Things to do in Galle

Madampe Ganga boat safari and Galle city tour with lunch

Galle, the jewel of Sri Lanka, is an intoxicating blend of cultures and architectural styles. As our guide Dinesh puts it, ‘In common with its eclectic building styles, Galle Fort is home to many nationalities and faiths. Still today, there's a melting pot of cultures within the ramparts, reflecting its historic role as a place of trade and transit.' As well as exploring old Galle, you will spot wildlife on a River Madampe boat ride and visit a moonstone mine.Our journey begins at Balapitiya with a boat ride on the River Madampe to see the biodiversity of the surrounding wetlands, which are home to almost 20 species of birds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, too. With luck, you should be able to spot a range of species during a river safari that'll also take you through mangrove forests. The Madampe is dotted with 64 islets, and island hopping is part of the tour. Next up, it's the Ambalangoda moonstone mine, where you'll learn first-hand the process of mining from the locals.After the museum visit, we'll head to historic Galle. It will enchant you with its layered heritage, quaint streets and hives of artistic activity. Check out the old Dutch church and the beautiful white mosque at the ramparts by the sea. Oh, and the beaches aren't bad, either. Lunch will be in Galle, before a final stop at a turtle hatchery. These turtle hatcheries are crucial for the conservation of these endangered creatures, providing a safe haven for eggs to hatch and young turtles to grow strong.

Kandy day tour by train

A train ride through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka is one of the most scintillating ways to discover the country. You'll trundle through the verdant hills to discover the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, as well as a few other green delights on this full day tour.A scenic train ride through the Central Highlands sets the tone for a great day of exploration. Watch the rolling hills, tea plantations and lush wilderness pass as you make tracks towards Kandy. Once you're there, it's off to the Temple of the Tooth Relic – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's Sri Lanka's most sacred temple, and the complex also includes a royal palace.And you can also look forward to visits to a botanical garden, a tea plantation and factory in Giragama, and a spice garden in Mawanella. What's more, lunch is included.

Udawalawe Park safari, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla three-day tour

Immerse yourself on a three-day journey exploring some of the very best Sri Lankan cities and attractions. You'll set off on a wildlife safari at Udawalawe National Park, hike to Ella's Rock, tour the cultural hub of Kandy and climb the steps of Sigiriya's Lion Rock. All of that, combined with a few more surprises, and you've got yourself a trip you're likely to never forget.It all starts at Udawalawe National Park. With your cameras at the ready, you'll get going on a wildlife safari – the park is home to herds of elephants, leopards and much more. You'll stop by the Elephant Transit Home to watch the baby elephants being fed, too. Day one's afternoon is spent in the little town of Ella, where you can hike to see Little Adam's Peak and Ella's Rock.Day two starts early with a train ride into Nuwara Eliya and after a city tour, Kandy. Here, you'll enjoy a guided walk, stopping by the famed Tooth Relic temple, and end the day with a cultural show. Your final day concludes with a visit to a spice garden and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple. All meals are covered, as well as accommodation in either single or shared rooms.

Kandy day tour with temple of the Tooth Relic visit

Cultural hotspot Kandy, the last capital of a pre-colonial Sri Lankan kingdom, is a must-visit. As well as touring the city, you'll also visit a spice garden, a tea plantation and botanical gardens. Aashvi, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kandy's most famous and magnificent temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, one of the most revered artifacts in Buddhism. The temple complex is a tranquil contrast to the city itself, which is a hive of activity with tree-lined streets crammed with hawkers, tuk-tuks, and vintage buses.'It's almost non-stop action on this cultural tour. As you weave through the central highlands, you'll stop at a fragrant spice garden in Mawanella and a tea plantation and factory – for a proper cuppa of Ceylon tea – in Giragama. The sight of undulating hills covered in row after row of tea plants is one of the most emblematic images of Sri Lanka. Aashvi adds, ‘Tea is the world's favourite drink if you discount water, with the highest consumption of any beverage. Good quality tea like that found in Sri Lanka contains a high level of polyphenol, which is a health-promoting antioxidant.'As part of your city tour of Kandy, you'll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to Buddha's tooth – and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which are home to more than 4,000 species of plants. To make the day extra special, a traditional lunch is included.

Udawalawe National Park safari, Ella and Nuwara Eliya two-day tour

This adventure-filled two-day tour starts with an unforgettable wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. You'll discover a huge variety of bird species as well as elephants, water buffaloes, and potentially leopards in this natural sanctuary. After the safari, watch baby elephants bathing and feeding at the Elephant Transit Home.Next, you'll head for the hill town of Ella, surrounded by an emerald landscape of tea plantations amid rolling hills, and mesmerizing waterfalls. Hike to Ella Rock for panoramic views of the tea estates, then explore attractions like Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge.Day two begins with a glorious train ride from Ella to Nanuoya, through hill country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.

