic species. The forest complex is home to 86 species mammals. This includes 4 species of shrews, 5 rodents, one carnivore and 2 primates.Out of 26 endemic birds of Sri Lanka, 20 of them can be seen in Kanneliya forest complex. Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka junglefowl, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, red-faced malkoha, orange-billed babbler, Sri Lanka blue magpie are some of them. 20% of Sri Lanka's endemic freshwater fishes inhabit in the waters of Gin River and Nilwala River, which sourced by the springs of Kanneliya forest. Among the forests' herpetofauna are 36 species of snakes, 17 endemic species belonging to 6 families. A total of 23 species of lizards recorded in these rainforests.
Afternoon return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Kanneliya Forest entrance included within the given rate).
9. Uda Walawe National Park Jeep Safari
Pick up from the hotel 07.00 am, leave for Uda Walawe National Park.
The Uda Walawe national park was designated in 1972 to offer a refuge to migratory elephants, during the time it has also become a sanctuary for many other mammals, including spotted deer, toque monkey, wild pig, grey langur, leopard and sambar, as well as numerous birds. Nearly 100 bird species may be spotted here in a single day. Uda Walawe is particularly rich in raptor species, among them white-bellied sea eagle, changeable hawk eagle and crested serpent eagle. The park is situated around the Uda Walawe Reservoir, a man-made lake (tank) and a variety of terrain (open grassland, teak plantation and jungle) can be found. Make jeep safari at the park.
Make jeep safari at Uda Walawe National Park.
Evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Given rates include entrance fees to Uda Walawe & Jeep for safari charges.)
10. Sea Fishing
Pick up from the hotel, leave for Hikkaduwa.
The best season for fishing in South west beach is from October – April.
You can fish, Barracuda, Seer, Great Travilly and Queen Fish. As you go deeper towards the shelf, Sailfish, Blue or Black Marlene, Tuna, Wahoo and a few more allied species could be spotted.
Morning session - from 6.00 am to 9.00 am
Evening session - from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm
Trolling Fishing Method
Trolling is a method of fishing where one or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish, are drawn through the water. This may be behind a moving boat, or by slowly winding the line when fishing from a static position, or even sweeping the line from side-to-side. Trolling fishing is a highly successful method and best session is in the morning.
Anchor Fishing
Boat is not moving and anchors nearby fishing spot such as Coral Reef or rocky area. There is no specific best time, but in the night more success.
Boat and Condition
The boat is 15 feet long, standard local fisherman's boat and it is a very basic boat. If Trolling we are recommending maximum two people per boat.
Return to your hotel in South west beach.
11. Cycling in Bentota Country Side
Pick up from the hotel 07.00 am, leave for Bentota.
Enjoy cycling tour in the country side. Get away from the busy city and exploring the typical south coast, countryside the exciting experience in your trip in Sri Lanka. Countryside of Sri Lanka cultures, customs, people living style and language is differing province to province. Cycling in Bentota is not just paddling ride, it is a great
experience of Sri Lanka culture and people. You will cycle to Bentota countryside and through paddy fields, en-route visit to the Buddhist temple, fisherman village and other scenic places during the tour. The Total cycling distance would be 30 Km.
Attractions
- Kanda Viharaya Buddhist Temple
- Palm Toddy collection point and Experience local alcohol basic process
- Cinnamon garden
- Paddy fields
- Rubber plantations and nature
- Bentota modern fishing village
Afternoon return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Cycling tour rate includes, Cycles and Cycling Guide, Back up vehicle, First Aids and supporting crew, Refreshments)
12. White Water Rafting in Kitulgala
Pick up from the hotel 07.00 am, leave for Kitulgala.
Situated on the edge of the picturesque Kelani River, Kitulgala is the main white-water rafting location in the island.
Originating in the Adam's Peak area, the river hosts rapids between grades 2 and 3, with the rafting stretch being approximately 6.5 kilometres, and taking between 1 to 2 Hrs to complete. With up to seven rapids to tackle, including the "Killer Fall" and "Rib Cage", rafters are guaranteed a challenge, but are also offered a chance to relax, with small calm stretches allowing a refreshing swim in the river to unwind.
Ideal times are from May to December, although there are no "bad" times. The river is dam controlled, therefore water levels can be low in April, but can also be quite high during the monsoon season.
Evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Given rates include White Water Rafting charges)
13. Pinnaweala Elephant Orphanage visit & Spice Garden visit
Pick up from the hotel 07.00 am, leave for Pinnaweala.
Visit a spice garden to see many different types of spices Sri Lanka is famous for. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. Gardens are open to visitors, a delightful place to stroll in fragrant greenery and learn about nutmeg, pepper vines, clove trees and curry, cinnamon and the precious cardamom, a relative of ginger. It grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand.
Visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela, initiated in 1975 to foster care for the abandoned and orphaned baby elephants. These giant yet gentle creatures wonder around in the sanctuary, being fed and bathed by their foster human parents. Twice a day the herd is led to the river nearby for a two-hour bath. You are welcome to join and interact with them while feasting your eyes on the largest gathering of tame elephants. Baby elephants are bottle fed a special formula milk by their mahout, the caretaker, and if you are curious you can even join in feeding them at the daily feeding times 9.15am & 1.15pm.
Evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Given rates include entrance fees to Pinnaweala Elephant Orphanage)
14. Kandy Day Tour
Pick up from the hotel 07.00 am, leave for Kandy.
At Kandy make a city tour and Visit the Temple of the tooth relic. The delicate hill country breeze will kiss you as you begin your walk up to the Temple of the Tooth joining many more devotees clad in white, eagerly waiting their turn to hail the holy paragon. Legend says that the tooth relic was brought into the Kandy during the Portuguese era, hidden within the hair of Princess Hemamala accompanied by Prince Dantha. Since that day the holy tooth relic has been guarded as one of the most sacred objects of Buddhists in the country. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the upper lake drive.
Afterwards visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden. A trip to Kandy is never complete without a stopover at the botanical garden. It has many endemic, indigenous, exotic and endangered flora grow at this single space converting it to a National Park in Sri Lanka. The botanical garden is never empty! Scholars as well as lovers find Peradeniya to their advantage. A stroll along the university lane as the colorful pink and yellow flowers rain down from the trees above will leave you even more appreciative of Mother Nature.
Evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Given rate include entrance fees to Temple of Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens)
15. Colombo City Tour & Local Culinary experience
Pick up from the hotel 07.00 am, leave for Colombo.
Make the Colombo City tour.
* COLOMBO – is the business and commercial center and the new capital is Sri Jayawardhanapura Kotte, only a few miles away. Colombo was only a small seaport, which came into prominence in the 16th Century with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 and the development of it as a major Harbour took place during the British period. Colombo became the capital of Sri Lanka in 1815 after Kandyan Kingdom was ceded to the British. The remains of the buildings during the period of the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule are found in every area of the city. None of the Portuguese & Dutch fortifications are found today but some of their buildings and churches could be seen in the Fort & Pettah areas. Visit Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the Kayman’s Gate with the Belfry at the original gate to enter the Fort, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhaal dating back to 1749, Davatagaha Mosque are some of the sites to be visited. Also visit the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall), see the replica of Avukana Buddha in front and the Independence Memorial.
Proceed to local house for Indulge in typical Sri Lankan cooking lesson.
Sri Lankan cooking lesson that promise an authentic experience as well as a delicious meal.
Visit the kitchen where a typical Sri Lankan meal is being prepared using the fresh and wholesome products purchased at the market. Get involved in the fun process of cutting, chopping of the veggies, grinding of the herbs, pounding of the spices and scraping of fresh coconut. Watch closely how each dish is prepared using just the right amount of spices and herbs so as to preserve the nutrition and goodness.
Learn some interesting facts and even some secret tips about traditional Sri Lankan cooking. With the mouthwatering aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Evening return to your hotel in South west beach.
(Given rate include culinary experience and the lunch in local house)
Note:
· The above mentioned rate includes all transfers, services of an English speaking driver/guide, entrance fees at mentioned places & any others specified.
· Light clothing is recommended, with a hat for the boat trip. However religious sites will require females to wear tops with sleeves & bottoms to be covered below knee level.
· If any of the sites are closed due to a holiday etc.… or the boat trip cannot be made due to circumstances such as bad weather, we will not hold any responsibility.
Prabath Fernando :
+94 777 825 390
Sayuri Panditharathna :
+94 773 341 711
info@ceylonleisureholidays.com
215/3, Balagala, Anhandiya, Mawathagama, Sri Lanka