Madampe Ganga boat safari

In a country as bursting with wildlife as Sri Lanka, it would take something special to stand out from the crowd – but the River Madampe estuary does just that. Take an afternoon glide through the mangrove caves and across the sparkling river as the sun starts to set. This protected area is recognized by the Ramsar Convention of Wetlands and is home to over 17 species of birds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians.As you drift through mangrove tunnels and under rickety, wooden bridges, keep an eye out for wildlife – it's prime nature-spotting territory. Monkeys tuck into fruit while perched on overhanging branches, and lizards skim through the water. Enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea on one of the islands – you'll visit ones exclusive to Musement – and mingle with locals.Finally, you'll head to a turtle hatchery where you'll get to meet some rescued hatchlings, saved from the sea. These turtle hatcheries are crucial for the conservation of these endangered creatures, providing a safe haven for eggs to hatch and young turtles to grow strong before being released back into the ocean.

Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla two-day tour

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 48 hours. As calling cards go, few can beat this history-drenched two-day tour of Kandy, Sigiriya and Dambulla in central Sri Lanka. You'll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Rock Temple and the ‘Lion Rock'. Half-board overnight accommodation and lunches included.

Mirissa Whale Watching Tour

Between November and April, the seas off Mirissa are absolutely brimming with whales and dolphins – and this cruise offers you the chance to see them basking and cavorting in the Indian Ocean. As well as dolphins, blue, killer and sperm whales can be spotted off southern Sri Lanka. You'll also enjoy some free time on Unawatuna beach.You'll head out on a trip to catch a glimpse of these huge creatures, known to take residence off southern Sri Lanka at this time of year. Keep an eye out for any spurts of water in the distance – a sign that one of the whales is near. And you can hear them a mile off, as their songs can reach almost 200 decibels – that's louder than a jumbo jet.On the way back to port, you might encounter pods of dolphins racing with the boat. Back on dry land, lunch will be served, and after there's time to chill out on Unawatuna beach – kick back and relax or go for a dip.

Sri Lankan Farm and Spice Traditions Tour with Tuk Tuk ride

The Agro Park Millaniya is a great spot to enjoy the true hospitality of rural Sri Lanka while absorbing the sights and sounds of a typical village. As well as exploring this award-winning integrated farm, you'll also visit a Buddhist temple and go on a countryside tuk-tuk ride. As our expert local guide, Kasun says, ‘It's fun and interesting to learn so much about Sri Lanka's traditional agriculture and gastronomy in one location. I am always proud to watch guests discover and taste different local products. The little savoury snacks are a personal favourite.'On your way to the village, take time out to gather your thoughts in a historic Buddhist temple while admiring its artworks, rock carvings and other religious artefacts. Next, hop into a tuk-tuk for a rip-roaring ride through paddy fields and tropical countryside. Then, observe the local cinnamon-making process. You'll also visit Sri Lanka's largest banana gene bank, have a look around a pineapple plantation, and experience toddy tapping.There will be a chance to sample Kasun's favourite traditional snacks and you'll also get to see how coconut oil is produced. And it wouldn't be a proper Sri Lankan countryside experience without some tea picking. To round it all off, feast on a traditional curry and rice lunch, made extra special because many of the ingredients are grown on the farm itself. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions and immerse yourself in the rural culture of Sri Lanka – a great day out.

Cultural Dining Experience with a Local Family in Galle

Join a local family for a cultural food adventure. Engage in meal preparation or simply observe and relish the experience.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve hike with a local guide

It says a lot that in a country with such a rich variety of flora and fauna, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. That's because as the island's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, it is home to almost two-thirds of its endemic trees.

Kandy and Nuwara Eliya two-day tour with train ride

Double up on Sri Lankan jewels on this two-day adventure. You'll spend a jam-packed day sightseeing around Kandy, visit a tea and spice plantation, enjoy a scenic train ride through the Central Highlands and end with a look around the town of Nuwara Eliya. What's more, transport and all meals are included, as well as overnight accommodation in either single or shared rooms.Day one is dedicated to what's best known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. After visits to a spice garden, tea factory and the Royal Botanical Gardens, you'll venture into the city for a guided tour and some time for shopping. Among the sights you'll see is the Tooth Relic temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to a relic of Buddha's tooth. You'll end the day with a show and the evening at your disposal.Day two begins with a train ride to Nanuoya, through rolling hill and country scenery. Continue to the photogenic town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England.' Here, you'll find cooler weather and British colonial architecture, and you can spend time admiring long views over waterfalls and distant valleys.